The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

First, he measured a distance of 24 ft. (see Fig. 1) from the south foundation to establish the position of partition AB. Next, he measured a distance of 13 ft. from the east foundation to locate corner A of that partition. Then, using the piece of 1 x 3-in. stock as a straightedge, he drew chalk lines on the floor to represent partition AB.

In like manner, Mr. Jones drew chalk lines on the floor to represent all other partitions. He checked and rechecked the chalk lines to make sure that they agreed with his final plan view.

Step 2 and 3. Installing partition sills

Because sills, see detail B of Fig. 2, must be fastened to the concrete floor, you can buy the 2 x 4-in. lumber in the most economical lengths and a No. 3 grade will be satisfactory.

Starting with partition AB (see Fig. 1), Mr. Jones cut pieces of 2 x 4-in. stock to fit the chalk lines on the floor. He did not fasten the sills in place—just laid them in place to make sure that all pieces exactly fitted the chalk layout lines. This part of the procedure actually constitutes a further check on the accuracy of the sill layout and eventually saves time.

When all of the sills had been cut and properly fitted into place, he made chalk marks on the sills and floor, see X in detail B of Fig. 2, about 3 ft. apart. These marks represented the places where the sills were to be fastened to the concrete floor. He then removed the sills and made crosses on the floor such as shown in partition AB in Fig. 1.

Using a 1/2-in. carbide drill in an electric drill, Mr. Jones drilled holes 2 in. deep at each of the crosses (see detail D in Fig. 2). He then drove pegs of wood into each hole and replaced the sill. Finally, he drove two 10d nails through the sill, at each plug location, as shown in detail D.

All other sills were fastened to the concrete floor in the same manner.