Tips for finishing a basement ceiling on a budget?
by Marta Holmes
+4
I would love to finish the ceiling in my basement inexpensively It is an area that sometimes gets water on the floor -I would love to cover the insulation ,plumbing and heat and air vents
5 answers
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![Jcraw]()
Jcraw
on Jun 24, 2018
https://www.homedepot.com/p/BOEN-15-ft-x-20-ft-Fire-Retardant-Construction-Tarp-CT-1520/203445799https://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_BwEWith 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. -
![Ken]()
Ken
on Jun 28, 2018
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. -
![Ken]()
Ken
on Jul 01, 2018
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. -
![Marta Holmes]()
Marta Holmes
on Jul 02, 2018
Thank you -
![William]()
William
on Jul 13, 2018
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.
Jcraw
on Jun 24, 2018
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