Need your help framers Me and my gal are finishing our basement and unfortuantely I'm ramrodding the project so I'm on the hook for this one. My first of many questions is... I'm using 2x4s to frame most areas but the width of the staircase is such that I can only get a 2x2 wall and rock in the space next to it (too narrow for 2x4). The bottom plate for the first floor sticks out about a quarter inch over the poured wall in this area meaning when I attach the top plate to the joists and plumb the bottom plate, the 2x2 wall studs (or firring strips) will not sit flush against the poured wall. My fear is that the 2x2s will be wobbly if attched to only the top plate and bottom plate and not the poured wall. I know 2x4s are only attached to the top and bottom plates but they are much sturdier. Should I : a) Trim off the excess from the first floor bottom plate so the top plate sits flush against the poured wall allowing the 2x2 studs to do so also. Then attach studs to poured wall with power nailer or Tapcons. b) Leave the first floor bottom plate as is. Attach top plate to joists, plumb bottom plate and use Tapcons through shims to attach the 2x2s to the poured walls for added support. c) Attach 2x2 wall studs to top and bottom plate only and hope no one EVER touches the wall. d) Other (PLEASE elaborate!) Thank you in advance for your help

In the process of building a new house. The basement subgrade soil is a very wet clay soil to the point that it acts like Playdoh. Is there a way, or something to apply, other than sunshine, to get the clay to dry out before it's time to put in the gravel base and pour the concrete basement slab? The Playdoh-like soil is about 6" to 9" deep. Heavy excavation equipment to remove the soil is not an option since the basement is not a walkout and walls are formed and ready to be poured. The weather forecast is calling for rain all of next week which will just compound the situation. Any suggestions?