Orem Basement Finishing, Remodeling, and Renovation
Put your Orem basement to work.
Basement finishing in Orem for family rooms and basement apartments
Orem has about 95,000 residents, Utah Valley University is in the city, and roughly 4 in 10 households rent. A finished basement here can serve a family or a separate apartment, and each use has its own requirements. With nearly 30 years of experience in basements, Utah Basement Builders designs each Orem basement around how the household will use it.
Services we provide for Orem homeowners
We provide full basement finishing and basement remodeling services for Orem homeowners:
Basement finishing
Basement finishing adds the framing and wiring that turn an Orem basement into finished rooms.
Basement remodeling
Basement theater rooms
Basement game rooms
Basement kitchens and bars
Basement bedrooms
Basement living rooms
Basement man caves
Basement stairs
Bathroom remodel
Custom cabinet solutions
Why Orem homeowners choose Utah Basement Builders
Every Orem project works the same way: crews use a basement entrance, the rest of the house stays livable, and we handle the permit paperwork with the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out a finished basement in Orem?
Possibly. Utah law treats an internal accessory dwelling unit, such as a basement apartment, as a permitted use in residential zones, and cities can require the owner to live on the property and to hold a rental license. They can also set a 30-day minimum for rentals. Orem’s rules have included those requirements, and the city adopted a new ADU ordinance on September 22, 2026. Confirm the current rules with Orem City before you design the space.
What does a basement need to count as an apartment in Orem?
Orem has defined an accessory apartment as a subordinate dwelling with its own eating, sleeping, and sanitation facilities inside the main home. In practice, that means a kitchen and a bathroom alongside the sleeping space, built to building and fire codes, including egress windows and alarms. The city’s current ADU section sets the details, so review it before you finalize a layout.
Will renting out my basement change my homeowners insurance?
It can. A standard homeowners policy may not cover a tenant’s belongings or the liability that comes with renting, and a finished basement raises the home’s replacement cost. Tell your insurer before the work starts and ask what a rental endorsement or landlord policy would add.
Can I add a fireplace to a basement?
Yes. An electric fireplace needs only a circuit, while a gas fireplace needs a gas line and proper venting, installed under a permit. A gas model also calls for a carbon monoxide alarm, and the framing around it must meet the manufacturer’s clearance requirements.
What smoke and carbon monoxide alarms does a finished basement need?
The residential code requires smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. The code also requires carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level when the home has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. The alarms must connect, so one sounding sets off the rest.
What should I plan for a basement home office in Orem?
Plan two things early: wired Ethernet or a Wi-Fi node, since signal drops below grade, and a heating and cooling plan, because a closed room warms up quickly with equipment running. A solid door and insulated walls keep call noise from reaching the rest of the house.
What inspections does a finished basement go through in Orem?
Inspection stages vary by city, but a basement finish typically receives framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in inspections before the walls close, followed by a final inspection. Inspectors also check insulation. The permit lists the stages, and each inspection has to pass before drywall goes over that work.
Can I add a laundry room to an Orem basement?
Yes. A basement laundry needs hot and cold water, a drain, a dedicated circuit, and a dryer vent that runs to the outside. If the drain sits below the sewer line, the washer may need a pump. A basement laundry can serve a guest suite or apartment as well as the main household.
Request an Orem basement quote
Whether the basement is for your family or for a tenant, we plan it around the requirements for that use. Contact Utah Basement Builders for a free quote on basement finishing, basement remodeling, or a bathroom remodel in Orem, Utah.
