"I can't think of anyone in the construction business who would be happy with a customer looking over their shoulder and micromanaging every detail of the installation." Yes, and no. I can assure you that as a customer, I have no interest in and am also not happy about micromanaging a job. Unfortunately, I live and learn almost every single time when someone does work on my house. And these are all highly recommended and certainly not cheap companies. In fact, I'm sure the owners would have appreciated it had I micromanaged their workers. (Like a "painter" not bothering to open the windows when painting windows on the outside and the still not only be half painted but all windows painted shut. The company owner was mortified and furious. Or roofers not bothering to cover up the outside faucets before removing the heavy cedar shingles despite my telling them. Well, yes, one faucet broke off; again, an unhappy roof company owner.) Greenhaven, what tiles are these? Thinking about something like this for my finished basement.

Yah...$10 - $12/sf for materials+install is the going rate around here (super hot Canadian housing market). And that does NOT include the subfloor prep. To my ears/eyes the $10/sf quote is absolutely normal. I often tell people that you can then budget another $1-$4/sf for subfloor prep. The $1/sf prep is a little bit of work here and there. The $4/sf subfloor prep would be one of the worst subfloors you have ever seen = almost a week worth of work just to get it ready. Both the $1/sf and the $4/sf range are rare. It is more common to see the $2/sf range for subfloor prep. Much more common. If you take that benchmark into consideration, you will have a pretty firm grasp of what is a head of you. And remember: that subfloor prep is required for EVERYTHING else - other than carpet. No matter what you choose, that $2/sf is going to be there no matter what. For me, that means if you want tile then get tile. There is no escaping the prep nor the cost.

Although it is not your glam, the color is neutral gray and that fits your scheme. I wish there was one w/out the faux FP, but that might be a feature that draws him to it. What will go in it? Glass doors are nice to protect DVD players, etc. https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/collections.jsp?categoryId=cat3850077 change knobs for a glam look https://www.livingspaces.com/pdp-sinclair-grey-74-inch-tv-console-94752?utm_medium=products&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Ci_PLA_Shopping_II&landing=product_listing&lsft=utm_source:google,utm_medium:cpc,utm_campaign:Shopping_Tier_3,adgroup:Furniture_Media_TV_Console&gclid=CjwKCAiA_ojVBRAlEiwAOLRxI7YqPXsPiJjGVJCLi0iQrfVHAy3b-0lXAn0Sqkj58Lnn2SY9f9c_OxoC9tsQAvD_BwE

Your pictures didn't post. It's always best to keep flooring as consistent as you can throughout the house. If replacing the hallway flooring to match the bedrooms would help add consistency, you might consider adding that to your project. I have both carpet and floating laminate plank flooring in my home and really enjoy the ease of cleaning of the laminate.