Project diary: a St. Catharines basement taken from bare block to paint-ready

The homeowners wanted a legal secondary suite: two bedrooms, a bathroom, and enough daylight to make it feel above grade. We started by framing the layout tight to the existing mechanical runs so we didn't lose ceiling height.

Bulkheads boxed the ductwork and the main waste stack. Every one was squared and strapped before board, because a bulkhead that is out by a quarter inch shows up in every corner bead down the hallway.

Boarding took three days, taping and sanding another four. The mechanical room got moisture-resistant board, and the ceiling seams were back-blocked to stop the cracking you often see under a bouncy floor system.

Handed back paint-ready and on schedule. The suite was rented within the month.