As a home renovation expert with over 15 years in the industry, I've seen firsthand how the right remodeling project can completely transform a Utah home. Hi, I'm Adam from Bangerter Remodels, and I've helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Utah County turn their renovation dreams into reality. I'm excited to share some of my knowledge with you today.
Living in Utah presents unique renovation opportunities and challenges. Our distinct four seasons, mountain landscape, and local architectural styles all influence how we approach home renovations here. Whether you're in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, or anywhere in Utah County, the right renovation can dramatically increase your home's value, functionality, and enjoyment.
Utah's climate and lifestyle create specific renovation needs you won't find in other states. Our hot summers and snowy winters mean energy efficiency is crucial. The outdoor-loving Utah lifestyle often requires thoughtful storage solutions and durable materials that can handle everything from ski equipment to mountain bikes.
From my experience working as a Utah county home renovation contractor, I've noticed locals prioritize spaces that balance indoor comfort with connections to our beautiful outdoors. Let me walk you through what makes home renovations in Utah unique and how to get the most value from your project.
Based on hundreds of projects I've completed with Utah homeowners, these are the renovation trends that deliver the most satisfaction and value:
Utah families love connected spaces. By removing non-load-bearing walls between kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas, we create flowing spaces that support family gatherings and entertaining. This renovation typically costs between $15,000-$40,000 depending on structural changes needed, but consistently ranks as one of the highest ROI projects in Utah County homes.
One Lehi family I worked with transformed their compartmentalized 1990s floor plan into an airy, connected space. The renovation allowed natural light to flow throughout the home and created sight lines so parents could keep an eye on children while preparing meals.
With Utah's temperature extremes, replacing outdated windows delivers immediate comfort and long-term savings. High-quality, double or triple-pane windows with proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15-25%.
For a South Jordan client last year, we installed new energy-efficient windows throughout their 2,400 sq ft home. The project cost approximately $18,000, but they reported saving nearly $80 monthly on utilities and noticing a significant reduction in outside noise.
Utah's beautiful landscape and relatively mild shoulder seasons make outdoor living space extensions extremely popular. Creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas through sliding glass wall systems, covered patios, or four-season rooms maximizes your usable space.
A recent project in Draper involved transforming an unused side yard into a covered outdoor kitchen and gathering space that connected to the indoor living area through large sliding doors. The $35,000 investment created what the homeowners now call "their favorite room in the house," despite being technically outdoors.
Utah homes often have substantial basement square footage that goes unused. Finishing this space adds tremendous value and functionality. As a Utah home renovation expert, I've transformed countless unfinished basements into entertainment zones, home offices, guest suites, or rental units.
The average basement finishing project in Utah County runs between $35-$65 per square foot depending on features and finishes. For a typical 1,000 square foot basement, that's $35,000-$65,000 for almost doubling your usable living space.
The kitchen remains the heart of Utah homes. Modern kitchen renovations focus on creating functional workspaces, incorporating islands for gathering, and installing high-efficiency appliances. Smart storage solutions help manage the bulk buying that's common among Utah families.
Kitchen remodels typically range from $30,000 for moderate updates to $80,000+ for complete transformations. However, they consistently return 70-80% of their cost in home value while dramatically improving daily life.
Creating luxurious primary bedroom suites with spa-like bathrooms and ample closet space continues to be in high demand across Utah County. These personal retreats often include double vanities, walk-in showers, soaking tubs, and custom storage solutions.
A primary suite renovation typically costs $40,000-$75,000 but creates a daily sanctuary that homeowners consistently tell me was "worth every penny."
Utah's architectural style is evolving toward what I call "mountain modern" – a blend of rustic elements with clean contemporary lines. Exterior renovations that incorporate stone, sustainable wood accents, and modern entryways instantly update older homes.
Exterior renovations ranging from $15,000 for facade updates to $50,000+ for comprehensive makeovers dramatically increase curb appeal and often provide energy efficiency improvements through better insulation and modern materials.
Before diving into your home renovation in Utah, here's my tried-and-true process to ensure success:
Start by clearly identifying what problems you're trying to solve with your renovation. Are you creating more space for a growing family? Updating outdated features? Improving energy efficiency? Making your home more suitable for aging in place?
Also consider how long you plan to stay in your home. If you're renovating for the long term, focus on what will make you happy. If you might sell within 5 years, consider renovations with the best return on investment for Utah County properties.
As a Utah County home renovation contractor, I always advise clients to develop a detailed budget with a 15-20% contingency for unexpected issues. Utah's older homes often hide surprises behind walls or under floors that can impact costs.
For example, a Provo client initially budgeted $45,000 for their kitchen renovation. When we discovered outdated electrical systems that needed upgrading to meet code, the contingency buffer allowed us to address this without compromising on their design choices.
Different cities within Utah County have varying requirements for permits and inspections. In Orem, for example, bathroom renovations that change plumbing configurations require permits, while cosmetic updates might not.
Working with experienced Utah home renovation experts saves headaches here, as we handle all permitting and ensure your project meets local codes.
Our climate demands materials that can handle temperature swings, low humidity, and intense UV exposure. For exterior renovations, fiber cement siding, quality stone veneer, and metal roofing perform exceptionally well in Utah conditions.
For interiors, engineered hardwood provides more stability than solid wood in our dry climate, and proper insulation makes a dramatic difference in both summer cooling and winter heating efficiency.
Certain renovations are better suited to specific seasons in Utah. Exterior work ideally happens between May and October. Major interior renovations that might temporarily impact heating or cooling systems are best done during spring or fall when temperature control is less critical.
Over my years as a home renovation expert in Utah County, I've encountered several recurring challenges. Here's how we solve them:
Many charming homes in established Utah neighborhoods have electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems that don't meet modern needs or code requirements.
Solution: We perform thorough inspections before finalizing designs and budgets. When updating an older Bountiful home's kitchen, we discovered knob-and-tube wiring that required replacement. By identifying this early, we incorporated the additional electrical work into the project timeline and budget, avoiding delays and surprise costs.
Many families need to remain in their homes during renovation projects, which can create stress and disruption.
Solution: We create detailed phasing plans that minimize impact on daily life. For extensive renovations, we sometimes set up temporary kitchen facilities in another room or seal off construction areas with specialized dust barriers. Clear communication about timelines and daily work schedules helps families plan around the most disruptive phases.
Almost every homeowner comes to us with inspiration photos showing dream renovations that may exceed their budget.
Solution: Rather than simply saying "no," we identify the elements that are most important to their vision and find creative ways to achieve similar effects within budget constraints. Sometimes this means phasing projects over time or finding alternative materials that provide similar aesthetics at lower costs.
If return on investment matters for your renovation project, focus on these high-ROI improvements particularly valued in Utah's housing market:
Finding the right home renovation experts in Utah requires knowing what questions to ask. Here's my insider advice:
Always confirm that your contractor holds current Utah state licensing and carries adequate insurance, including general liability and workers' compensation. Ask for license numbers and insurance certificates – reputable contractors will provide these without hesitation.
Utah homes have specific construction characteristics based on era and location. A contractor with extensive experience renovating similar homes in your area will anticipate challenges and bring valuable insights to your project.
Ask to see examples of completed projects similar to yours. Request references from homeowners whose projects were completed at least a year ago – this gives you insight into how the renovations have held up over time and through a full cycle of Utah seasons.
Successful renovations require clear, consistent communication. Ask potential contractors how they'll keep you informed, who your main point of contact will be, and how they handle change requests or unexpected issues.
Quality proposals go beyond bottom-line costs to include specific materials, brands, timeline estimates, payment schedules, and warranty information. This level of detail prevents misunderstandings and provides clear expectations for both sides.
As someone who's specialized in Utah County home renovations for years, I've gathered insights that might not be obvious to homeowners planning their first major project:
Utah families typically own more outdoor recreational equipment than the national average. Smart renovations include designated storage areas for bikes, skis, camping gear, and seasonal sports equipment. Custom garage organizations, mudrooms with specialized storage, or dedicated gear rooms have become extremely popular features.
Utah County continues to experience significant population growth. If you're renovating with an eye toward future resale value, consider how your home will appeal to the demographics moving to your area. In tech-centered areas like Lehi, home office spaces and smart home features deliver strong returns.
Our state's exceptional natural light is a resource worth maximizing in any renovation. Strategically placed windows, solar tubes, and open floor plans that allow light to penetrate deep into homes not only save on electricity but create the bright, airy spaces that define modern Utah homes.
While modernizing your home, consider how your renovation will fit with the overall neighborhood aesthetic. The most successful renovations strike a balance between personal style and contextual appropriateness. In historic districts, this might mean preserving certain external architectural elements while modernizing interiors.
After 15 years transforming homes across Utah County, I've learned that the most successful renovations start with thorough planning and expert guidance. At Bangerter Remodels, we combine local knowledge with professional expertise to deliver renovations that enhance your life and increase your home's value.
From kitchen transformations in Provo to basement finishing in Lehi, exterior updates in South Jordan to complete home renovations in Salt Lake City, our team brings the same commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction to every project.
If you're ready to explore how we can transform your Utah home, I'd love to talk. We offer complimentary initial consultations to understand your goals, assess your space, and provide realistic insights about possibilities and budget considerations.
Contact Bangerter Remodels today at 801-598-0733 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Let's create a home that perfectly suits your Utah lifestyle and exceeds your expectations.
Small projects like bathroom updates typically take 3-6 weeks, while full kitchen renovations average 6-10 weeks. Comprehensive whole-home renovations can range from 3-9 months depending on scope and complexity. Weather conditions during Utah winters can occasionally impact timelines for projects involving exterior work.
Most substantial renovations require permits, though requirements vary by city. Generally, projects involving structural changes, electrical or plumbing modifications, or room additions need permits. Cosmetic updates like painting, flooring, or cabinet replacement typically don't require permits. Working with experienced Utah home renovation contractors ensures proper permitting and code compliance.
I recommend setting aside 15-20% of your total budget as contingency for unexpected issues. With Utah's housing stock, surprises like outdated wiring, inefficient insulation, or previous non-permitted work are common discoveries during renovations. This buffer helps ensure these discoveries don't compromise your renovation goals or cause financial stress.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
