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How to build BIR into adjoining room?

Hi,

I want to insert a BIR for this bedroom into the adjoining room. Wall is non-bearing.

How is best to go about this?

How do I build and what sort of wall (surrounds) do I have to build into the adjoining room? To house the BIR

Things I should keep in mind?
e.g.
* Measurements- i.e. I assume I have to take the (depth of the BIR) measurements from the inside of the bedroom wall- as the current wall thickness will house the BIR and sliding door (and so the sliding door finishes flush with the inside of the bedroom- I assume is best)
* How do I finish the surrounds of both the BIR inside the bedroom and also the floor/ceiling/wall of the room that the BIR is being built into.
* Any advice and/or anything else I should know/take into consideration.
Many thanks!

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JacobZ

Hi @Adam36,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

To build a built-in robe, you are essentially just building a very small room, so you would use the same materials and techniques as you would with a larger room. You would frame out the space using framing pine or steel studs and steel track. You would then line both the inside and outside of that framing with plasterboard. Check out How To Build a Stud Wall and How To Plasterboard a Stud Wall for some guidance.

The main point of difference in your situation would be the sliding door, which would require you to cut out a section of the existing wall, rectify the framing, then install your door. Check out this handy video from our supplier Hume Doors about How to install a cavity unit. The opening width would be relative to the specific door you are using. There will be information from the supplier about what width and height you need to build the frame to accommodate their sliding door unit.

In terms of measurements, I would start by defining how much space you would like on the inside of the BIR and then work out, taking into account the plasterboard on the inside, the thickness of the framing, then the plasterboard on the back side.

Allow me to tag some of our knowledgeable members to see what advice and experiences they can share - @Nailbag, @Dave-1, @TedBear.

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @Adam36

@JacobZ has laid out a good bunch of things to work through. I really cant add more then that.

With the room that you atre going to be using for the built in, Will there be enough room left in there for it to still be used as a room?

Instead of having a smaller BIW, Why not go for one that you extend the same width as the room? A true walk in type deal?

As a side note if teh room you are taking space from ends up being less then 2.7m in width then its starting to be a problem for being used.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @Adam36

Essentially @JacobZ has laid out everything you need to do without going into specifics as they will always be some variables with any reno regardless of size.

You will need to cut the existing wall further back to remove the cavity slider, the reposition it rather than get a new door or swing door for max usable space and money saving.

You will need an electrician to run/re-run any cabling for the WIR light once the new frame is built. You will also have to consider the carpet in both Bed 3 and whats on the other side. Ideally you want to only make required cuts as close as possible to the new frame. Then get a carpet repairer to re-tension it.

Nailbag

Adam36

Thanks boys, I appreciate the response. I think the links and videos should suffice - I just needed a little bit of confirmation. Cheers

BTW - plenty of room in adjoining room (kitchen) and looking at old house plans, there used to be a built-in along the wall (in a slightly different position). I went with a shorter BIR (not the whole length of the wall) so I could use the remaining space as a pantry cupboard in the adjoining kitchen- good thoughts though, thanks! Both rooms are on floorboards.

Cheers

JacobZ

Hi @Adam36,

Glad to hear it has given you the bit of confirmation you needed.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you run into any head scratchers along the way. I am sure our fantastic community can help to clarify and get you moving in the right direction.

Good luck, I can't wait to see how you go.

Jacob

Adam36

Thanks Nailbag.
Clarification: what did you mean by "You will need to cut the existing wall further back to remove the cavity slider, the reposition it rather than get a new door or swing door for max usable space"? "cut the wall further back"? Did you mean to preserve the cavity slider part to reuse, i.e. move it away from the BIR area I propose putting in.

BTW: Both rooms are hard wooden floors.

Cheers

JacobZ

Hi @Adam36,

Allow me to tag @Nailbag so he is notified of your question.

Hopefully, he will respond shortly.

Jacob

Nailbag

Hi @Adam36

Sorry I should have been more clear. Looking at the existing slider, you will need to remove all of the wall on both sides its cavity is contained in to be able to fully remove it.

And then yes I would reuse it by repositioning it central to the BIR. Then reframe around.

Nailbag

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