Flooring Dilemma/Questions, looking for advice

[Joe P.]

Hi BP -- so I'm actually asking for my current property which has a basement. Here's the skinny:

• We just had someone come and rip out all the flooring (carpet/carpet pad)
• We ripped out the carpet because our cats I think were marking territory (likely from the previous owner's dog marking his), and it grew to a point where we needed to remove the carpet.
• I'm not entirely sure what the ground is under -- clearly its concrete, but with some painting veneer on top (see pictures)?
• I think I would want to put something on top of the concrete, its uneven in some spots, has some weird bubbles/ridges on it
• Total space size is ~350 sq feet, but its not a perfect square or rectangle. Lots of right angles, unfortunately.

Also, the max height of the basement right now is ~75 inches (6'3") and I don't want to lose more height if I can help it.

I'm looking for flooring options based upon budget, and knowing we will continue to have cats. The concrete definitely has some odor to it which I would also like to clean and I am looking for thoughts around landlords who have had to deal with that as well.

Appreciate your insights and thoughts!

[Kristina Heimstaedt]

To add to @David Halprin's point, vinyl is fantastic. Definitely make sure that your subfloor is level. Unless you get the higher quality vinyl, which has a base that helps it hold its shape, the vinyl will flex to the flooring below it. Meaning, you will have gaps and compression points that defeat the attractiveness and functionality of the flooring. 

Probably not the thing that I should be sharing, but I have definitely played beer pong on mine with lots of spills and we wiped it up and moved on like it never happened. Vinyl is as close to idiot proof flooring as you can find.