How would you “Finish” this basement?
Purchased this house ~2 years ago and would like to do something to make the basement more usable. The previous owners had an interior French drain installed around the perimeter and the steel beams added about 10 years ago. Have not had any moisture or water problems since living here, but I don’t necessarily want to frame/drywall just in case.
My ideal is that I make the walls look a little nicer somehow (the “newer” mortar is not a good look) and add a wall to close off the space used as a home gym. Eventually would plan to build a bar by the stairs.
My questions:
- Since the previous owners already painted the cement block walls, is my only real choice to just touch up with paint or cover with paneling / drywall to make it look better?
- What can I do for flooring? The slab is relatively uneven, which I feel limits my options.
- Any just general advice on what makes the most sense for a basement that historically had water issues, but seemingly does not anymore?