Hello All,

I am in the planning stages of my basement remodel. I plan on using 2x4 stud walls and a drop ceiling with metal grid. The problem I have run into is the basement windows all go to the very top of the block wall. I would still like to use the windows and I am afraid the drop ceiling
(app. 4 inches) would interfere with that not to mention that would not look too good!!! Does anyone have a suggestion how to build around those windows?

 

You need to create 3 - sided "boxes" that come down from the joists. The window wall would be the 4th side. You're going to be making a valance. If you're planning on setting your drop ceiling height 4" below the joists, set up your "boxes" so they are 1/2 - 3/4" below that point. In other words the wall of the box is from 4 1/2" - 4 3/4" tall. You want the perimeter grid to die into this w/ a little bit of a reveal. Your box can be made of wood and then wrapped in drywall. This is what we do, and it looks very sharp. Another simpler alternative would be to simply use 1 X 6's cut down slightly. Send me an email and I can forward you a picture of what I'm trying to describe - A picture is worth a 1000 words.