Standard finishes run $50–65 per square foot in 2026; upgraded finishes with a second bedroom and wet bar run $65–85; legal basement apartments run $95–120. A typical 900 sq ft finish lands between $45,000 and $58,500. See the full cost guide for line items.
American Fork requires a building permit for basement finishes. Its accessory-apartment ordinance is currently the corridor's strictest — two extra off-street parking stalls and occupancy limits — but it's being modernized under 2026 state law. If an apartment is your goal, we'll confirm the current rules with the city before you commit to anything.
In most single-family homes, yes — Utah law requires most cities to allow one internal accessory apartment, subject to city requirements like owner-occupancy, parking, and registration. Older AF basements often have the ceiling heights and plumbing already in place — refinish projects here frequently cost less per foot than new finishes. Details on basement apartments.
About six weeks from demo to final inspection for a standard finish; 8–10 weeks for a full apartment. You get the week-by-week schedule in writing before we start.