Basement Finishing · Cottonwood Heights

Basement finishing in Cottonwood Heights, UT.

4.8 on Google from 65 reviews. Owner-run by Tanner Stephens.

"Always delivered on time, as promised and on budget."Mike Kopf · Google review

"Showed up when they said they would, and kept everything clean."Alyssa Wright · Google review

Finished basements and basement apartments for Cottonwood Heights homes. Permit, plans and inspections handled with the city's online system.

About 3 weeks for 2,000 sq ft Cottonwood Heights permit handled Owner-run by Tanner

Basements in Cottonwood Heights

45-year-old basements, ready for a second life.

Half the homes in Cottonwood Heights were built between 1960 and 1980. If yours is still bare, or was finished decades ago with paneling and a drop ceiling, it is ready for a second life.

The city is also one of the friendlier ones for basement apartments. An internal ADU is a permitted use on most single-family lots of 6,000 square feet or more, as long as the owner lives on site.

Cottonwood Heights basement rules

What is different about a basement in Cottonwood Heights.

Basement apartments are permitted

Internal ADUs are a permitted use on lots of 6,000 sq ft or more in R-1, RR-1 and F-1 zones. The owner lives in the home or the unit, and one extra off-street stall is needed.

Source: Cottonwood Heights ADU rules

Short-term rentals are out

An ADU in Cottonwood Heights cannot be used as a short-term rental, under section 19.75.050.B.

Source: Cottonwood Heights ADU rules

Next-day inspections need notice

Inspections are requested online. For next-day, ask before 3 p.m. the day before. There are no same-day or weekend inspections.

Source: Cottonwood Heights building permits

Granite soil, high radon potential

The Utah Geological Survey found the soil with the greatest radon potential near Little Cottonwood Canyon comes from the granite in the Wasatch canyons.

Source: UGS radon PI-18

How we do it here

Our Cottonwood Heights basement checklist.

Decide early if the space might be an apartment. It changes the kitchen, the entrance, the parking and the fire separation.
Test for radon before framing, especially on the bench near Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Pull out old paneling, drop ceilings and outdated wiring, and bring egress windows up to code.
Apply online through iWorQ with full plans attached, since the city will not accept an application without them.
Book inspections before 3 p.m. the day before so the schedule keeps moving.

We finish basements in Butlerville, near Golden Hills Park, around the Old Mill on Big Cottonwood Creek, in the Top of the World neighborhood, and along the Fort Union corridor.

Our work and reviews

Basements and big jobs, in our customers' words.

Real Alpha Homes jobs next to real Google reviews.

Stair rebuild: Wider, safer stairs — Stair rebuildWider, safer stairs

Google review

"Tanner and his team did a fantastic job of installing a kitchen in my mom's basement. I have used Tanner in the past with other projects and I would highly recommend him!"

Carriene Porter

Kitchen in a basement

Basement bathroom: Updated basement bath — Basement bathroomUpdated basement bath

Google review

"Tanner with Alpha Homes Construction did an exceptional job finishing our basement. From start to finish, the process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. ... The space looks elegant, well thought out, and far exceeded our expectations. Tanner communicated clearly, showed up when he said he would, and treated our home with care and respect."

Talmage Conrad

Basement finish

Built-in entertainment center: Custom shelving and fireplace wall — Built-in entertainment centerCustom shelving and fireplace wall

Google review

"Remodeled a friends house and looks amazing. Works very quickly, always respectful, and has amazing prices while keeping the quality top notch."

Max Harmer

Home remodel

More from Google

4.8 from 65 reviews

Powder room: Marble vanity and brass fixtures — Powder roomMarble vanity and brass fixtures

Google review

"Tanner and his crew did an excellent job with our fence. Everything was delivered on time, his crew was super communicative, and the build quality was great."

Matthew Slipper

Fence

Fireplace: Painted mantel and herringbone tile — FireplacePainted mantel and herringbone tile

Google review

"Alpha homes does good work on the flips that I have them do. I recently had a project where I was in a hurry to get completed up and they got out their quickly and changed out the lights, fixed a bunch of exterior boards that were separating and made it look really nice and protected for the long haul. I look forward to using Tanner in the future on other projects."

Jeff Woodbury

Home flips

Kitchen remodel: Quartz counters and dark cabinets — Kitchen remodelQuartz counters and dark cabinets

Google review

"Tanner and his team came out for a garage redo. His team was very professional, timely, and clean. Was able to revamp my old garage floor to looking new and fresh. Set up a bar area, installed new surround sound system, projector, screen and garage door screen. Couldn't recommend a better company for the job will definitely be using them for all future projects."

Mr White

Garage remodel

Stairs: New treads and iron railing — StairsNew treads and iron railing

Google review

"Alpha homes helped us add a custom patio. The were amazing to work with and they got it done fast! And they were really fair in pricing. I LOVE our new little hangout spot! If you want to work on your home give them a call for sure!"

Ciara McCallum

Custom patio

Double vanity: Marble tops and arched mirrors — Double vanityMarble tops and arched mirrors

Google review

"Recently I reached out to Alpha Home Construction to ask a question and I just really appreciate the quick response and customer service that I received. Thank you Tanner."

Martina McBride

Question about a project

Built-ins: Cabinets, open shelves and tile backsplash — Built-insCabinets, open shelves and tile backsplash

Google review

"Tanner and his team are amazing! As a realtor I’ll never refer my clients to anyone else, they are responsive, efficient, fairly priced, and best of all their work is top notch. Would highly recommend them for any job you need done!"

Josh Mondale

Realtor referrals

Get a Price See all our work See more reviews

Questions

Basement questions from Cottonwood Heights.

Can I rent out my finished basement in Cottonwood Heights?

As a long-term internal ADU, often yes, on lots of 6,000 sq ft or more when the owner lives on site and adds a parking stall. Short-term rentals are not allowed.

Who reviews basement plans in Cottonwood Heights?

The city's Community and Economic Development department, with a contracted building official from Sunrise Engineering. Applications are online only and need plans attached.

Can you redo an old finished basement?

Yes. In 1960s and 1970s homes that is often the job: out with the paneling and old wiring, in with a finished space built to today's code.

Keep reading

More for Cottonwood Heights homeowners.

Related pages for your project and your city.

All remodeling in Cottonwood Heights → Basement finishing across the east bench → Kitchen remodeling in Cottonwood Heights → Basement finishing in Sandy → Basement finishing in Draper → Basement finishing in Holladay →

Ready to finish your Cottonwood Heights basement?

Tell us about the space. Tanner will reach out to set up a walkthrough.

Get My Price or call Tanner at (801) 598-2172