13 Ridgecrest Rd

Basement Reno

Phase: Pre-contract Deadline Nov 15
Last updated July 5, 2026. Maintained by Claude; send Tony's texts and emails to Jeff's Claude session to keep this current.
Contract quote
$64.6–69.5K
depends on HVAC choice
Plan for all-in
$80–120K
base scope → full Concept 1
Spent so far
$0
nothing signed yet
Build window
4–6 wks
must start by Sep 21

Next up

In order. The first two are blockers for everything below them.

1
Text Tony: pricing check + flooring spec (measurements are done)
Jeff, this week. Share the magicplan scan, ask whether the March pricing still holds, and any flooring requirements (type, thickness, vapor barrier compatibility, overage).
2
Finish the design spec + floor plan
Jeanette leads, Jeff assists. Fill in the brackets in the Design Spec working doc: mainly which walls get the mirror, storage built-in, bar, and media wall on the floor plan v3. Tony can't price the additions without this.
3
Pick HVAC Option 1 or 2
Jeff + Jeanette, by Jul 18. Option 1: two heads, $14,138, Tony's pick for even heating and cooling. Option 2: one head, $9,244, saves $4,894.
4
Walk the spec + plan with Tony, get additions priced
Jeff + Jeanette. Every Concept 1 item not in his quote gets a written price before signing.

Design direction

Concept 1, "Light Scandinavian Spa" (Jeanette, Jul 5). Full board · Design Spec doc · Floor plan v3 (to scale) (edit) · magicplan scan

ElementSelection
Measured shellMain room 892 sq ft, 33' x 34' 6", ceiling 9' 3¾", 1,429 sq ft of paintable wall. Storage rooms: 12' x 22.5' behind gym wall + 80" x 90" behind TV area, both scope TBD. Laundry (75" x 160") stays put
LayoutThree zones: gym + wellness, kids play area, lounge / TV / dry bar. Laundry, storage, walk-in closet, pump/HVAC stay put
FlooringWoodura Oak Nature, Natural, throughout. Gym zone gets equipment mats on top where needed
Walls & ceilingBenjamin Moore Pale Oak
AccentsWhite oak slat panels, matte black hardware, textured wool rug
Lighting2700K warm LED, layered: recessed, sconces, LED strips

In the concept but NOT in Tony's quote: dry bar with beverage fridge, built-in storage wall, white oak slat accent wall, gym mirror wall, and layered lighting (his electrical line only covers replacing switches and outlets). Per the proposal, every one of these is a written change order at extra cost. Get them priced before signing so the contract reflects the real project.

Timeline

Back-planned from the November 15 deadline. Dates left of the arrow are the latest safe dates; earlier is better.

Budget

From the Galactic Construction proposal, March 24, unsigned. Flooring is bought by you and is not in the quote.

ItemAmountNotes
Basement refinishing (demo, walls, trim, paint, flooring install)$51,700Includes dumpster and debris removal
Electrical (switches, outlets, heat pump lines)$3,670
HVAC Option 1: mini-split, 2 heads$14,138Tony's recommendation for balanced air
HVAC Option 2: mini-split, 1 head$9,244Pick one. Difference is $4,894
Contract total$64,614 – $69,508depending on HVAC choice
Flooring materials (you buy): Woodura, whole floor~$7,000 – 10,000892 sq ft measured; order ~950–1,000 sq ft. +~290 sq ft if storage room 1 gets finished
Concept 1 additions: dry bar + fridge, built-ins, slat wall, mirror, layered lighting~$15,000 – 35,000Placeholder until Tony prices each; wide because finish level drives it
PermitsTBDBilled extra per the proposal. Unresolved
Contingency, 10%~$7,000Changes must be written orders and cost extra
Realistic all-in$80K base · $95–120K full Concept 1Funding: cash reserves. Decide which additions make the cut before signing

Payment schedule per proposal: 25% at signing, 25% after demo, 25% after flooring install, 25% at completion. On the Option 1 total that is about $17,377 per milestone. Hold the last payment until the punch list is done.

What we order vs. what Tony handles

Based on Concept 1 at the finish level Jeanette is going for. Dollar figures are rough placeholders until Tony gives measurements and prices.

ItemWho buysRough costWhen
Woodura Oak Nature flooring: 892 sq ft measured, order ~950–1,000 sq ftUs$7,000–10,000Measured via magicplan. Order once Tony confirms spec. Gates the schedule
Light fixtures: sconces, LED strips, recessed trims (2700K)Us (Tony installs)$2,500–5,000Pick by mid-Aug so electrical rough-in matches
Beverage fridge for the dry barUs$1,500–3,500Pick early: cabinetry gets built around its dimensions
Matte black hardware, pulls + door leversUs$300–800Before trim goes in
Gym mirror wallUs or Tony$1,000–2,500Glass shop typically templates after walls are painted
Dry bar cabinetry + counterTony prices first$5,000–12,000Custom vs semi-custom is the big cost lever
Built-in storage wall, kids zoneTony prices first$4,000–10,000Same lever: carpenter-built vs cabinet-line
White oak slat panel wallTony prices first$1,500–4,000Panels are orderable; install labor is his
Gym equipment mats, furniture, rug, kids table, gym equipment, TVUsSeparate budgetAfter construction. Not counted in project total

Sequence that keeps everything on schedule: Tony confirms measurements and prices the additions → we decide what makes the cut → order flooring immediately, fridge and lighting by mid-August → everything else follows the build.

Decisions

DecisionStatusOwnerNotes
Contractor: Galactic ConstructionDecidedJeff + JeanetteOnly quote obtained; no comparison bids
Deadline: November 15, 2026DecidedJeff + Jeanette
HVAC Option 1 vs Option 2OpenJeff + JeanetteNeeded before signing
Flooring product + colorIn progressJeanetteConcept 1 pick: Woodura Oak Nature, Natural. Confirm spec + measurements with Tony before ordering
Gym zone flooring: wood throughout, mats on topDecided Jul 5Jeff + JeanetteOne flooring order, simpler install; buy equipment mats with the gym gear later
Paint colors, walls + trimIn progressJeanetteConcept 1 pick: Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, walls + ceiling
Layout / furniture planIn progressJeanetteConcept 1 zoning: gym / kids / lounge + bar. Under review with Tony
Concept 1 additions: bar, built-ins, slat wall, lightingOpenJeff + Jeanette + TonyNeed Tony's price on each before signing; then keep or cut per budget

Ask Tony before signing

Answers get logged here as they come in.

  1. Is the March proposal pricing still valid? Any changes before we sign?
  2. What permits does this job need (electrical, HVAC)? Who files, and what does it cost?
  3. What is your earliest start date, and how far out are you booking?
  4. Any requirements on the flooring we buy: type, thickness, compatibility with your vapor barrier? How much overage should we order?
  5. How long after signing do you need before you can start?
  6. Can you send proof of license and an insurance certificate?
  7. Does the 4 to 6 week estimate cover electrical and HVAC too, or just the refinishing?
  8. Where does the dumpster go, and for how long?
  9. Where does the outside condenser sit? Any setback rules to check?
  10. What are the daily work hours, and does anyone need to be home?
  11. Measurements: DONE Jul 5 via magicplan scan (892 sq ft, ceiling 9' 3¾", wall area 1,429 sq ft).
  12. Price each Concept 1 addition separately: dry bar + counter, built-in storage wall, slat panel wall, mirror wall, layered lighting (recessed, sconces, LED).
  13. Paint: confirm you supply it and the spec is Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, walls and ceiling. Paintable wall area measures 1,429 sq ft.
  14. The two storage rooms (12' x 22.5' behind the gym wall, 80" x 90" behind the TV area): what would it cost to include either in the finish scope?

Contacts & documents

Contractor
Tony · Galactic Construction
914-469-9900
225 Highlands Dr, Pawling NY. Text first, email fine.
Project folder
Contract & quotes, design, permits, invoices, photos, notes
The quote
March 24, unsigned