Lift Construction is a licensed Utah general contractor working in Magna, Utah, on basement finishing, basement apartments and ADUs, kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions, and full home renovations. We take care of the building permit through the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District and give free written estimates.
Magna lies on the northwest side of Salt Lake County at the base of the northern Oquirrh Mountains, just south of the Great Salt Lake, and had 29,251 residents at the 2020 census. It grew up around the copper mills of the early 1900s, and its historic Main Street and surrounding blocks still hold some of the oldest homes on the west side of the valley. Newer subdivisions have since filled in toward the foothills, so remodeling in Magna can mean anything from a century-old cottage to a recently built home with an unfinished basement.
Magna at a Glance
- County: Salt Lake County (northwest corner, at the foot of the Oquirrh Mountains)
- Population: About 29,250 (2020 census)
- Status: Became a city in May 2024; previously a metro township
- Typical homes: Early 1900s homes near historic Main Street, postwar houses, and newer subdivisions toward the foothills
- Building permits: Handled through the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, which provides planning and building services for Magna; Lift pulls and manages them
- Nearby: West Valley City, Kearns, Salt Lake City’s west side, and the Oquirrh foothills
Magna, Utah Map and Location
Remodeling a Home in Magna: What to Know
Magna was the epicenter of the 5.7 magnitude earthquake in March 2020, and several historic buildings with unreinforced brick walls were damaged. If you own an older brick home in Magna, a remodel is a good time to look at seismic improvements such as strengthening wall-to-floor and roof connections or bracing a masonry chimney. We discuss those options during the estimate, along with the lead paint, older wiring, and plumbing updates that come with homes this age.
Newer Magna neighborhoods are a different story: modern framing, roughed-in basements, and sometimes HOA rules for exterior changes. Homes closer to the Oquirrh foothills and along Coon Creek may also have slopes and drainage paths to account for when we plan window wells or an addition. We walk the lot with you to see where water flows before we commit to a design.
Basement Finishing and ADUs in Magna
In Magna’s newer homes, the basement is often the obvious place to add bedrooms and a family room. Older Magna houses may have small cellars or partial basements that need more work to become living space. For any basement bedroom we install a code-compliant egress window: at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening, a sill no higher than 44 inches, and a ladder if the window well is more than 44 inches deep.
Utah law directs cities to allow an internal accessory dwelling unit, such as a basement apartment, in most single-family zones, subject to local conditions like owner occupancy and parking. A Magna basement apartment can help with housing costs or keep extended family close. We confirm the current ADU rules that apply to your Magna property before design and build the unit to pass inspection.
Our Remodeling Services in Magna, UT
- Basement Finishing and Remodeling
- Kitchen Remodels
- Bathroom Renovations
- Home Additions
- ADU and Basement Apartment Construction
- Full and Partial Home Remodels
- Garages and Garage Conversions
- Commercial Tenant Finishing
- Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Buildouts
- Fire, Water and Mold Restoration
Why Magna Homeowners Choose Lift Construction
Magna homeowners choose Lift because we respect the town’s older homes and know how to modernize them safely, while also finishing newer houses quickly and cleanly. Our licensed, in-house team handles permits and inspections, never asks for large upfront payments, and keeps you informed throughout. Lift is BBB Certified and fully insured.
Call us at 801-683-6803 or request a free estimate online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling in Magna, Utah
Does Lift Construction remodel homes in Magna, Utah?
Yes. Lift Construction works throughout Magna, from the historic blocks near Main Street to the newer neighborhoods toward the Oquirrh foothills. We offer basement finishing, ADUs, kitchen and bath remodels, additions, and full renovations.
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Magna?
Most Magna basement finishes cost $25 to $55 per square foot, so 1,000 square feet usually runs about $25,000 to $55,000. Older Magna basements that need egress windows, new wiring, or moisture work fall toward the higher end. Estimates are written and free.
Who handles building permits in Magna?
Magna’s planning and building permits are handled through the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District. A basement finish or remodel requires a permit and must pass inspections for framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Lift Construction prepares the plans, submits the permit, and schedules every inspection.
Can I put a basement apartment in my Magna home?
In many cases, yes. Utah law requires cities to allow internal ADUs such as basement apartments in most single-family zones, with local requirements such as owner occupancy and parking. We check the current rules for your Magna lot and design the unit to meet code.
How long does a basement finish take in Magna?
A basic basement finish typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. A full finish with bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchenette usually takes 10 to 14 weeks, including permit review and inspections.
Should I make seismic upgrades when remodeling an older Magna home?
It is worth considering. Magna was the epicenter of the 2020 magnitude 5.7 earthquake, and older unreinforced brick buildings were the ones most often damaged. During a remodel we can strengthen connections, brace chimneys, or recommend an engineer’s review for masonry homes.
What should I expect when updating a historic home near Magna’s Main Street?
Expect to find older wiring, aging plumbing, and paint that may contain lead in homes built before 1978. Many early Magna homes also have smaller rooms and partial basements. We identify these conditions during the estimate and plan updates that keep the home’s character while bringing it up to code.
How do I get a free estimate in Magna?
Call 801-683-6803 or submit the form at liftut.com/contact-us. We will visit your Magna home, review your project, and provide a detailed written estimate at no charge.
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Get a Free Estimate in Magna, Utah
Call Lift Construction at 801-683-6803 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate at your Magna home.