Bathroom Renovation in Basement

[Thomas Key]

I currently have a toilet and vanity in my basement and I am getting bids to add a shower to make my basement a livable space. The current bathroom is raised up and I am wanting to have the contractor drill into the ground which will be more expensive but at the moment my head is almost touching the ceiling. So if any suggestions on going about that aspect would be helpful!

My question pertains to the flooring and shower pan. Someone suggested at shower receptacle for the base and subway tile the way up. And for the floor (which will be about 50-60 sq ft) 1/2 inch small tile flooring. I received one bid back for tiling at $3200 and waiting on two more bids. I thought the price for tiling was expensive and wanted to get other opinions on this.

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Thomas Key:

So I didn’t specify, I am living in the property. I rent by the room and by putting a full bath downstairs I would rent out my current room. This would become a single family when I move. 

I am not sure why it is raised up. I bought this property below market value so I knew going into it the house had some quirks. The contractors that have been by don’t think I will have to add a pump gonder but are giving me a quote with it included for worst case. What would be the best way to look to see if this half bath was properly permitted? And I’m curious why you would permit this project if it weren’t required? Going into the project I was ready to permit and want to do my best with the city and not get penalized but 3 licensed/bonded contractors have said they would not recommend permitting with such a small project. I am undecided if I will move forward with this project but want to get as much informed thoughts before I make a move! Thanks for this info.

It's raised up so they didn't have to break into the concrete for the drain line. 

This whole scenario stinks. First, do not associate with any Contractors that tell you not to get a permit, like @Matthew Paul said, they do it for their own protection (should anyway).

Call the City Building Dept and ask for a permit history on that address. That will tell you that this does not have a permit. It's already obvious but check anyway.

This is required to have a permit, so just get one and stop worrying about it. @Jonathan Greene has the best answers here. @Kevin Sobilo has great points as well. Do not cheat on a basement build and the egress issues, imagine a fire. You will be discovered and held liable.

Re: the tile floor, you should be paying $2 - $6 per SF for the material and about $4 SF for the install, so your numbers are in line. I'd recommend not using 1/2 " tile. You'll have so many more grout lines and that is where the maintenance issues are.

To be blunt, it sounds like you don't have the funds to do this right, so why bother? Never worth doing things half-***.....