I have been researching information about what some people call a "Chicago grid" drywall ceiling system. Apparently, they call it a Chicago grid because the metal framing for the ceiling to which the drywall is attached is made by Chicago Metallic Co. Other manufacturers such as Armstrong also make similar metal "drywall ceiling grid" systems.
For a number of reasons, I want to use this system for the ceiling in a basement apartment that I am having completely redone in a 3-unit apartment building that I own.
Since I have never done this type of ceiling before, I plan on hiring a contractor who knows how to do Chicago grid ceilings to do the rough-in of this ceiling. But, at the same time, I want to be able to watch and see how it is done and also have my own regular contractor watch or help with the installation so he too can see how these are done. I found a couple of local building supply places that sell the Chicago grid metal framing and I will be asking them for names of local contractors who buy the metal framing from them and who regularly do Chicago grid ceilings. Ideally, I would like to find an experienced contractor who will charge me by the day for the labor part of the job, and I will pay for the materials.
The apartment that needs the new ceiling has a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bath, and two closets -- all of which will be getting a Chicago grid drywall ceiling. I really only need the contractor for the metal framing part, and maybe to hang some or all of the drywall. My regular contractor knows how to hang drywall and can do all of the finish work -- taping, painting, etc.
My question is, does anyone have a rough idea of about how long it would take a contractor and a helper to do the metal framing on a 4 room apartment such as the one I am having redone? The total square feet of the 4 rooms is a little less than 500 square feet. I am thinking that a contractor could probably do all of the metal framing in less than a day, and maybe do the rough hanging of some of the sheetrock in the same day.
Does anyone know if that is about right?
For those who are unfamiliar with this ceiling system (as I was), it is basically similar to a regular drop ceiling system except the metal framing is stronger and the drywall gets screwed into the metal framing from underneath and the seams later taped and finished, rather than dropping panels in on top of the metal framing.
And, here are some links and YouTube videos about the system:
Thanks.