I've got a door on the second floor of our guest bedroom that's seen better days – it's practically useless and we want to seal it off and put up a wall instead. I'll admit my construction skills are pretty basic, so I'm hoping this is a manageable project. My plan is to remove the door and trim, frame the opening with 2x4's, and install a center stud. The door isn't massive, more like a small door frame. The exterior of our house is covered in horizontal cedar strips, which adds a bit to the challenge.
I think I'll need to add a layer of OSB and perhaps a weather barrier, and then attach that to the frame. After that, I want to install furring strips so I can furbish it with cedar, but I'm worried about getting the measurements right for everything to line up. Also, what do I need to do at the bottom of the wall for moisture control? Any helpful videos or advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Definitely make sure you address moisture at the bottom of the wall! You want to leave a gap at the base for air circulation to prevent any rot or mold issues. Installing a moisture barrier when you frame the wall is key, and don't forget about sealing around the edges after you're done! Just keep an eye on your local building codes for any special requirements.
Always happy to help! Good luck with your project!
First off, location matters! Make sure to consider insulation and moisture barriers based on your climate. I recommend checking in with local codes to see if you'll need a permit for this job – it's always better to be safe than sorry! You can definitely get this done with a bit of help from someone experienced, so maybe find a neighbor who can lend a hand? They can guide you while you do the work, and you can trade them some skills or a thank you dinner!
If you're really unsure, use this as an opportunity to connect with someone local who has construction know-how. Offer to help them with something in return, maybe fix a computer issue or bring over some snacks! Having a buddy there will not only help you figure things out, but it'll make the process more fun!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll take a closer look at the moisture barrier and maybe reach out to some local pros for additional advice.