What Should I look for.
I've got a 2400 sf house i'm rehabbing in upstate ny. 1200 sf is above and 1200 sf is basement. Should i consider finishing the basement to get the max out of the sale? Can that be done in a 2 week period? What are some other things that add a lot of value to a home when rehabbing. This is my first rehab and i've tried putting myself in the buyer's shoes, but if i rehab the house using my own criteria, i'll be rehabbing for months putting in too much stuff. Does anyone have any ideas. 
kmb,
I am a recovering electrician, and my father is a general contractor, for what it's worth. Here is my thought.
If you are SURE the basement is dry, Go For It.
Here's one way to do it quickly, relatively cheaply, and professionally. Call Commerical contractors who DON'T do residential work. Ask the contractor to reccomend some of his guys to do it on the side. I GUARANTEE some of their employees do residential work on the side for extra money. They are cheaper than hiring the contractors, they are professionals, and they are eager to get the job done so they can get paid. This should help to widen your profit margin, and you've made some good contacts for the next rehab or for repairs on any rentals you might own.
It's a win for everyone involved because you get the good work for less money, the contractor almost never has a problem with his guys working on the side, as long as they aren't competing with him, and the guys you hire meet a guy that will help them buy their new fishing boat. Just make sure the guys you hire have their own insurance and stuff.
Good luck,
Lou the electrician
Hey lou,
Thanks I really appreciate the advice.
Kmb
Don't get emotional or think your going to live there. To much stuff is throwing your money off the bus.
another basement option I've used is one room down there. Familys love that .
alo finish the laundry area.
Save your money. In my state you cant claim a finished basement as living space unless it has large enough windows or doors for a fire exit.
DONT FINISH THE BASEMENT JUST DO THE REPAIRES ON THE FIRST FLOOR PAINT,SPACKLE, MAYBE NEW FIXTURES OR CARPET
REMEMBER YOU WANT TO BE IN AND OUT AS FAST AS POSSIBLE YOUR NOT FIXING YOUR HOUSE YOUR MAKING A LIVING
Hi KMB,
I build, inspect and design homes for clients. When it comes to basements I typically advise against them.
On a square footage basis, you never get your money out of them.....on a personal
then it may be different.
You can ask any RE agent or just go to the tax assesment office and they will tell you the sf. price they appraise basements at......
Personally I would not finish it but just state to potential buyers the "possibilities" the unfinished basement can offer.....etc.
Good luck.