Partition Wall Cost

• Do-it-yourself supplies for building a partition wall can run $150 -$500 or more for an 8-foot high L-shaped wall about 18-20 feet long, depending on local lumber prices and the materials used, such as drywall or beadboard. The higher cost range may include a simple prehung door. There could be other additional expenses if you do not already own basic tools such as a circular saw ($30 -$600), framing square or chalk line.
• Hiring someone to build an L-shaped partition wall 8 feet high and 18-20 feet long could run $400 -$1,500 or more for labor and materials depending on the complexity of the project, local labor rates and the quality of materials used.
• Several companies in New York City specialize in leasing partition walls to subdivide apartments, starting around $600 -$1,000 for a two- to three-year lease. However, depending on size and the type of materials (such as soundproofing), quality walls can cost as much as $1,500 -$3,500 or more for a three-year lease. A young transplant to Manhattan and her roommate (with their landlord's permission) paid $1,000 to lease a temporary partition wall to turn part the living room in a large one-bedroom apartment into a second bedroom.

• Building a partition wall is a basic home carpentry project that requires a moderate level of skills. Interior partition walls are usually built with 2x4s, but in some situations may be constructed with 2x6 lumber. BlackAndDecker.com gives step-by-step instructions and Hometime.com provides a glossary of standard framing terms.
• Check with your local planning department to see if a building permit is required, and whether there are any specific codes governing your wall project. Local building codes may require at least one electrical outlet per wall, and in most areas a room cannot be used as a bedroom unless it has an outdoor window. You will probably need to arrange for the building inspector to review the work before finishing the wall with drywall. The inspector may also need to inspect any requires plumbing or wiring in the wall.

• Check with friends and family or ask at the local hardware store recommendations for hiring a carpenter or handyman to build a partition wall or walls.

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