Finish a Basement: A DIY remodeling adventure!
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Check here for information on the tasks you'll need to complete to finish your basement. Complete with the lessons we learned as we remodeled our basement, and tips to help you avoid some of the mistakes we made.
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>Home >Our progress >Framing the office

Framing the office

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I'm getting to the "home stretch" now! It's time to frame in the office.

The first wall was the biggest challenge because I needed to attach the top in a small space between the main duct and the foundation wall. It was a little tough to get into that little cranny. I had to twist and turn several times to get the hammer where I needed it.

Framing around ductwork (again!)

The 2nd wall of the office presented a challenge as well, again because of the ductwork. I needed to frame the first couple of feet to fit under the duct. That went fine, but after I secured the wall, I realized that section was a little "wobbly". I needed to use some creative blocking techniques to secure the wall. Here's how it turned out:

There were several obstacles to work around when framing this doorway into the basement office.

The only challenging part of the 3rd wall was the fact that I had a water line in the way. I was able to pry off the fasteners that were securing the copper pipe. This allowed me to move the pipe over about an inch which (luckily) was all I needed. I also had to decide how I would enclose the water pipes in the closet.

At the top section is a copper pipe running parallel to the wall. Be careful when hammering around pipes! I'll use a closet to conceal the water meter pipes in my finished basement.

How to frame a closet

I debated just using drywall and cutting an access. I only need to get to the pipes twice a year- to turn on and off the sprinkler system. In the end, I went with a 24" bifold door ($29 at Lowe's).

I purchased the other two doors over the weekend, also at Lowe's. I needed a 32" door for the office, and a 36" door for entry to the furnace/storage room. Adding in the 30" bi-fold door I purchased early (see "Around the corner"), I spent about $200 for the four doors I needed in the basement.

The final wall, with entrance to the office is going to be a bigger challenge. I'll also have to add opening for the closet door (for access to the water pipes). That will be next weekend's fun!

Framed wall in corner of office

Progress Topics

Getting started

Down come the walls

1st mishap

Basement wall cracks

Lumber and tools

Starting construction - Hammer time!

Moving ductwork

Finishing the 1st wall

Around the corner

Five short walls

The big wall

Repairing cracks again!

Framing around windows

Framing the office

Finishing the office

Design decision

Framing support poles

Framing the last wall

See also...
Phase 2: Electrical and Drywall

Phase 3: Priming, painting and finshing touches

 

 

 

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