Asbestos Abatement

The project started by having all of the asbestos ceiling material removed by certified specialists. A seperate company monitored the work and air quality to ensure that the work was done right. As is common with contractors, it took longer than expected and meant that the rest of the work could not start until several days into Work Week 2018.

Demolition

Once receiving final approvals after asbestos abatement, the demolition work began. The room was gutted to the brick walls. We discovered that there were two floors framed on top of each other over top of a concrete floor that sloped toward a center floor drain. We found that the walls were brick, except for the wall that faces the parking lot which was framed with 2x4's. Best guess is that the Cave was originally a carrige house or garage.

Floor Framing

A layer of plastic sheeting was laid over the concrete to minimize moisture, but was done in such a way as to channel water toward the floor drain in case there is a plumbing leak or other water problem. The floor was reframed using pressure treated 2x6's. Two inch foam insulation was fitted between the floor joists. Again, as a precaution in the event of a plumbing leak, the foam board was used rather than fiberglass batts since it will shed the water rather than soaking it up like a sponge. Finally, tongue and groove plywood sheathing was laid down for the subfloor.

Plumbing

All of tThe plumbing that runs through the cave for the kitchen and first floor bathroom as well as the plumbing for the heating system was replaced. The drain pipe known as "Head Knocker" aka "The Sobering Pipe" that was in front of the basement door was replaced and raised. Plumbing and the gas line were rerouted so they will be accesssible via the new drop ceiling.

Wall Framing, Insulation, Sheetrock, Electrical Rough-In

2x6 walls were framed on the inside of the brick walls allowing R-19 insulation to be installed to meet code requirements. Electrical rough-in was done and inspected. Prior to Sheetrock being hung, Troy code enforcement came out to inpspect our work. We passed with flying colors!

5/8" fire-rated sheetrock was installed and another inspection was needed before taping could begin.

Egress Window / Brickwork

The cave required a new window to meet code for egress. This was installed in the area that had been an exterior door on the back of the house at some point in the past. Some brickwork was required to transform the doorway into the rough opening for the new window. The plumbing changes left openings in the brick wall between the cave and the rest of the basement where old pipes were removed. These areas were also filled with new brick. While a professional mason may have done better, it turned out pretty good. One of the new bricks was even engraved with our letters.

Taping / Painting

The effort involved in taping was very much under estimated, but in the end all of the time paid off. While not a perfect taping job, several brothers learned how to tape and started to get pretty good at it. A coat of primer and paint brought the room to life.

Drop Ceiling

A drop ceiling was chosen for one side of the room to accomodate plumbing that hangs below the ceiling joists. One window presented a challenge because it went higher than the ceiling. A well was created to accomodate the window.

Flooring

Lifeproof flooring was choosen for its waterproof character. It is a rigid vinyl floor that installs like laminate. Seems like the perfect fit for the basement of a fraternity house!

Door Installation, Trim, and Radiators - Complete!

The room was finished by installing the door, trim, and new radiators. The pipe coming down from the ceiling should have gone into the wall, but it will work for now. We can fix that next work week.

New Soffit and Fascia

Below are photos taken prior to repairs.