Thanks Mikie, again! It is the same one I tried to install. It has their toolbar. Its almost impossible to get rid of it once installed. They have made it mandatory to take their seach toolbar with the free ZA. Probably even throw it in with the paid version. Last year you could install by clicking 'skip all offers' but even clicking it installs the search toolbar. I'm running Win XP and need a firewall. Jane

If you are going to paint with dry-lock the dust issue will be lessened. There is a picture of a poster who did the black paint on the ceiling thing. I haven't seen the finished room but it does disguise the unfinished look. This technique is very popular in restaurants. Once you get living down there the dust issue will be dealt with, with regular cleanings. I like the light paint idea for light better. I am not a fan of dark caves myself. I too would go with scraping and re-painting the floor. I did my laundry room in white and it not only holds up it is easier to sweep. I did mine in Kilz/water lock cement block paint. I would not invest in much if you aren't up for the full job. Three houses tells me no one wants to hang out in what feels like a basement. How old are your kids? Maybe you would be better off to create an indoor play ground down there? Hang a few swings from the rafters, get some toys on wheels let the kids do more gross motor play down there. I also kept all play-dough play downstairs. Without finished walls, warmth, heat source and lots of light, the more natural the better, it just will never be a second family room, in my experience.

The price doesn't sound too bad to me, considering there is re-texturing involved and the removal/replacement of trim. I agree it would be nice to have all the texture match.

I think it should be consistent one way or another. With the brick, I don’t think the wainscoting is necessary but if you like it, I would be consistent. Your wall with the doors/ windows is a nice feature of your space. Good luck!