What type of budget should be set for a job of this nature?

Some people have a natural eye for color-for those who don't (90-minute In-Home Color consults range from $95-$350) it can cost you big on the back end by having to repaint if the combo you chose comes off "murky" because your white trim had the wrong base or a popular golden-mustard turns "dirty-diaper" in your lighting.

Specifically, Water, heat, electric, garbage or any other bill of that nature? 

Does anyone have any experience with or any advice on how the basement nature will change the cost?  

I met an investor locally who owns a condo in Nature's Hideaway and he became president there even though he doesn't live in the association.

So naturally I start trying to look in to owner info.

I'd put the sod down, get a different handyman, he doesn't sound to handy, or willing to put down sod.Fall sod usually does well, I did a whole back yard and had the sod company install it, done in a day.Mother nature might be kind and in your favor on this. 

That will come naturally if he sees interest or offers up alternative ideas.  

Any granite/natural stone budget recommendation around Cleveland?

It just does and its because of human nature.