Question 1

Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Basement finishing requires a building permit in all Salt Lake Valley municipalities. The permit covers framing, electrical, plumbing, and egress compliance. We pull all permits, schedule rough-in and final inspections, and ensure the finished space meets current Utah code. Finishing a basement without permits creates problems at resale and can result in required demolition if discovered during a home sale inspection.

Question 2

What is an egress window and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Utah code requires a compliant egress window in every bedroom in a finished basement. An egress window must provide a minimum 5.7 sq ft of clear opening (at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide) for emergency escape. Many older Utah basements have hopper or slider windows that are too small to meet this requirement. We check egress compliance on every basement project before design is finalized. If new egress windows are needed, we cut the foundation, install the window well, and frame the opening under permit.

Question 3

How long does basement finishing take?

Accepted Answer

A full basement finishing project typically runs 10–16 weeks from permit submission through final walkthrough. The permit approval process (2–4 weeks in most Salt Lake County cities) and specialty material lead times are the main schedule drivers. Once permits are approved and materials are ordered, the construction phase runs 6–10 weeks for most projects. We'll give you a project-specific schedule with your proposal.

Question 4

Do you handle the electrical and plumbing or do we hire those separately?

Accepted Answer

We handle everything under one contract. Our licensed electrician and licensed plumber are part of our project team — we coordinate them, schedule their work within the project timeline, and they're covered by our project permit. You don't hire separate trades or manage the coordination. This is the core advantage of working with a licensed GC versus hiring individual contractors.

Question 5

Does finishing a basement add value in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Yes — finishing a basement in the Salt Lake Valley typically adds 50–70% of the project cost to appraised home value, making it one of the highest-ROI home improvements available. The value is higher in markets like Draper, Sandy, and Park City where finished square footage commands premium per-square-foot prices. The finished space also needs to be legally classified — which requires permitted egress windows, smoke/CO detectors, and a final inspection — to count in an appraisal or MLS listing.

Question 6

When can I use my bathroom after a remodel?

Accepted Answer

Most areas of your remodeled bathroom are ready for immediate use. Two short-term precautions: if caulking or grout was recently installed, wait 24–48 hours before heavy moisture exposure (showers, baths) to allow full cure. Do not hang heavy items on newly installed towel bars or accessories immediately after installation — give the anchors and adhesives time to fully set. Beyond these first 48 hours, the bathroom is ready for normal use. Paint and finish surfaces reach full hardness and washability within 7–14 days — during this period, use a soft cloth for any cleaning rather than abrasive sponges.

Question 7

How do I prevent mold in a remodeled bathroom?

Accepted Answer

The primary defense against mold in a bathroom is ventilation. Run the exhaust fan during every shower and for at least 15–30 minutes afterward to remove moisture-laden air before it condenses on surfaces. Keep the exhaust fan grille clean — a clogged grille significantly reduces airflow. If you don't have a timer on the fan, adding one (available at any hardware store) ensures it runs long enough after you leave the bathroom. Secondary: maintain caulking around the tub, shower, sink, and backsplash. Failed or cracked caulking allows water intrusion behind tile surfaces — the hidden moisture is where mold grows. Inspect caulk annually and replace any cracked or separated sections promptly. Keep tile and grout surfaces dry between uses where possible.

Question 8

How do I clean and maintain bathroom tile and grout?

Accepted Answer

Use mild, non-abrasive tile cleaners — avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, citrus-based products) on natural stone tile, as acid etches stone surfaces. For porcelain and ceramic tile, a simple diluted dish soap solution is effective for routine cleaning. Grout: clean with a soft brush and mild cleaner. Grout is porous and can stain — sealed grout (which we apply at installation on floor grout) resists staining but should be re-sealed every 1–3 years depending on use and wear. If grout becomes consistently darker or discolored in one area despite cleaning, moisture intrusion may be the cause — this warrants a closer look at the caulking or waterproofing in that area. Never use a pressure washer on interior tile.

Question 9

How do I maintain the caulking in my remodeled bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Caulking is the sacrificial seal between hard surfaces — between the tub and tile wall, between the tile floor and tub base, around the sink and backsplash perimeter. It is designed to flex with normal building movement and to be replaced when it fails. Inspect caulk joints annually: look for cracking, separation from the surface, or discoloration (black or pink tinting indicates mold growth). Replace failed caulking promptly — water intrusion behind tile surfaces is invisible until it becomes a significant problem. To re-caulk: remove all old caulk completely using a caulk removal tool, clean and dry the joint thoroughly, apply new 100% silicone caulk (not acrylic-latex for wet areas), tool smooth, and allow 24 hours cure before water exposure.

Question 10

How long before I can use my deck after it is built?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) is ready for normal foot traffic immediately after construction is complete. For the first 72 hours, avoid placing heavy concentrated loads — large planters, grills, or heavy furniture sitting in one spot — to allow fasteners and framing to fully set. After 72 hours, the deck is ready for full normal use including furniture, grills, and regular entertaining.

Question 11

Does a composite deck need to be sealed, stained, or painted?

Accepted Answer

No. Composite decking does not require sealing, staining, or painting — ever. This is one of the primary advantages over natural wood. Trex and similar premium composite decking products are UV-stabilized and moisture-resistant from manufacture. Applying a sealer or stain to composite decking is not recommended and can void the manufacturer warranty. Annual cleaning and an annual inspection of fasteners, railings, and stairs is all the maintenance a composite deck requires.

Question 12

How do I remove snow from a composite deck without damaging it?

Accepted Answer

Use a plastic shovel — never a metal-edged shovel — and push snow in the direction of the decking boards rather than across them. This prevents the shovel edge from catching on board ends or surface textures. Avoid using metal ice chippers or sharp tools on composite decking. For ice removal, allow it to melt naturally when possible, or use a calcium chloride or magnesium chloride ice melt product. Avoid rock salt (sodium chloride) — it can accelerate corrosion on metal fasteners and connectors over time. Do not use sand mixed with salt.

Question 13

How do I clean and maintain a composite deck?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking is low maintenance. Routine care: sweep leaves and debris regularly (accumulated organic matter in board gaps can hold moisture and cause staining). Rinse with a garden hose as needed. For deeper cleaning once or twice a year, use a composite deck cleaner — products like Trex Cleaner or similar purpose-made cleaners work well. Avoid pressure washers on high settings; if you use one, keep it on a fan setting and work in the direction of the boards. Remove any stains from grease or food promptly. Never use bleach, oil-based cleaners, or abrasive scrub pads on composite decking.

Question 14

Can you match the design of my existing home when building a garage?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We specialize in custom garage construction that seamlessly integrates with your home’s architecture, materials, and aesthetics.

Question 15

Do I need a permit for a garage installation or remodel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most cities and counties in Utah require permits for new garage construction or major remodels. We handle the permitting process to ensure compliance with local building codes.

County	Sold Jobs	Sold Revenue	Avg. Ticket
Salt Lake County	121	$4,889,962	$40,413
Utah County	13	$780,474	$60,036
Summit County	4	$241,240	$60,310
Davis County	10	$169,654	$16,965
Unknown	2	$54,806	$27,403
Grand Total	152	$6,140,562	$40,398

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