Basement Finishing · Sandy

Basement finishing in Sandy, 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

Bare concrete to finished living space, usually in about three weeks for a 2,000 sq ft basement. Sandy's own basement permit, egress and radon handled by a Sandy-based crew.

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

Basements in Sandy

Sandy is home. Basements are what we do most.

Alpha Homes' shop is in Sandy, and most of our calls are basements. Most contractors quote 6 to 8 weeks to finish a basement. A 2,000 square foot basement with bare foundation walls and nothing framed usually takes Tanner's crew about three weeks, start to finish. That is half the time or less.

Sandy treats a basement finish as its own kind of job. The city has a permit just for it, a separate permit for cutting in a walkout door, and its own rules for basement apartments. We handle all of it.

Sandy basement rules

What is different about a basement in Sandy.

Sandy's basement finish permit

Sandy has a permit type just for finishing an existing unfinished basement. Plans cover framing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical, and structural plans if any bearing wall or beam changes.

Source: Sandy remodel permit requirements

Walkout doors are a separate permit

Cutting a new door into a basement wall needs its own permit, a site plan, and engineer-stamped plans for the concrete cut when the city asks for them.

Source: Sandy walkout door requirements

Radon is highest on the east bench

The Utah Geological Survey says soil with the greatest potential for high radon in the Sandy area is common on the east bench at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Source: UGS radon map PI-18

Your basement does not count against the cap

Sandy limits house size by zone, but the limit does not include subterranean basements. Finishing down is often easier than adding on.

Source: Sandy City Code, Sec. 21-20-4

How we do it here

Our Sandy basement checklist.

Check the address first. A few foothill homes are in unincorporated Granite and permit through Salt Lake County, not Sandy.
Test for radon before framing, and run the mitigation pipe before the walls close if you need one.
Size every new bedroom window and window well to the egress code before the walls go up.
Decide early if the space is for family or for renting. Family space uses Sandy's extended living agreement. A rental needs a Special Use Permit and a business license, and the owner must live in the home.
Pull the basement finish permit through Sandy Cityworks and book each inspection so the crew never waits.

We finish basements all over east Sandy: homes along Dimple Dell Road, the Pepperwood area, Bell Canyon, and the streets up toward Wasatch Boulevard.

Our work and reviews

Basements and big jobs, in our customers' words.

Real Alpha Homes jobs next to real Google reviews.

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

"Tanner did a great job remodeling two bathrooms for us in a second home. ... Tanner and his team were amazingly quick and completed both of our bathrooms in only two weeks - several days before his projected finish date."

Anna Kinne

Two bathrooms

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

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 at Alpha Homes did my deck and it is everything I could have asked for! They were not only fast workers but they did an amazing job."

Caleb Davis

Deck

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

Google review

"Good contractors are hard to find. Tanner with Alpha Homes Construction is one of a kind. On time, friendly, stayed within budget, gave suggestions I didn't think of, a stress free experience."

Jan Cline

Remodel

Google review

"Tanner and his team has been fantastic to work with! He is incredibly communicative, making sure you're informed every step of the way, and he always makes you feel in control of the process. His honesty and transparency stand out, which is so important when it comes to something as significant as your home."

Lee Maurer

Remodel

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

Google review

"Tanner and the crew at Alpha Homes Construction delivered quality and attention to detail. Replaced several doors, built shelves, and several other projects. The team was professional, reliable, and delivered early. Highly recommend."

David King

Doors, shelves and more

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

Google review

"I run a family daycare and I needed safe and reliable stairs. Thanks to these guys we can all have peace of mind that these stairs will withhold to anything. My most favorite thing is our stairs are so much wider, even the toddlers have no problem."

Josephine Plotner

Stair replacement

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

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

Get a Price See all our work See more reviews

Questions

Basement questions from Sandy.

How long does a basement finish take in Sandy?

For a 2,000 square foot basement with bare walls and nothing framed, about three weeks of work. Permit review time is set by the city, so we apply as soon as the plan is final.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Sandy?

Yes. Sandy has a basement finish permit type. We draw the plans and apply through Sandy Cityworks.

Can I put an apartment in my Sandy basement?

Often, yes. Space for family and non-paying guests is an extended living area, approved with the building permit. Renting it out needs a Special Use Permit and a business license, and the owner must live in the home. We check your plan against both before we draw anything.

Should I test for radon in Sandy?

Yes. The east bench near Little Cottonwood Canyon has some of the highest radon potential in the area, per the Utah Geological Survey. The only way to know your home's level is to test.

Keep reading

More for Sandy homeowners.

Related pages for your project and your city.

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

From the blog

Answers before you start

How long does it take to finish a basement → Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Sandy, Utah →

Ready to finish your Sandy 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