Need HELP ADVICE and TIPS for Building a Room

[NautcaSprt6]

Well Im the type of guy that is handy for everything.
I like to build and make things as well as install things.
Pretty much all of my friends call me first when there is a problem or if something needs to be done.

Yesterday my friend asked me to take a look at his apt that he is moving into and his room has a closet that is just a mess.
the floor and walls are concrete and the ceiling has pipes.
I told him I can put up sheet rock on the walls, but Im not sure about the ceiling.
I never did this before but I know that I can do it with my handy skills.
Im just asking for advice.
I was also thinking of adding a couple of poles to hang clothes and some shelves.

I know Ill need the usual sheet rock and wood beams, and how about those metal things that you put the wood beams in for the corner?
also, how would I go about making a celing if I do?

I pretty much have the layout in my mind, but I wanted to get some helpful hints and tips or if there is anything major that I will need.
I will not be doing the electricity so no worries about that.

Regards
Bert

BTW, Tim, maybe you can hlp me cause I know u did a project a while back.....

[GoofyTimL]

I've done a couple actually... but in reality the contractors did it, not me. I don't have the patience or the time it would take me to do such things.

Sounds like you've got the drywall thing down for the walls. Just use furring strips and add some 1/2in foam insulation. On the floor I'd look at the composite cork flooring like I did in our basement... makes for a soft and warm surface (perfect for sock feet and a closet).

If the pipes up near the ceiling are the kind of pipes to which you need access, then I'd suggest a suspended ceiling. I have done that type of install, and in a small space that shouldn't be too difficult at all. Thereby you can maintain the needed access to the pipes. You'll just need approx. 1.5-2 in clearance above the top of the panels in order to get them in or out.

What about light in the closet? Options are a can system incorporated into the ceiling (more difficult), or just a socket on one wall with a pull chord. Depends on how "public" this closet will be.

[pipsdad]

You have not mentioned the size of said closet. It would be good to know this in order to make a recommendation regarding the ceiling!

[NautcaSprt6]

Originally Posted by GoofyTimL

I've done a couple actually... but in reality the contractors did it, not me. I don't have the patience or the time it would take me to do such things.

Sounds like you've got the drywall thing down for the walls. Just use furring strips and add some 1/2in foam insulation. On the floor I'd look at the composite cork flooring like I did in our basement... makes for a soft and warm surface (perfect for sock feet and a closet).

If the pipes up near the ceiling are the kind of pipes to which you need access, then I'd suggest a suspended ceiling. I have done that type of install, and in a small space that shouldn't be too difficult at all. Thereby you can maintain the needed access to the pipes. You'll just need approx. 1.5-2 in clearance above the top of the panels in order to get them in or out.

What about light in the closet? Options are a can system incorporated into the ceiling (more difficult), or just a socket on one wall with a pull chord. Depends on how "public" this closet will be.

There already is a light in there and I will put the sheet rock around it.
Im not gonna be doing any electrical work.

Originally Posted by pipsdad

You have not mentioned the size of said closet. It would be good to know this in order to make a recommendation regarding the ceiling!

Its about 10-4 feet big.

[jjs]

Before you do anything, I would make sure hte management/landlord doesn't care that you are modifying their building.

[NautcaSprt6]

Originally Posted by jjs

Before you do anything, I would make sure hte management/landlord doesn't care that you are modifying their building.

Na, im in the clear, so thats ok.

[crhemi]

Burt- Shoot us some pictures and take some measurements, then we can give accurate advice/direction from there.
Bill

[chasb]

...if there is room and clearance. I believe you need around 10" from the original ceiling down to be able to run the metal runners for the dropped ceiling and be able to slide in the tiles

Use the 24" square tiles not the 24 x 48 so they are easier to work with.

You can get all of the material and a how to guide fom Home Depot or Lowes.

[italianguy63]

You could sheetrock the ceiling too-- 24" centers on 2 x 4s if the span isn't too long... you said 4'... so no sweat there. if there is a light fixture there you could drop it (the box) onto one of the 2 x 4's or install one of those cheap plastic (blue) boxes from home depot.. the sheetrock is the cheap way to go-- but a pain to do all the taping and texture-- (more labor).

[srt8danno]

Bert when you get this done give me a call and I’ll have you whip up my new 20 x 40 addition.