The idea in cheaply finishing basements to turn utility space into living space used to be that as long as the finished separated the exterior conditions of the below-grade concrete walls from the internal environment of the basement, typically by running a 4-mil plastic sheet along the concrete walls, the finisher didn't have to worry about using normal above-grade building materials to finish the basement.This turned out to be false, as was proven out over time. 

If you are looking at Cleveland give the Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read.

LL is knock-off grade products, mostly. 

@Nadya OstroffFirst thing is ALWAYS check for positive grade, sloping away from the house. 

My kids are little - kindergarten and first grade, and I don't even do everything for them.

Re grade drainage issues around houses .

My God....Such a simple question: would you pay to replace the neighbors fence, and instead I feel like I'm teaching a second grade class on basic reading comprehension and critical thinking, explaining the same basic things over and over again to you and ONE other guy.

I wouldn't pay an upfront fee at a pharmacy before they can help me.

I get the mid grade filters.

Damaged hardwood &/or laminate is going to be much more expensive to replace than contractor grade carpeting.Having carpet cleaned isn't that expensive.