My basement is ugly and scary...where do I start to finishing it??

Lisa Arciniega
by Lisa Arciniega
  7 answers
  • My first step would be to bring in light and clean up/lighten the walls (maybe they need sheetrock or paneling). Also floor should be something you want to comfortably walk on. Starting with the basics and then moving into more detail should help.

  • Jennifer | CrazyDiyMom Jennifer | CrazyDiyMom on Feb 06, 2018

    Can you share a picture? How do you want to finish it? With a ceiling, drywall and flooring? Or are you look for cost effective ways to make it feel more comfortable?

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 06, 2018

    Is there sheetrock on the walls?

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 06, 2018

    Well that is not very specific, what's scary about it? dark, damp, smelly, etc?

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Feb 06, 2018

    Hi Lisa,

    Basically you have to start by making a plan. How do you want to use your basement? Do you want a separate laundry room or side room that you can use as a pantry? Do you want just painted concrete walls or do you want some kind of paneling on them? Do you need more light fixtures? Do you want a workshop or craft room. To keep it simple, you could start by using a white primer on the walls and whatever color you want for the concrete floors. Just be sure you get the proper type of paint. Once you've cleaned that part up, you might be able to figure out a plan.


    As you're planning, I would suggest that you use the best tool of our age - the internet. Use the search words such as ' update basement ' or ' remodel basement ' ( don't use the ' ) When you land on the next page, look near the top for the word "images". You'll find so many ideas it might blow your mind. ;) (Just kidding) But seriously there are a lot of ideas online. If you use Google.com to search, you can click on the image and a box on the right side will come up. Click on the word "Visit" to find the webpage where google found the image. (I haven't seen that last option on Bing.com) Sometimes it's how someone did it and sometimes it's a picture from a company that's selling their work, but in either case, it's still an idea. Wishing you the best!

    • See 1 previous
    • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Feb 06, 2018

      You're welcome Lisa. I totally understand about finding the time! Even though I am retired, it seems that I'm busy all the time. I guess that's just life.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 06, 2018

    Most basements are dark. So do what you can to lighten the area. Paint walls, a good area rug, think about updating the lighting, waterproof if needed with a good masonary product. What do you intend to do with this new area? Some people put the washer and dryer down there, some use just for storage, others make it an extension of their home.

  • Lisa Arciniega Lisa Arciniega on Feb 06, 2018

    Thanks all! I will post a picture tonight. You’ll see how it’s mostly just unfinished with rafters, concrete walls, ancient carpet and LOTS of places for spiders to hide (aka scary)!