I looked as in apartment complex. It used to be an old motel. Units
> are basically SROs without kitchens. Zoning and original building
> permit was for motel but has been "converted" to apartments without
> any town approvals. Built in the early 60s. Wood frame (not block
> between the units).
>
> The units were built with 3/8th sheetrock, not 5/8th. The building
> inspector says it needs 5/8th sheetrock on all party walls.
>
> Building also has non-existent smoke detector system, etc.
>
> I was thinking of trying to negotiated with the CEO because the
> sheetrocking cost is a killer. I am getting bids by the end of the
> week but I expect somewhere around maybe $1,000 per unit to go over
> top of the existing sheetrock. I was trying to think of ways I could
> present this, such as "we will provide state-of-the art smoke
> detection to protect the tenants". I would be willing to include pull > alarms, etc.
>
> Anyone have any experience with such a situation and how to cure the > sheetrock issue.
>
> Also, in the boiler room there are lots of wire and pipes that would
> make sheetrocking VERY difficult. I was wondering about using a
> popcorn gun to blow drywall compound on to the wall instead of
> sheetrocking it -- sort of like a half-inch of knockdown. Is there
> anything else easy, cheap and readily available I could spray on? >
> Never a dull moment.
You're pushing a rock uphill, Pat. I'm surprised they're not asking for two layers of 5/8" drywall on each side. Google tumescent paints and see if that works for you and the AHJ.
R