If you are comparing quotes and costs, make sure you have detailed quotes. That way you can compare apples to apples.
Also, ask your contractors what is not included in quote. There are always details not decided upon till the last stages...that's why many renos always go over budget. For a small basement, while hiring a contractor quotes between $20-30K would be in the ballpark. The specifics of what you put into the job effect the price.
I am a local Calgary contractor. We do lots of basements. I just finished one start to finish for $24,000. Customers were thrilled. Completed in 5 weeks. If you are looking to simply get it done quick, and in the most cost effective way, call me for a quote, and I will show you all the corners to cut and the ones not to cut so you can do the job properly. Quotes are free!
www.macdonaldcontracting.ca
403.399.0459