The dust has settled, literally. Our Sandy remodel has officially moved past the demo phase, and we’re stepping into the most exciting part of any project: the rebuild.

Every renovation has a rhythm. First comes the chaos of tearing down old walls, removing outdated finishes, and uncovering what’s behind the surface. Then comes the quiet but critical phase, the “behind-the-wall” work, where plumbing, electrical, and framing all come together to create a solid foundation. It’s not always the most glamorous stage, but it’s what ensures every light switch works perfectly, every faucet runs seamlessly, and every space functions exactly as it should.

Now, that foundation is complete and the real transformation begins.

When you walk into a beautifully finished home, it’s easy to focus on the big things — the new cabinets, the gleaming countertops, the fresh paint, or that perfectly chosen light fixture that ties it all together. But the truth is, the difference between a “nice remodel” and a truly exceptional one comes down to the final phase most homeowners never see: the blue tape walkthrough.

At Citizen Builders, we call this the dialed in phase — where craftsmanship meets accountability. It’s the step that ensures every part of your remodel not only looks complete but feels complete.

Whether you’re in the middle of your first home renovation or you’ve done this a few times before, understanding this final stage can help you feel confident that your project is wrapping up the right way.

Embarking on a home remodel can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan in place, the process becomes a whole lot smoother. Whether you're reimagining your kitchen, finishing a basement, or transforming your entire home, understanding the order of operations can help set clear expectations and minimize surprises along the way. A good renovation isn't just about beautiful finishes, it's about sequencing the work properly so things run efficiently and your investment is protected.

When designing a kitchen, most people think about function and aesthetics, but for health-conscious homeowners, reducing toxins is just as important. The kitchen is where we prepare food for ourselves and our families, so every choice can have a direct impact on health and well-being. From cooking appliances to water systems, these homeowners intentionally created a low-toxic kitchen that prioritizes clean living, longevity, and peace of mind.

When it comes to painting your home, color usually gets all the attention. But just as important, and often overlooked, is the paint sheen. The sheen you choose affects not only the final look of your walls, trim, and doors but also how well they hold up to everyday life. At Citizen Builders, we carefully consider paint sheen in every project, knowing it can elevate a design from good to exceptional.

When most people hear the words “remodel” and “HOA” in the same sentence, they immediately picture red tape, restrictions, and a watered-down version of what they actually want. At Citizen Builders, we take a different approach. We know how to work with HOAs the right way—securing approvals, pulling permits, and delivering bold, lasting results that stand out.

At Citizen Builders, we’ve never been afraid to get our hands dirty. From tearing down outdated structures to building custom dream homes from the ground up, transformation is in our DNA. Now, we’re taking that same vision and applying it to something especially personal: our own headquarters

There’s nothing more exciting than dreaming up your ideal space. Whether it’s a full-home remodel, a boutique commercial renovation, or the complete reimagining of a historic property, the design phase is where vision comes alive. It’s where colors, materials, layouts, and possibilities start to form a story. But there’s one critical piece that often gets overlooked in all that inspiration:

Is it actually buildable?

At Citizen Builders, we’ve seen it too many times… designs that are stunning on paper but completely impractical, unsafe, or financially unfeasible in the real world. It’s a common disconnect between design and construction, and for luxury clients investing significant time and money into a remodel, it can be an expensive and frustrating lesson.

The good news? That disconnect is 100% avoidable with the right team.

When building a luxury home or undertaking a high-end remodel in Utah, budgeting is often top of mind for both the builder and the homeowner. While the design details and finishes are exciting to plan, one of the most important aspects of the construction budget is often overlooked: the contingency budget.

A contingency budget is not a "nice-to-have." It is a necessary financial safeguard that ensures your dream home stays on track even when unexpected costs arise. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a contingency budget is, why it’s essential in the context of Utah luxury builds, how much to allocate, and how to use it strategically.

Utah is full of historic homes that tell a story — from the brick-lined streets of The Avenues to the Craftsman porches of Liberty Wells and the vintage charm of Provo’s tree-lined districts. These homes weren’t just built — they were crafted, often by hand, using materials and methods that are now rare or even obsolete.

But what happens when your beautiful 1920s bungalow needs modern upgrades? How do you renovate for today’s comfort, efficiency, and code requirements without erasing what makes your home so special?

At Citizen Builders, we’ve worked on historic renovations across Salt Lake and Utah counties. We believe that with the right team, it’s absolutely possible to preserve a home’s character and meet modern codes — without compromising on quality, comfort, or style.

Here’s everything you need to know before you pick up a sledgehammer.

If you’re building a new home or diving into a major renovation, one of the biggest questions that comes up early — and often — is:

“When should I start picking out my finishes?”

And here’s our honest answer: as soon as possible.

The moment demo starts (or even before), the clock is ticking. That means it’s time to start locking in decisions — because finishes don’t magically appear when it’s time to install them. They need to be selected, sourced, ordered, shipped, delivered — and sometimes even backordered or custom-made.

Delays in decision-making often lead to delays in construction. It’s one of the most common (and easily avoidable) reasons timelines get thrown off. Let’s walk through what finishes actually are, why timing matters, and which items need to be on your radar early.

Renovating your home is an exciting venture, but it’s also a complex process filled with potential pitfalls. While the allure of DIY projects and cost-cutting measures can be tempting, working with a professional builder is one of the best investments you can make. A skilled builder ensures that your renovation is done efficiently, safely, and correctly the first time, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run. In this blog, we’ll explore why hiring a builder is the smartest decision for your renovation project and how it can prevent costly mistakes.

Thinking about a home remodel but feeling overwhelmed by the details? You're not alone. The idea of transforming your space is exciting, but the process can often seem complex and intimidating. That’s where we come in. Our structured, transparent, and streamlined approach ensures that your vision turns into reality without unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re dreaming of a gourmet kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, or a full home renovation, we break down the process into three clear steps: Consultation, Design & Planning, and Build. Here’s a closer look at how we take your ideas and transform them into a beautifully remodeled space.

When designing or remodeling a luxury home, countertops are a crucial element that ties the space together while providing practical functionality. With so many materials available, it can be overwhelming to determine which is the best fit for your style and lifestyle. Each material comes with its own set of strengths and challenges, making it essential to weigh the options carefully. Below, we explore some of the top countertop materials favored in luxury homes, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.

Utah’s housing market is booming, driven by rapid population growth, major economic developments, and exciting upcoming events like the Winter Olympics. For homeowners, this presents a unique opportunity to build wealth, increase property value, and generate rental income by investing in an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

At Citizen Builders, we specialize in constructing high-quality, custom ADUs tailored to your vision. Here’s why now is the perfect time to invest in an ADU, the costs involved, and how this smart addition can secure your financial future.

Building an ADU in Salt Lake City is no small feat. The city's regulations are strict, and the permit approval process can be lengthy. However, our team’s expertise in navigating local ordinances ensured we were one of the 17 projects approved for construction. From the initial designs to securing permits, every step was handled with precision to meet the city’s requirements while staying true to the client’s vision.

This meticulous process laid the groundwork for what would become a stunning and functional space that blends seamlessly with the existing property.

Remodeling a home or commercial space is an exciting yet complex undertaking. Whether you're looking to update your kitchen, expand your office, or give your home a complete makeover, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to budget overruns, delays, or dissatisfaction with the final results. At Citizen Builders, we specialize in making the remodeling process seamless and stress-free, while ensuring that common mistakes are avoided.

At Citizen Builders, we thrive on turning design visions into reality, blending functionality with aesthetics to craft spaces that leave lasting impressions. Our recent project with Back Nine, a golf simulator company in Lehi, Utah, presented an exciting challenge: to create a luxurious, cigar-lounge-inspired atmosphere that also accommodates cutting-edge technology and practical use for their four golf simulator bays.

With moody lighting, coffered ceilings, wood slat walls, and rich wood accents, the Back Nine remodel stands as a testament to our ability to balance sophistication and functionality.

The choice of flooring can significantly impact the aesthetic, functionality, and overall value of a home. With a myriad of options available, understanding the pros and cons of each type of flooring is essential in making informed decisions that align with your clients' needs and preferences. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 different types of flooring, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks, while identifying the trendiest, most sustainable, and most timeless options in today's market.

At Citizen Builders, we believe that luxury is more than just a word—it’s a commitment. Every home we build is a testament to unparalleled quality, thoughtful design, and meticulous craftsmanship. But behind every masterpiece is a team of talented individuals who share our dedication to excellence. It’s not just about what we build; it’s about who we build with.