Can I add a basement bathroom if my Bluffdale home is on septic?

Often, but it needs to be checked first. A new bathroom adds to the load on a septic system, and the system’s size and condition determine whether it can handle more. The basement drain may also sit below the existing outlet, which can require a pump. We confirm the setup before designing the bathroom.

What's the best basement entry for a Bluffdale horse property?

A durable mudroom at the back or walkout door. We use tile or LVP flooring, a floor-level shower or deep utility sink, hooks and benches, and good ventilation to manage smells and moisture. Separating it from finished living space with a solid door keeps hay, dust and mud out of the rest of the basement.

Should I finish my whole Bluffdale basement or leave part unfinished?

Many owners of larger Bluffdale homes leave a section unfinished for storage, a workshop or mechanicals, then finish the rest well. That keeps the budget focused on rooms you will actually use. We can still insulate and light the unfinished area so it is useful, and plan it so finishing later is straightforward.

Do Independence at the Point basements need HOA review?

Interior finishing usually does not, but exterior work may. Independence at the Point has HOA design rules, so new or enlarged window wells, exterior doors or visible changes may need approval. Check your community documents early. We can provide drawings to support the association’s review along with the Bluffdale City permit.

How do you handle a walkout basement on the Bluffdale bluffs?

We treat the two sides differently. The buried side gets rigid foam insulation and careful moisture control, while the open side gets attention to window placement, heat loss and views. Bedrooms on the open side can usually use a regular window or door for egress, avoiding a deep well.

Does wind near Point of the Mountain affect basement window wells?

It can. Strong, frequent wind near the Point blows dust, leaves and snow into open wells. Clear well covers that still open from inside for emergency escape help keep wells clean while preserving light. Wells must still meet code: at least 9 sq ft with a 36-inch projection, and a ladder or steps if deeper than 44 inches.

How busy is DreamBuilt, and can you fit a Bluffdale project in?

We intentionally take a small number of projects each year, typically 14 to 18 builds, so our calendar fills. Once you approve the estimate, a 50% deposit holds your place on our calendar and fixes material prices. If you are planning a Bluffdale basement for a specific season, reach out early so we can talk through timing honestly.

Basement Remodeling in Bluffdale, Utah

Big lots, working properties, practical basements

DreamBuilt Renovations finishes and remodels basements in Bluffdale, Utah, at the southern tip of Salt Lake County, from acreage and horse properties along the Jordan River to newer homes in Independence at the Point. We build basement bathrooms, guest suites, apartments, rec rooms and gear rooms, and take on whole-home remodels. Bluffdale still feels rural, and its basements often need to work as hard as the property around them.

Mudroom and boot-room entries: On properties with horses, gardens or livestock, a basement entry with a tiled floor, a utility sink and hooks keeps dirt and hay out of the finished house.

Large-basement finishing: Custom and semi-custom homes on bigger Bluffdale lots often have expansive basements with tall walls. See basement finishing.

Family apartments: On a large lot, a basement apartment can keep parents or grown kids close while each household has privacy. See ADUs and additions.

Bathrooms: From a simple shower bath by the back entry to a full guest bath with a tiled walk-in shower. See basement bathrooms.

Rec rooms and theaters: Space for pool tables, a theater and a big sectional for families who host big holiday gatherings, with sound isolation so bedrooms above stay quiet.

Hunting, tack and gear storage: Secure rooms with shelving and ventilation for outdoor equipment, saddles or seasonal gear, with durable floors and a dehumidifier circuit so leather and fabric stay dry.

Second kitchens: For canning garden produce, holiday cooking or a self-contained suite. See basement kitchens.

Remodeling older finishes: Some longtime Bluffdale homes have basements finished decades ago that are due for a full update through basement remodeling.

How Bluffdale's Rural Character Shapes a Basement Project

What’s different about finishing a basement on a Bluffdale property?

Mostly scale and site. Bluffdale has kept more open land, agricultural zoning and horse properties than most of Salt Lake County, and that changes the job:

Bigger basements: Custom homes on acreage often have large footprints and taller foundation walls, so square-foot costs add up and layout and lighting matter more.
Utilities can vary: Some older acreage properties may have different water or wastewater setups than a typical subdivision. If your home is on a septic system, a new basement bathroom needs to be checked against that system before we design it.
Varied terrain: Homes on the bluffs above the Jordan River can have walkout lower levels, while properties on the river bottoms may sit closer to groundwater.
Wind and dust: Near Point of the Mountain, wind is a constant, so sealed window wells with covers and a solid mudroom entry earn their keep.
Outbuilding traffic: Families walking in from barns, arenas and gardens benefit from a hard-wearing entry and a shower near the back door.

Moisture control is the same discipline everywhere: correct grading and gutters first, check for efflorescence or leaks, then build with rigid foam against concrete and water-tolerant floors.

Where in Bluffdale do you work?

Independence at the Point and the newer homes near Porter Rockwell Boulevard
Acreage and horse properties along the Jordan River
Homes on the bluffs above the river with valley and mountain views
West Bluffdale toward Camp Williams
Older properties along Redwood Road and 14600 South
Neighborhoods bordering Riverton and Herriman on the north

Independence at the Point is a different story from the rest of town: a master-planned community with newer homes, closer spacing and HOA design rules, where an unfinished basement is the norm. Exterior changes such as new window wells may need association review there.

How much does basement finishing cost in Bluffdale?

Published 2026 pricing from several Utah contractors puts basement finishing at roughly $40 to $100+ per square foot. A 1,000 sq ft basement often lands between $45,000 and $85,000, so a larger Bluffdale basement will scale up from there.

Basic: about $45 to $65 per square foot
Upgraded: about $60 to $85 per square foot
With a kitchen or bath and high-end finishes: about $75 to $110+ per square foot

On a big basement, deciding which areas to finish now and which to leave as storage or shop space is one of the best ways to manage budget. These are typical Utah ranges, not our quote; your firm number comes from an itemized estimate.

Who issues building permits in Bluffdale?

Bluffdale is an incorporated city, so permits and inspections go through Bluffdale City’s building department. We prepare plans, submit the permit and coordinate inspections. If your property uses a septic system or other non-standard utility, there may be additional reviews from the correct jurisdiction, and we help you sort out which apply before design is final.

Is a basement apartment allowed on a Bluffdale property?

Usually, yes. Utah’s HB 82 (2021) requires most cities to allow internal accessory dwellings such as basement apartments, with local limits that can include owner occupancy, parking and certain zones. We check Bluffdale’s current rules for your address. On larger lots, parking and a separate entrance are often easier to accommodate than in denser cities.

Can DreamBuilt remodel the rest of my Bluffdale home?

Yes. On larger homes, a combined project often makes sense: a basement finish alongside a kitchen update or a primary suite remodel. Our whole-home remodels are led by one dedicated project lead from demo to final walkthrough, with structural engineering and architecture coordinated in-house.

Nearby areas include Riverton, Herriman and Draper; see the rest on our Salt Lake County basement remodeling hub. When you’re ready to plan a Bluffdale basement, contact us and one of the owners will get back to you within one business day.

Reviews

Words From our clients.

We had a big remodel done, but our previous contractor left us hanging. DreamBuilt came in, finished everything, and the work was excellent. They've since built us a garage extension too.

John P.

Sandy, UT · Garage Addition

Quick to respond, honest about the process, transparent about changes. We'll keep hiring them. Highly recommend for any basement or bathroom you've been dreaming about.

Jaden M.

Layton, UT · Basement & Bath

What sold us was the timeline — they said twelve weeks and they meant twelve weeks. Our kitchen was done on the exact day they promised at the very first meeting.

The Reyes Family

Holladay, UT · Kitchen

FAQ

Bluffdale Basement Remodeling FAQs

Can I add a basement bathroom if my Bluffdale home is on septic?
Often, but it needs to be checked first. A new bathroom adds to the load on a septic system, and the system’s size and condition determine whether it can handle more. The basement drain may also sit below the existing outlet, which can require a pump. We confirm the setup before designing the bathroom.
What's the best basement entry for a Bluffdale horse property?
A durable mudroom at the back or walkout door. We use tile or LVP flooring, a floor-level shower or deep utility sink, hooks and benches, and good ventilation to manage smells and moisture. Separating it from finished living space with a solid door keeps hay, dust and mud out of the rest of the basement.
Should I finish my whole Bluffdale basement or leave part unfinished?
Many owners of larger Bluffdale homes leave a section unfinished for storage, a workshop or mechanicals, then finish the rest well. That keeps the budget focused on rooms you will actually use. We can still insulate and light the unfinished area so it is useful, and plan it so finishing later is straightforward.
Do Independence at the Point basements need HOA review?
Interior finishing usually does not, but exterior work may. Independence at the Point has HOA design rules, so new or enlarged window wells, exterior doors or visible changes may need approval. Check your community documents early. We can provide drawings to support the association’s review along with the Bluffdale City permit.
How do you handle a walkout basement on the Bluffdale bluffs?
We treat the two sides differently. The buried side gets rigid foam insulation and careful moisture control, while the open side gets attention to window placement, heat loss and views. Bedrooms on the open side can usually use a regular window or door for egress, avoiding a deep well.
Does wind near Point of the Mountain affect basement window wells?
It can. Strong, frequent wind near the Point blows dust, leaves and snow into open wells. Clear well covers that still open from inside for emergency escape help keep wells clean while preserving light. Wells must still meet code: at least 9 sq ft with a 36-inch projection, and a ladder or steps if deeper than 44 inches.
How busy is DreamBuilt, and can you fit a Bluffdale project in?
We intentionally take a small number of projects each year, typically 14 to 18 builds, so our calendar fills. Once you approve the estimate, a 50% deposit holds your place on our calendar and fixes material prices. If you are planning a Bluffdale basement for a specific season, reach out early so we can talk through timing honestly.