Hello,

Few questions with regards to framing square walls
1. I was wondering what are the negatives of framing basement walls that are not square. I know how to square a room (3-4-5 rule), but lets say for whatever reason I build a few walls in basement, and it doesn't end up being square to the other walls . Are there any negatives to this, will this cause any issues with anything?

For example, un square walls will show up when I install drop ceiling tiles. What other issues could arise from this.

2. How close is close to being square. When I measure out for the 3-4-5 rule (or 6-8-10), lets say I measure the 3 and 4 ft arms, and then go to measure the long arm. It should be 5', But what if its 1/4" long or short, or even 1/2" long or short. How noticeable is that, what kind of room for error do you have on that, and still be able to consider the wall square?

Thanks,
Steve

Frame your walls square from a straight wall. You can always wiggle a bit. With a 24" drop ceiling, you won't notice even an inch or so. Make sure to lay out the ceiling so you don't end up with little slivers. I try to build put basements with at least a 12' width. How are you going to heat it. Wiring is easy. Use pressure treated lumber on the floor plate. Do not build flush on a basement wall as the humidity can cause mold issues without some air space. Insulate the walls, you'll appreciate it later. Lighting is critical in dark basements, use plenty of it.

Out of square is magnified by the size of the room - 1/4" off in 5' is 1/2" in 10', and so on.
Can you put down masking tape for the walls and check your square from the actual corners?
Also, walls these days are not built flush with the outside wall, so you can make any walls you want square.