I’m planning on finishing the basment in our new home. Any ideas or suggestion on how to maintain access for future wiring? We have held off for a year while we “shake down” the house and added some plumbing and TV cable, so there may not be much more, but with the way electronics change, I’d like the ability to move or add if needed. We ran 2 large conduits (empty right now) from the basment to the attic (2nd floor) to allow access to 2nd floor.
Neither of us like the look of the suspended ceiling. Our house is kind of cottage/craftsman. I’ve seen tin panels in suspended ceiling, but that doesn’t fit the house style. My other thought is to take alot of pics and video and then drywall the ceiling and cut it out as needed.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bob
Replies
I agree with the video idea. I taped as I remodeled my bathroom, paying particular attention to the location of pipes, wires, blocking etc. I made comments and used magic marker to note distances from reference points. It's already come in handy to locate solid material for mounting shower curtains, etc.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Video is fine, but use a storage format that will be viable in the long term.
I always use photographs. Shoot the ceiling after the plumbing and wiring but before the insulation. Include landmarks in the shots to make locating areas easier.
If a particular area needs to be specifically located, write coordinates on the photo eg; "12' from Ext wall, 9' from Boiler Room Partition."
rg
perhaps you could hide access panels in places that wouldn't be seen, like closets.
i'd rethink the issue of suspended ceiling... 2x2 recessed can be quite attractive.. and ease of access is undisputed..
it IS a basement ... right ?
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I have seen a suspended ceiling that actually looks good in a basement, and it is combined with exposed beams. The beams are made with 3/4" wood in a "U" cross section and they fit over the bottom edge of the ceiling joists. Install them level. Then cut the suspended ceiling panels to fit between the joists so they rest on top of the "U" beams. You will need to install short pieces (approx 14 1/2 ") of metal T-grid above and perpendicular to the U-beams to hold the edges of the panels -- every two or 4 feet depending on the type of panel.
It's easy, gives you access, provides an exposed beam look, and actually allows a ceiling height (except for the beams) that can be higher than the bottom of the joists, depending on how much space there is between the bottom of the joists and the wiring, ducts, or other utilities in the ceiling.
My parents did it and it looks great -- and I hate suspended ceilings in a residence.
Billy