Job Estimating/Design
Job Estimating/Design
The following simple steps describe how to estimate the job and how to design the grid layout of the ceiling:
- Sketch a diagram of the perimeter of the room, at the elevation where the ceiling will be installed. Pay attention to the structure of the building above, since the ceiling system will be attached to this structure. Take note of how you will secure the ceiling to the available infrastructure.
- Next, make measurements to dimension the sketch of the room.
- Using 1/8" grid paper, construct a ceiling perimeter plan, to an appropriate scale, based on the previously prepared sketch. Next, decide on a layout strategy. Normally, a balanced layout is preferred. A balanced layout is achieved by starting at the midpoint of the wall where the long grids will terminate and mark off parallel long grids, in 2' intervals, in both directions from the midpoint. The result will probably be a distance between the last long grid and the wall, on both sides, of less than 2', but they will be equal or balanced. If this distance is less than 6" you can start your long grid, offset from the midpoint by 12". Then continue marking off the parallel long grids, in 2' intervals, in both directions from the offset point. Now the distance between the last long grid and the wall, on both sides, will be 12" greater than the distance previously determined. This will provide a larger grid cell, at the wall, and will enhance the overall appearance of the ceiling.
- Next start your short grid layout at the midpoint of the wall where the short grids will terminate and proceed as indicated in #3 above.
- The procedure described above works well in cases where the room is square or rectangular. However, this will not always be the case, and in situations where the shape of the room is irregular it may very well be desirable to start the layout from the most prominent, straight wall of the room.
- When you have completed the layout you are ready to determine the exact bill of materials. First familiarize yourself with the installation procedure, since it is necessary to understand how the system assembles, to ensure an accurate component count. Then, using the latest 5th Wall Designs, LLC price list, complete your bill of materials.
