I assume this temporary wall has to stop air and dust infiltration.

If you use a wide, thin foam gasket material between the temp wall and the sheetrock (material is sold in rolls at HD), and then run screws through the temp wall into the existing wall's 2x4s, all you have to patch is a few screw holes. The thin foam gasket does not stick to the existing wall, so it protects it and there is usually no residue left. You will need enough screws to support the hinge side, which probably means a minimum of about 4-6 screws.

Bruce

Do you mean the intersection between an existing wall and a new temporary wall? What does the door have to do with it? How will the temporary wall be attached top and bottom? What are the finishes involved? How long will the wall be in place?

Interesting. I assumed it was for some structural work of some kind, and my question was going to do with 'what are we holding up today?'

Interior, Exterior? What type wall construction? Pictures?

We are not sure if OSB is strong enough to support the doors, and how the ends of the partition will connect to the room's walls. If the partition could support itself then some gaps at the intersections are fine.

Would love to hear everyone's criticisms or suggestions. Thanks!

A little more details about WHY you are doing this might help people give you suggestions.

I notice that there is a label with 'soundproofing adhesive'. Is this wall supposed to be soundproof?!?

Do these areas need to be 'secure' meaning that the doors need to lock? If so, I think you'll need to build a conventional stud wall instead of some OSB wobbly thing.

If this is just for some visual privacy, I'd suggest just hanging a sheet between the two areas. :)

Raw OSB has a strong disagreeable odor from the glues. It is splintery and even if painted, is recognizable for what it is.

If I had to randomly attach a partition, I would screw a panel of cabinet-grade plywood into two adjacent studs, then there would be firm anchorage to attach whatever cleats I would need to erect the plywood walls. The only thing later would be to fill the screw holes and repaint. this is presuming they are stud walls, not masonry or other. 3/4" AB plywood would paint very well on one side, and the other side would look fine with a small amount of prep work.

@ greg_2015:

Thanks! We want to convert existing rooms into micro-units to lower rent and increase occupancy. It does skirt the line on occupancy regulations - which is why we want to avoid building a stud wall that would require permits.

Also this partition should be "dropped in" to an existing room with minimal modifications to create two rooms.

Soundproofing: Hopefully! Granted, it would be difficult at this thickness. Would adding another layer between the OSB , such as MDF, improve sound blocking?

Privacy: Yes, the rooms should be locked, as they are likely to be occupied by different people in a co-living arrangement. So a conventional door would make the OSB wall too wobbly? That's what we feared. We figured an accordion door might do for now, although it is unsecure.

Sheets would be great if not the privacy issue :(

@ Sombreuil

Thanks! We are not sure if they are going to be stud walls - the idea is for this system to be usable in different rooms. Do you mean we should nail the plywood walls to the studs via the cabinet-grade plywood anchor?

It does skirt the line on occupancy regulations

By 'skirt' you mean 'violate', right? :)

Since none of this is legal, why are you worried about whether a permit is required? That's the least of your worries if something bad happens and you end up getting sued.

@ millworkman, @ greg_2015

Thanks! I do mean 'skirt' as actual walls (pressurized, temporary etc) would require permits and violate occupancy requirements. Hopefully our partition doesn't qualify as a proper wall.

FAIL

(that is about all this thread is worth saying)

No it just makes illegal accessory apartments with no means of emergency egress escape in case of a fire. Really would not even think that you would need to be reminded of that fact. You read about people dying in these type of "apartments" all the time.

Your intent appears to be naive and/or cavalier.

You are not creating "micro-units" which are very small apartment units that meet the space, ventilation and egress requirements of applicable building codes. What you are creating is an "illegal apartment conversion" which is the subdivision of rooms in apartments to create additional bedrooms and add occupants without meeting zoning and/or building code requirements, otherwise you would not be concerned about applying for a permit.

In any state in the US, the concept of a "proper" wall is a specious fabrication; for a rented dwelling unit any partition must meet the requirements of the applicable zoning and building regulations when it is installed.

I suspect you are not the owner of the apartment and might intend to add bedrooms without the knowledge of the owner. That would violate municipal ordinances and your lease.

Design professionals are required by law to refuse to design or offer to design any building element that violates a building regulation and to report violations they encounter.

Because life safety regulations are minimum standards intended to protect the lives and property of unsuspecting tenants, any intentional violation is subject to criminal prosecution.

If you google "illegal converted apartments" you will discover the horrible preventable tragedies that overcrowding of apartments has caused.

LINK 1

LINK 2

It is insulting that you would ask for advice on this forum. You will be lucky if no one flags your comments.

@ JDS

@ millworkman

Thanks for the advice! We are actually students who were thinking of partitioning a room we have. Looks like there are many safety factors to consider. Thanks again.

When I was a student it was quite common to share a bedroom with another person. Why overcomplicate things by building temporary walls? Just put 2 beds in the room.

@ weedyacres

Thanks! We want some privacy though ...

A really stupid, careless, illegal idea.

Then find a cheaper, smaller, legal apartment. There are laws against this for a reason.

Or hang a sheet and buy some noise-cancelling headphones.

Whatever the feasibility of this project, you must first get the permission of the owner of the apartment, then get permission from the city.

If the building contains more than 2 dwelling units the permit application drawing will be required to have an architect or engineer's stamp. Can you guess why?

He is trying for a illegal temp rent thing, like Air BnB. It has nothing to do with students

You think he'll try to harvest one of their kidneys while they sleep at night too? And he needs the soundproofing so no one can hear their screams?