Construction Begins on Sim Room Addition

[richerod]

$3800 to help ensure that overall enjoyment is maximized is worth it IMHO. Excited about your project. Cant wait for the finish details to begin.

[Kaos]

I was surprised, the drywall was roughed in this morning. However, I believe there is a gapping issue with some of the sheets. All walls are suppose to have a gap of 1/4" at ceiling and where walls join. I believe the rough in has several areas that the gaping needs to be addressed. That, and I am not sure what they are going to do about the window area. The crew got out before I could catch them regarding both issues. I sent pics to the contractor and asked him to have the crew fix the gapping.

[Kaos]

As I recall, it was a little over $3800.

[richerod]

Get what you paid for. I find contractors get defensive when they know they are in the wrong. Wondering if you could quantify in $$ what the soundproofing has added to overall project.

[Kaos]

You're welcome...My goal was to take people step-by-step (or daily type journey) through the process so when they are considering doing a build they can see what they might expect (e.g., time frames, delays, snafus, contractor issues etc.). I hope folks can benefit from this process and related sound control planning. It is also an eye opener that this process is not an "over night" type project and a lot of planning, follow-up and monitoring is required if you want to get what you expect. At times, it is frustrating as the end of day's result doesn't look too impressive, but when you realize how much actual work is required to get that result you have a better appreciation for it (e.g., 4+ days to get the insulation installed, vapor barrier, sound clips and hat channel installed with 2-4 guys working on it).

[midpoint221]

you're paying that much money you need to get what you want. Not your fault he messed up. Thanks for sharing an awesome build.

[timsiegle]

Thanks for that info, your due diligence and QA/QC is better than most small general contractors

[Kaos]

For those that might be wondering how I came up with the 7 STC for Type C over Type X, see the comparison image below. That is the lab tests for various setups of studs, drywall, drywall types and sound clips and hat channel. As can be seen, the projected benefit for Type C over Type X with my wall setup is significant and that is why I was so insistent in the use of Type C. I went with the 1+1 layer ClarkDietrich setup with Type C (but substituted the Rockwool for the fiberglass). As can be seen, the C significantly outperforms the X.



The contractor changed out the drywall and delivered the Type C per contract. (see image below). I can see why it has a better STC rating. It is denser than the Type X and seems much harder to me to the touch (as well as heavier).

All sound clips were installed and hat channel installation was completed. Roof was put on. The rain held up the roof this afternoon, but they managed to get it on in between downpours. Entry door should go in early next week and I believe the plan is to start the drywall on Monday. Proper install is paramount with proper gapping at the top bottom and edges and making sure no screws go through channel into the wall studs (defeating the purpose of the channel and clips).

[Kaos]

The estimate was based upon documents a supplier of various sound clips and hat channel products that contained comparisons of various wall structures and sound clip and hat channel combinations (e.g., single sided walls, double sided walls, different sound clip manufacturers, 1/2" v. 5/8" Drywall, Type X v. Type C comparisons with various sound clip combinations etc.), All I can go on is the lab research available. In reality I may not get the full 7 STC or I might get more as a lot of variables can affect the real world STC impact.

[timsiegle]

I don't mean to downplay your research, but to be honest I'm really skeptical that the type of drywall (X vs C) will gain you 7 points on the STC rating. If that's true, it's a great way to improve STC for small cost.
Bottom line he should install what he's contracted to do, no argument on that.

[John6577]

Contractors will walk all over you if you let them. A contract is a contract. I promise if you do not hold up your end they will have no problem getting a lien on your home.

[wbond]

Stuff like this is why I’ve converted to doing everything I possibly can by myself. That’s a ridiculous response especially if it’s called out explicitly in the contract. Dealing with some contractors is a friggin nightmare. Anyway, the project looks like great and will be awesome when it’s done.

[Kaos]

Insulation and vapor barrier completed. The sound clips/hat channel install is about 70% complete. The siding on the front was completed. We will see if roofer shows Friday. I am going to have to lay out the contractor if roofer is a no show in the morning.

Now for the day's snafu. I contracted for Type C drywall which is more effective at controlling sound than Type X. The Type C is clearly laid out in the contract in no uncertain terms. Of course, the contractor delivered Type X drywall today which I did not catch until the crew left for the day. I let him know he delivered the wrong drywall and he had a fit and said he could not do anything about it now. My response was "oh, yes you can!" He tried to say that I had taken enough soundproofing measures and that Type X was fine. I told him "dude, Type C is more effective at controlling sound sound and I will not allow you to install the Type X." With my setup, (assuming R19 fiberglass, for example but I am using Rockwool), Type X would produce a STC 53 while Type C will yield an estimated STC of 60. He again started to argue (I am sure he is afraid he is going to have to eat the cost of the 5/8" Type X or about $550 at retail price from Lowes). I finally had to cut him off and tell him that "dude, I contracted for Type C and that is what you are going to use." I also informed him that the error was his and that I am not going to allow my research to have been in vain and and produce disappointing results, which in turn will be an issue with the wife (which in turn is going to cause me grief when I go to use it at night). I told him man, I feel for you, but I have to live with her! lol. He was not happy, but he finally indicated he would comply.

I think he thinks I am being unreasonable, but, as I said, the error was his so he is just going to have to be PO'd.

Now for the day's images!

[Kaos]

Most of the insulation was completed and vapor barrier was installed. The sound clips started going up and some of the hat channel was installed. We we short a little insulation and remainder to complete small area in the ceiling will go in tomorrow. Apparently that area will end up with R48 above and beyond the R38 further toward the front. I am hoping the roofer puts shingles on tomorrow as well so the siding can be completed. If we get the insulation first thing in the morning, that will be completed along with all vapor barrier. The sound clips should all be installed as well and most, if not all of the hat channel should be installed. I think we are shooting for the drywall to begin on Friday. The framing inspection was late today so that held things up a few hours and we are now good.

Images show vapor barrier, examples of sound clip installation and hat channel. Note the light cans ad able to support insulation installed right up against the can. That is great for soundproofing the cans.

Right now the plan is to have carpet laid late next week and painting done a week from Sat. Unfortunately, I had to reverse the order for painting and carpeting because of scheduling conflicts. Electrician should be finalizing electrical toward the middle of the week.

[Gordon Parr]

Where in SE VA are you...I am in Yorktown.