Tips for finishing a basement ceiling on a budget?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BOEN-15-ft-x-20-ft-Fire-Retardant-Construction-Tarp-CT-1520/203445799

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-50-sq-ft-Reflective-Roll-Insulation-24-in-W-x-25-ft-L/3011904?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-LumberAndBuildingMaterials-_-Insulation-_-3011904:Reflectix&CAWELAID=&kpid=3011904&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1149&k_clickID=c89c4a81-b464-4514-a0df-df28b8f6c15b&gclid=CjwKCAjwgr3ZBRAAEiwAGVssnW3904IIhgSI4UZN9_2cHpqQ3khCIN4OTdyox7znRwNmMeXig9grZxoCEEcQAvD_BwE

With all those wires hanging, I’d call in an electrician to make sure everything is safe Before closing it off. I know it’s an old house, but no real electrician leaves wires in that condition.

The coverings above are not perfect, but can be used in strips to cover your ceiling once the wiring is secure. They are relatively fire retardant and heat resistant. The roll insulation is, I imagine very moisture resistant as well. .

I envision you cutting the tarp in wide strips and stapling to the beams. Just staple the roll. You’ll need friends to help and laugh a lot. You can always tape seams with the tape they use on HVC systems. It’s silver and lightweight.

Paint any pipes if they offend your eye, very urban chic.

Good luck.

Please call an electrician Before doing anything.

You can contact one, explaining the problem, thru angieslist.com, thumbtack.com, or homesdvisor.com. They vet the contractor. Angie’s List lets you read customer reviews.

Some of those pipes are hanging really low and will have to be tied up higher but this looks like an ideal place for a suspended ceiling. That way you can always lift out a tile when something needs attention. Lights for suspended ceilings are the same size (2'x4') as the tiles and are called "troffers". They will provide plenty of light.

Thanks for all of the pictures. I wish more of our fellow hometalkers would provide this level of information when asking a question. Allows us to provide a meaningful answer.

You've got a lot of work ahead to tighten up all of those hanging-down things but it will be great. Please share photos along the way and when your new ceiling is in. A lot of Hometalkers will take inspiration from your project.

Thank you

I'm surprised that your heat and AC is working. All those insulated ducts hanging so precariously. And all that dangerous electrical. A suspended ceiling is you best solution. But you need to take care of the ducts and electrical first.