When we built three years ago our plans called for LVL beams and about 12 posts throughout the basement to support the main level.  I took the plans to an engineer and said i wanted to use steel beams and to try and reduce the posts.  It went from 12 to five posts.  We finished the basement last winter and I was able to hide all but one of them.  1,800 square feet of open space makes for a LOT of fun!