pinchvalve
pinchvalve SuperDork
7/20/11 1:53 p.m.

I am framing in my basement to make new rooms for the doggies and the toilet and some closet space. I am using regular old 2x4s, following a loose plan, and figuring it out as I go along. Any general advice or recommendations? I have already determined that nothing is level or plumb or square in the house, so that makes measurements interesting.

mndsm
mndsm SuperDork
7/20/11 1:59 p.m.

Just make sure you check all your boards- make sure they're straight. If your build is small enough, you can afford to hand pick the lumber at lowesdepot instead of having some delivered.

Grtechguy
Grtechguy SuperDork
7/20/11 2:02 p.m.

16" on center is all I can say

Duke
Duke SuperDork
7/20/11 2:03 p.m.

I'd use screws rather than nails. For interior work you can even go to 24" centers if you want. You'll probably want to do 3-stud corners - since it's all interior, it is irrelevant which variation you pick:

If it's basement stuff I would recommend you use moisture-resistant (MR or greenboard) drywall, just to be on the safe side. Make the bottom plate out of pressure-treated wood since it will be in contact with the ground slab. No need to double the top plate on non-loadbearing partitions.

akamcfly
akamcfly Reader
7/20/11 2:12 p.m.
Duke wrote: I'd use screws rather than nails. For interior work you can even go to 24" centers if you want. You'll probably want to do 3-stud corners - since it's all interior, it is irrelevant which variation you pick: If it's basement stuff I would recommend you use moisture-resistant (MR or greenboard) drywall, just to be on the safe side. Make the bottom plate out of pressure-treated wood since it will be in contact with the ground slab. No need to double the top plate on non-loadbearing partitions.

+1 on PT bottom plate - or "sill seal", or both. The DPO of my house did the basement with neither - I just ripped it all out a few weeks ago.....

Blueboard is also your friend - at least for the lower half of the walls

Jake
Jake HalfDork
7/21/11 8:31 a.m.

I'm planning on:

Insulating block walls with foam board and taping seams

PT baseplate, regular old studs

MR or paperless drywall

Dehumidifier permanently installed and piped to the outside.

Azek/ PVC baseboard

RossD
RossD SuperDork
7/21/11 8:48 a.m.

Make sure you get a building permit for adding in plumbing fixtures or new living spaces. When it comes time to move you might have to do some explaining, rip them out, or pay a fine.

SVreX
SVreX SuperDork
7/21/11 2:20 p.m.

DO NOT use "regular old 2x4's" in contact with masonry walls or floors, unless you would like them to rot.

Pressure treated lumber for masonry contact.

+1 on the building permit. You are adding usable square footage. The bad news is your taxes will go up. The good news is so will your re-sale value.

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