I live in a 100 year old house that has a large basement, half of which is cement and half of which is dirt. The problem I have with this is the smell associated with the dirt floor permeates the whole house, especially in damp weather. I would like to know the most cost effective way to cover the dirt. I would use this space for storage only, I do not want to finish it. I have considered cement, but would like to know some alternatives. Thanks!

I am in process of finishing my basement and I am nearing time to have the rough in inspection. When I built the shower into my bathroom, I had to build a subfloor to set the shower on so the system would work (Saniflush ejector pump system). When I built the subfloor, I used regular untreated lumber and put 6mm plastic between the 2x6 and the concrete floor. Since hind site is 20/20, I wish I would have used treated lumber and no 6mm plastic. Do you think the setup I have will pass inspection (i.e. no untreated lumber can touch masonry)? I am concerned that if I leave it the way it is and it passes inspection, that mold will start growing between the concrete floor and the plastic and if the shower leaks, the water will set on the plastic and rot out the untreated wood. I'm in a catch 22. Any suggestions? Here is a pic [url]http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2963&size=big&password=&sort=1&thecat=[/url]