Hello. We purchased a new home that was completed in June 2004. It is a concrete poured basement with 9 ft. ceilings. There is no insulation present on the ceiling. There is a strange odor down there. We've never had water damage. It is not a walkout basement either. We have an oil tank down there for our oil heating system. My husband would like to finish the basment, but I'm afraid to do it because I'm afraid I won't be able to live with the smell. It doesn't smell like a musty smell either. We have an inactive sump pump down there, but it is all sealed up. Bugs are able to somehow make their way in because I do see spider webs, dead crickets and other bugs. We also have a radon system in place and working, so I don't think that could be the cause. Any help or thoughts would greatly be appreciated. Also, we live in eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley area.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MaMiMoBa Mom,

Check into basement ventilation systems, You can look at www.thebasementguys.com at the AVS system, but they don’t service your area maybe this will point you in the right direction.

The odd smell very possibly could be your oil tank, or your oil burner. Check very carefully for leaks at the tank and oil burner, and check to make sure the oil tank is vented properly, and make sure, if it is, that the vent is not clogged.

Thank you both! I'll look into both of your suggestions.