Hi there,

I am considering finishing my basement and have found it to be very challenging. I will be installing drywall 1/2" or 5/8". I have found that some utilities are on the way (copper from water, gas pipes, etc). They average 1-2 inches from the joists. How do you handle that? Are there any special tools I need to think about?

I am thinking compensating with extra wood but that is to complicated. I was also thinking about hidding the utilities inside the joists, but that also is to complicated. I wanted to see if there where any other options other than the ones I have.

Thanks

Edwin

This is why suspended ceilings were created... but if you want drywall, then there are no other options. The worst things to work around are heating ducts - those you would typically box in. Doesn't sound like you have those and it is not worth boxing anything in for just a few inches of height.

A carpenter would probably say its easiest to bring the ceiling down by a few inches. (Remember you do not need to support the drywall along the whole length of the joist). A plumber would probably move the pipes. You can do it either way- partly influenced by how much work it is, but also consider how much headroom you have in the basement. Taking it down a few inches may just be too low if it's a low basement to begin with.

I think RTW has done a nice job desribing how this could be handled. I installed my own basement ceiling with a drop in panel 17 years ago. Never had a need to go back above the ceiling until yesterday. Kitchen drain became plugged and I could not break loose the clog with my rodder. Luckily I could reach a clean out by lifting a tile. I won
T be installing drywall on a basement ceiling that encloses any plumbing. You must leave yourself access to plumbing pipes.