The rule in one paragraph
Utah Admin Code R156-55a-301w lets an R101 licensee remodel or repair an existing structure if two things stay true: no change to bearing portions, including footings and weight-bearing walls, and the project or related series of projects does not exceed $50,000 including materials and labor. That is not a marketing preference. It is the classification. A quote that 'sort of' includes a bearing-wall opening is not an R101 quote.
What usually fits
Paint, drywall, interior doors, trim, closets, a laundry refresh that keeps the hookups, a mudroom built inside existing walls, a basement finish that stays under the cap. Several rooms can sit on one contract if the total stays under $50,000. If the wish list would blow the cap, we cut rooms or phase. Phasing is how you stay legal, not how we hide a larger job.
What never fits on our card
Additions. Load-bearing changes. New plumbing systems. New electrical systems. HVAC. Roofing. Weather-exposed siding. Those go to the license that holds them. We can still finish around that work after it is done and inspected. Ask for the split on paper. A single number that mixes a new circuit into 'remodel' is how homeowners buy unlicensed electrical.
Bottom line
R101 is non-structural finishing under $50,000. Paint, drywall, interior doors, and room refreshes fit. Additions, bearing changes, and MEP systems do not. Write the split. Phase if the total would cross the line.
Questions
What is a Utah R101 contractor allowed to remodel?
Non-structural remodeling and repair of existing residential and small-commercial buildings, with no change to bearing portions, and a total under $50,000 including labor and materials.
Can you combine two rooms to stay under $50,000?
Yes, several rooms can sit on one project if the honest total stays under the cap. A related series that is really one job still counts toward the $50,000.
Does R101 include plumbing and electrical?
No. Those trades are referred to a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician. We sequence the finish around them.
What if my remodel is $60,000 of honest work?
Then it is outside R101 as a single project. We can phase a legal portion or refer you to a classification that covers the larger job. We will not stretch the cap.
