Finishing your basement is one of the best ways to add usable square footage to your home—whether it’s a cozy family room, guest suite, home theater, or income apartment. But turning an empty concrete box into something beautiful takes more than just ambition. Choosing the right basement finishing contractor is key. And if you get it right, it can mean a smooth, efficient experience and results you’ll love for decades.

Here’s what to look for and a few lessons we (and some of our clients) learned the hard way.

A good basement contractor doesn’t just know how to build walls—they know how to navigate moisture issues, city permits, tricky layouts, and homeowners’ expectations. We quickly realized how important this was when we finished our basement in Lehi. A neighbor recommended a friend who “did handyman stuff.” He gave us a low bid but couldn’t answer basic questions about code. We passed—and we’re glad we did.

Basement spaces have quirks: They’re cooler, darker, and often more prone to moisture. A professional contractor understands how to insulate properly, install vapor barriers, and plan for airflow. We’ve seen homeowners rip out entire basements due to mold issues from poorly sealed walls. A licensed contractor helps you avoid those costly mistakes before they happen.

Here are the non-negotiables we recommend:

Experience that matches your needs: Look for a portfolio of similar basement jobs. If you want a second kitchen or home theater, ensure they’ve done it.

• Licensing and insurance: Don’t assume. Ask for proof. A reputable pro won’t hesitate to show you proof of insurance.
• References and reviews: Talk to former clients. We learned a lot from one homeowner in Draper who raved about her contractor’s timeline updates and daily cleanup habits.
• Responsive communication: Your contractor should answer questions, return calls, and clearly explain what’s happening. One of the best contractors we worked with used a project portal, which allowed us to track daily progress.
• Fair, transparent pricing: Cheap bids can lead to costly change orders later. Ensure you get an itemized estimate with no vague “TBD” line items.

Start local and dig deep:

• Online reviews: Google, Facebook, and Houzz all offer insight into customer experiences. Look for patterns in both praise and complaints.
• Ask around: Friends, neighbors, or even your realtor may have solid leads. One of our best finds came from chatting with someone at our kids’ soccer game.
• Certifications and affiliations: Contractors affiliated with NARI, UHBA, or other professional associations tend to take continuing education courses, which are required for licensed contractors in Utah.

Before signing anything, ask for references—and then call them.

Ask direct questions: Were they on time? Did they stick to the budget? How was the cleanup?

If you can, visit a finished basement: Seeing their craftsmanship in person gives you a better sense of quality than any photo gallery.

Check online: Yelp and Google are helpful, as are local Facebook groups and Nextdoor threads.

Once you have estimates in hand:

• Scope of work: Each bid should list what’s included—no guesswork.
• Materials and finishes: Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some contractors include trim, paint, and flooring, while others don’t.
• Timeline: A clear schedule helps manage expectations and avoid delays.
• Pricing breakdown: Beware of vague bids. The more detailed the estimate, the better.

In Utah, licensed contractors are required to List Their License Number on the Bid Sheet. 

Before you commit:

• Could you verify licenses: Contact your local building department or check the contractor license board?
• Check insurance: They should carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you from accidents, damage, and legal headaches.

Always sign a detailed contract before work begins.

Clarify terms: Include scope of work, materials, timeline, and cleanup responsibilities.

Payment schedule: Most reputable contractors request a deposit, with milestone payments as work progresses, not a huge lump sum upfront.

Warranties: Get it in writing. A one- or two-year warranty on artistry is common.

Change orders: There should be a documented process for mid-project additions, deletions, or modifications.

Finishing your basement is exciting, but it’s a significant investment. Choosing the right contractor can make all the difference. If something feels off, keep looking. Trust and communication matter just as much as skill.

We’ve seen families transform unused space into excellent game rooms, guest suites, and even rental units—but the best ones all had one thing in common: a trustworthy contractor who knew how to bring their vision to life.