I would think the next thing would be to check the walls for dampness and have a humidity check on your basement. You sound as if the basement has not been used before as a living area but perhaps as a storage or laundry area.
I would want electrical outlets everywhere! So that I would reconfigure my sewing area as the whim hit me. All my sewing machines set up permanently, small ironing area, large ironing area, cutting table set up high so I didn't have to bend over, etc. Portable lighting, permanent lighting, etc. Tv, computer, radio - the list goes on. Good luck.