Basement Ceiling

[Stacy E.]

Hi Everyone,

A little about the property-- I recently purchased a house in Alaska and am renovating the basement while living in the top level.  I'd like to eventually rent out the basement.  It's zoned for multi-family.  I was wondering about the basement ceiling.  At first I was planning to drywall but now I'm thinking that a drop ceiling may work and save a little.  Thoughts?

[Roy N.]

Originally posted by @Stacy E.:

Hi Everyone,

A little about the property-- I recently purchased a house in Alaska and am renovating the basement while living in the top level.  I'd like to eventually rent out the basement.  It's zoned for multi-family.  I was wondering about the basement ceiling.  At first I was planning to drywall but now I'm thinking that a drop ceiling may work and save a little.  Thoughts?

 Stacey,

If you plan to rent the basement as a separate unit and/or you will install a kitchen w/ range in the basement, in most {all?} jurisdictions you will need to fire rate the basement ceiling: rock wool fire-rated insulation, resilient channel, and 5/8 Fire-X drywall (or 1/2 fire core drywall rated for 60-90 minutes ... about $30/sheet).