Not really a handy person, but my motivation will make up for it! Some tips?

Jay123 · 12-08-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvergs

I specifically asking for treated lumber as recommende by the book for the floor and the guy at the home depot store said it's no needed and I just need to wrap those pieces of lumber in a thick black plastic sheet. I forgot to do that till I was more than half way through the job.

Short of undoing my work what other recourse do I have to rectify this?

Be careful of hd employees, they've been known to give out erroneous information on more than one occasion.

**Gary in WA** · 12-08-2009, 07:50 PM

You need a capillary break under the bottom plate. I frame a basement wall to the shortest stud height, building it on the slab on edge then tip it up and install shims every 2' on the single top plate. I see you cut each stud for a tight fit so you won't slip anything under it. The easiest way is toe-nail the studs to the treated bottom plate on the concrete stem wall, lay a skillsaw on a 2x4 block to cut each stud 1-1/2" short of the existing bottom plate. Finnish cut with a recip. saw. Add treated plate under the studs after removing current bottom plate, replace. You will have two bottom plates in case of water flooding from a leak (hopefully never). New treated lumber: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-...ood-decks.aspx
At a store near you: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...r&N=4294958120 Maybe......

The builder did not finish the basement into usable spaces. You are. You may need the air supply. Check with your local building department. A free download for Canada Code Check Building: http://rapidlibrary.com/index.php?q=...code+of+canada

Be safe, Gary

MinConst · 12-11-2009, 07:00 PM

Silver,

From looking at all your pictures you have come a long way since I stopped in here. Nice work!
PT base plates are definitely required. The post about cutting them out with a saws all is probably your best bet. Also the posts about doubling any vapor barrier is right on. Not to be done.
I didn't notice any drop ceiling mains or anything so I don't think you've installed any yet thats good. Like someone said that is done after the walls are up and I wait until the walls are painted also.
You're question about running the ceiling all the way to the wall in the areas where the duct work is close, I would. You will save allot of ceiling framing. If you loose headroom that could otherwise be used than don't. A few inches is nothing to worry about if it saves more framing.
You were prepared for a learning curve, you have found one in the base plates. Take em out and do it right. Never listen to a box store employee. You need to know what you need not someone else. Do your homework before going to the store. A lumber yard would have been a better place to order this much lumber and the assistance would have been better.
Great job I know your having fun. Wait till the rock goes up and you will really be excited!
Min