I have a unfinished basement, and my dream was to have it finished. now the contractor gives me an estimation of 16500/= and i need to decide fast. my basement is crawl, 26 by 30 feet, including carpeting, (burber) wash room and standing shower(no rooms). I don't want to let go the opurtinity, please advice, is it a good deal.
also please advice what to look for specifically when finishing basement.
thanks, but hurry

 

If its a good deal, it'll still be there tomorrow. Why the rush (pressure) to make a decision right now?

Get at least 2 more estimates.

 

Newtohome:

Can you give a little more detail on the project? Drywall throughout or drop ceiling? Extent of the plumbing? Extent of the electrical?

I am currently having my basement done at a cost of $23/SF with extensive carpentry, cabinets, bathroom, etc.

 

The range of variables is really incredible. The only way to get even an approximate feel is to get several bids for exactly the same job. You need to know how much electrical power you will get, what size and type of plumbing, what fixtures (a sink faucet goes anywhere from $19 to $2000 -- you don't need the $2000 faucet, but you surely don't want the $19 faucet!), etc. Ask about heating registers, return registers, how many coats of paint and what kind, how the trim will be painted, what kind of lighting (fluorescent is cheaper than can lights), what kind of toilet (all Kohler toilets are not created equal), what kind of tub (fiberglass, steel, iron), whether you will get any tile (wall and/or floor), whether you get greenboard or cement board under the tile, what grade of tile, whether you get bullnose trim, what kind of bathroom light, sink, vanity, what grade of carpet, how much insulation, ... Will you upgrade the windows? Will you get finished storage under the stairs? Is there a bedroom involved? Will it all be done under permit and inspected (yes!!)? Do you want any built-in shelving?

Make sure you get enough electrical power (in watts -- not just number of outlets) and enough heat. You don't really want to have to add more of either later.

Ask a lot of questions, and get bids that you can compare apples-to-apples.