1. Design and Construction /
  2. Vol. 4 Renovations /
  3. 2.0 Project Types and Typical Scope Elements /
  4. 2.3 Interior

2.3.1 Interior Finishes

Planning Rationale

Interior renovations may include scope related to flooring, walls and/or ceiling systems. The renovation scope may vary in magnitude from partial repairs to full renovation. Typical interior finish work may be the resultant of the following conditions or considerations:

  • Damage (Water, vandalism)
  • Refurbishing/Updating
  • Impact from Primary Scope of Work
  • System Replacement
  • Accessibility Updates
  • Programmatic Additions/Alterations

For all new and renovated interior finishes, follow the New Construction Guidelines: Volume 3, Chapter 2.3.1 Standard Finishes.

Flooring Systems

Evaluate the overall condition of the existing flooring. Typically, floors shall be limited to 20% maximum patching prior to requiring a full replacement. Full replacement of flooring may triggered by the Accessibility related “Alteration of a Space containing a Primary function” Refer to Volume 4, Chapter 1.2.3 for Accessibility Scope and Path of Travel. Repair work shall match the adjacent existing flooring.

  • Materials: Flooring material may conform to existing VCT and wood flooring standards to allow schools to continue current approach to maintenance.
    • Wood Flooring
    • Classrooms: Many existing older classrooms have wood plank flooring. Provide repair/refinishing work or full replacement depending on the observed conditions. When repaired or refinished, all patching shall match the appearance of the existing floor.
    • Auditorium/Gymnasium: Determine if the wood flooring has been previously refinished. Investigatory coring may be required to evaluate the floor structure.
    • Concrete Flooring: Back- of- the house spaces may have an exposed concrete finish. If in poor condition, a sealant or fluid applied flooring shall be applied.
    • Subflooring/Underlayment: It may be required to be repaired or replaced as part of the flooring scope. Floor level or material transition treatments may also be required.
  • Moisture Mitigation: Moisture mitigation may be required prior to the application of finish flooring depending on the location of the floor replacement, such as flooring on, or below grade.
  • Perimeter Casework/Unit Ventilators: The condition of the flooring shall be considered once the perimeter casework and/or unit ventilators are removed and/or replaced. Evaluate the condition of the floor. Consider limiting the replacement of the perimeter by using a contrasting accent color to reduce the potential of flooring inconsistencies.
  • Wall Base: Existing wall base may be vinyl/rubber, marble or wood.
    • If replacement of the marble wall base is necessary, additional wall material may be required to be built-up to ensure a flushed-applicable surface for the new marble wall base.
    • The wood wall base may remain depending on the condition. If the wood flooring is being replaced, then only the wall base shoe may need to be replaced.

Walls

  • Materials: May include gypsum board, plaster or painted CMU. Typically, patching and painting required.
  • Minor Patching and Repairs: Shall match the existing adjacent materials and construction.
  • Major/Total Renovations: Utilize materials and construction, appropriate and within budget, to retain the character of the original building. When corridor or classroom demising walls are moved or modified, confirm that the fire and acoustic ratings are maintained and continuous to the underside of the existing structure.
  • Paint scope: Paint the full wall, unless there is a rational termination point such as above or below picture rails. Scope may be limited to repairing/repainting one wall only if there is minor work or budget constraints. Environmental testing from the Managing Environmental Consultant (MEC) for paint adhesion will be performed where water damage has been persistent. Provide finish paint options for CPS review and approval.
  • Chalkboards/Marker Boards: If budget allows, replace existing chalkboards with new marker boards. If there are budget constraints, skin the existing chalkboards with a marker board surface. A minimum of one white board or skinned chalkboard shall be located (provide new or lower existing) at the appropriate accessible height. Identify all existing walls which may have hidden chalkboards behind furniture or covered by classroom decorations. Refer to Volume 3, Chapter 2.3.4 for Specialties.
  • Tack Surfaces: Evaluate the condition of all existing tack surfaces without applied cover (decorations, posters, etc.) Often, the tack surface is damaged and/or in poor condition and needs to be replaced. Per Chicago Building Code, the total square footage of new tack surfaces plus existing tack surfaces shall not exceed 10% of total allowable wall area. Refer to Volume 3, Chapter 2.3.4 for Specialties.
  • Casework and Trim: Refer to Volume 3, Chapter 2.3.3 for Casework/Millwork.
    • Casework/Built-ins: Existing casework typically remains if in good condition. Refinish/or paint casework as required. When casework is removed, the hidden portion of the wall becomes exposed requiring patching and repairing work.
    • Metal Casework/Shelving/Univent/Radiator Cover: If metal casework or shelving is to remain, electrostatic paint shall be used to refinish the surface. If univent/radiator cover is in poor condition, electrostatic paint shall be used to refinish the surface.
    • Wood Wall Trim/Chair Rails: Refinish with light sanding and opaque stain or repaint existing wood trim.
    • Interior Window Sills: Refinish with light sanding and opaque stain or repaint existing wood trim. If window sills are in poor condition and require replacement, provide interior solid surface material.

Ceilings

  • Materials: Ceilings may include gypsum board, plaster or suspended ceilings. Coordinate materials and quantities of all MEP/FP related components and/or structural work with existing adjacent construction. Perform non-destructive investigations of the interstitial space above the ceilings whenever possible to verify the overall construction makeup and to further understand existing conditions and fire rated construction.
  • Plaster Ceilings: Commonly found in older buildings with surface mounted lighting. When the existing plaster ceiling is removed or repaired, confirm that the fire and acoustic ratings are maintained and continuous. Plaster ceilings typically require cleaning, preparation and painting scope of work.
    • Skim Coat Method: Skim coat method is applicable to the plaster ceiling below the roof level and any other ceiling areas observed to have severely damaged and deteriorating ceiling. The deteriorated ceiling shall be scraped, cleaned and patched to achieve a smooth surface for the application of new paint.
    • Sprayed-On Textured Ceilings: It is optimal to remove and replace existing textured ceilings, sometimes known as popcorn ceilings. However, the project intent and budget may prohibit the extensive effort to replace the textured ceilings. In this case, the ceilings shall be cleaned and painted.
  • Suspended Ceilings: Commonly found with integral lighting and fire protection. Consideration for complete versus partial replacement shall be based on the following factors:
    • Condition of the Tiles and Extent of Damage: Replace entire field of tiles when damage exceeds 25%.
      • Paint: If the integrity of the ceiling tiles are in good condition, the tiles can remain and may be refinished with acoustic stain.
    • Condition of the Grid and Extent of Damage: May be painted or replaced depending on condition.
    • Confirm that the existing suspended finished ceiling is not concealing any additional ceiling treatments above. Additional concealed ceilings may also require environmental testing and abatement.
    • Full replacement of tiles shall follow new construction standards. Limited replacement of existing non standard tiles may match existing /composition in kind (ie: 2x4 existing tiles).
    • When suspended ceiling is in good condition and the existing 2’x4’ tiles are sagging, intermediate supports may be incorporated into the grid system.
  • Secondary Ceilings/Soffit Assemblies: May be existing in need of repair or may require new construction to hide new or existing ductwork and conduit associated with MEP scope. Care shall be taken to maximize the ceiling height and provide detailing that is sympathetic to historical design features.
    • Confirm that the fire and acoustic ratings are maintained and continuous. If scope is limited and no false ceiling/soffit assembly is provided, it is permissible to run exposed wire mold with CPS approval.
    • Confirm that the existing secondary ceiling/soffit assembly is not concealing any additional ceiling treatments above. Additional concealed ceilings may also require environmental testing and abatement.
  • Spline Ceilings: Existing spline ceilings may have targeted repair scope limited to 25% of the entire space. It should be noted that the adhesive used with the spline ceiling is typically tested as including asbestos and shall be abated. This typically results in the removal and total replacement of the ceiling system.