Drop ceilings and drywall both offer suitable basement ceiling options. It's a matter of what works best for your situation and preferences. Read more: Features That Could Wreck Your Home's Value.

Easier to install than drywall, a suspended ceiling allows simple access to overhead mechanical systems. It's comprised of a grid that supports 2 x 4- or 2 x 2-ft. panels.

While simply replacing a drywall ceiling isn’t much more expensive than that, ceiling repair work can cost as much as $90 per square foot depending on what needs to be done.

While a drywall ceiling may be lower cost and more straight-forward to install, a suspended ceiling is still the best option for this application, in my opinion.

Q:What is a drop ceiling? Are there options for replacing one? Answer: Drop ceilings consist of a metal grid that hangs from the ceiling joists and holds panels of various shapes, sizes and ...