Contest winners Matt and Anne Edwards, with 10-month-old daughter Katherine, won a grand prize of a $25,000 basement makeover from Matrix Basement Finishing System.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Matt and Anne Edwards home in Arlington Heights. The Edwards won a grand prize of a $25,000 Basement Makeover.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Matt Edwards, right, talks about his new basement with Matrix Basement Finishing System co-owner and president Nick Richmond, director of sales, left, and co-owner Brian Barrick.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Before winning the basement makeover, Arlington Heights residents Matt and Anne Edwards primarily used their basement for storage.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

Matt and Anne Edwards had begun removing painted paneling from their basement walls before their do-it-yourself project stalled.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

Ugliest Basement contest winners Matt and Anne Edwards with 10-month-old daughter Katherine in their newly finished basement in Arlington Heights.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer