Thinking about home renovations in Salt Lake City? If the thought has been floating around in your mind lately, trust me — you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners around here reach a point where one room (or several) starts bothering them. Maybe your kitchen is too tight. Maybe your bathroom still has that old tile you pretend not to see. Or your basement… well, it’s probably been “unfinished” for so long that it’s practically part of your personality now.

Renovations start with small thoughts, then bigger ones.
“What if the kitchen had more space?”
“Maybe the basement could be a guest suite?”
“Do we really need this wall?”

And at some point, you hit that stage where you go…
Okay. I think we’re really doing this.

That’s also where the panic kicks in.
Because choosing who will actually handle your renovation? That’s the big leap. And this is usually the moment when Tranes Customs comes into the picture — a team known for being honest, easy to work with, and genuinely careful about the homes and people they’re building for.

Key Takeaways

• Renovating in Salt Lake City is unique because of older homes, climate, and local building codes.
• Older homes almost always surprise you during construction (it’s normal, not scary).
• The right design decisions now save you money and frustration later.
• Your contractor affects everything — stress, timing, budget, the whole experience.
• A reliable team like Tranes Customs can reduce headaches and protect your investment.

What Home Renovation Really Means in Salt Lake City

Let’s be straight here.
A renovation in Salt Lake City isn’t just picking colors and choosing fixtures. It’s a journey into your home’s past — and sometimes its secrets.

Homes built decades ago weren’t designed with modern plumbing or electrical systems in mind. So when walls come down, you might see things you didn’t expect.

Old wiring tucked behind crumbling insulation.
Pipes that have seen better decades.
Floors that dip or slant for no logical reason.
And insulation that barely even counts as insulation.

And no — this doesn’t mean your home is “bad” or “falling apart.”
It just means it’s older. And older homes need a little extra love so that the fancy finishes you do see have something solid holding them up.

Different neighborhoods bring their own quirks too.
Sugar House homes feel different than Rose Park.
Millcreek’s older layouts have their own personality.
The Avenues? Those beauties are charming but full of surprises.

A contractor who already knows the area? That’s a quiet lifesaver.

What Home Renovations in Salt Lake City Really Cost

Alright, money talk.
Not the most fun topic, but it matters — and avoiding it never helps anyone.

Here’s what people are typically spending in SLC:

• Kitchens: $40,000–$70,000+
• Bathrooms: $25,000–$45,000+
• Basements: $60,000–$110,000+
• Whole-home renovations: $150,000+

Most homeowners underestimate the costs — usually by 20–30%.
Not because contractors lie.
But because older homes love to surprise you with little issues hiding behind the walls.

Things like:

• rusted pipes
• makeshift DIY fixes from previous owners
• ancient electrical panels
• walls that aren’t actually doing what they’re supposed to

These aren’t failures. They’re part of the process.

If there’s one tip that saves basically everyone?

Always keep a 10–20% emergency cushion.
It gives you breathing room if something unexpected comes up — and something always does.

How Long Renovations Take (Honestly)

You know those TV makeover shows that renovate a whole house in one week?
Yeah… that’s not real. Not even close.

A realistic timeline looks more like:

• Smaller upgrades: 4–8 weeks
• Kitchen or major living areas: 2–4 months
• Big multi-room projects: 4–8+ months

Could it be quicker? Maybe sometimes.
But rushing usually comes back to bite you later — uneven floors, sloppy finishes, plumbing issues… the list goes on.

Older homes take longer for one simple reason:
The surprises only reveal themselves once demo begins.

But once you see the final result?
It’s honestly worth the wait.

Design Trends in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has a style that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
Warm. Clean. Mountain-inspired. Modern but homey.

Some trends you’ll see everywhere right now:

• natural wood finishes
• big windows with tons of light
• cozy modern-rustic styles
• durable floors (because life happens)
• energy-saving upgrades
• smart-home features that actually make life easier

If you’re not sure where to start, stick to this rule:

Timeless for the expensive stuff. Fun for the cheap stuff.

Cabinets, floors, and major fixtures? Play it safe.
Paint, hardware, and décor? Go wild.

Choosing the Right Contractor (The Decision That Changes Everything)

This part matters more than anything else in your project.

A good contractor keeps you informed, gives real expectations, and doesn’t vanish midway through a project.
A bad one?
Well… you’ll have stories. And not good ones.

People often regret:

• picking the cheapest bid
• not checking references
• assuming something “must be included”
• signing a vague contract
• believing timelines that sound too good

If you're doing home renovations in Salt Lake City, your contractor should:

• walk you through pricing clearly
• understand SLC building codes
• know the quirks of older Utah homes
• communicate like a normal human
• give realistic timelines
• make you feel comfortable asking questions

These are the exact traits people praise Tranes Customs for.

They’re transparent.
Patient.
Easy to talk to.
And they actually explain things so you’re not left confused or guessing.

That alone sets them apart.

Why Tranes Customs Is a Top Choice

People choose Tranes Customs for three simple reasons:

1. Their craftsmanship is clean and detailed.
2. Their communication feels warm and human.
3. They genuinely care about what you want.

There’s no pressure.
No hidden fees.
No “contractor attitude.”

Just people who enjoy building things the right way — and helping you enjoy the process too.

Their clients describe them with words like “respectful,” “honest,” “communicative,” and “thoughtful.”
And honestly? That's rare in the remodeling world.

FAQs

1. What rooms add the most value during a remodel?
Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are the big three in Salt Lake City. Energy-efficient upgrades also help.

2. Do I need a renovation permit?
If plumbing, electrical, or structural work is involved — yes. A good contractor handles all of this.

3. How do I stay within budget?
Start with a clear plan, stick to it, and keep that 10–20% safety buffer.

4. Are older homes safe to renovate?
Yes — as long as you work with someone experienced in older structures.

5. How do I know if a contractor is trustworthy?
Transparent pricing, clear communication, detailed contracts, and real local reviews are all signs you’re in good hands.

Conclusion

Renovating your home is a big deal — exciting, a little stressful, but life-changing in the best way.
And doing home renovations in Salt Lake City comes with its own personality, its own surprises, and its own rewards.

With good planning and the right people by your side, the process becomes smoother. The results feel more meaningful. Your home feels more… yours.

And if you want someone who treats your renovation with honesty and real care, Tranes Customs is one of the most trusted teams in the city.

Call to Action

Have a vision you’re finally ready to bring to life?
Reach out to Tranes Customs for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
Ask questions. Share your ideas. See what’s possible.

They’ll guide you through the steps — simply, clearly, and with zero stress.