<p>Can anyone tell us what we should bring with us for loft building? (power tools?)
Is lumber readily available in South Bend?</p>
<p>Does anyone have any plans/supply lists they can share?</p>
<p>Will arrive South Bend late afternoon on Wednesday 8/22, need to have loft built and be on our way home by Friday, 8/23. Need HELP!!!</p>
<p>You can buy the plans/download from this website for $10 and get started now. You also could buy a ready-to-assemble kit, but you’d have to see if there’s enough time for shipping. Build the sections and keep flat for transport and for fitting into the room, then just slap together when you get there. <a href=“http://www.collegebedlofts.com/[/url]”>http://www.collegebedlofts.com/</a></p>
<p>My family and I built my loft last year. </p>
<p>Lumber:
Yes, lumber is available. We bought our lumber fairly inexpensively at Lowes. And just down the street from Notre Dame (outside Roseland) is a local place called Big C Lumber. They only carry the basics but are good if you forgot to buy a 2X4 or piece of plywood at Lowes. Bottom line, go to Lowes. The lumber is sturdy, durable, and most importantly, safe.</p>
<p>Supplies:
No two lofts are the same. I would suggest straying away from the use of nails. Nails get the job done, but when it comes time to take the loft down, thing can get troublesome (I had to use a crowbar). So, either buy a cheap power drill from Lowes (about $40) or bring one from home. Deck screws are very helpful. Another necessity are bolts. They provide maximal security and are required according to Residence Life’s website.</p>
<p>Another Option:
When you arrive at your dorm you will likely see signs advertising student loft building companies. These are not companies. They are a few inexperienced students trying to make a quick buck off of unsuspecting parents. They design shoddy and dangerous lofts. Be very careful with them if you choose to have them build a loft. Ask them of their qualifications and construction “know how”. Also, negotiate the price from the beginning. Anything above $250 is a bit fishy. If you choose to use these guys, be very careful.</p>
<p>I will post if I come up with any more ideas.</p>
<p>Many things to consider when building a loft. First of all, if you are arriving as a freshman, check your dorm rules…some say you can’t loft the first semester. My son and I built loft over Christmas holiday (at home) and brought in to campus on move in day for semester 2. A detail design on paper is a critical first step. Lofts are typically specific to the Dorm they are in…different room dimensions. Will the loft be for one person or for roommates? Relative to tools…you definitely need access to power tools. At least a hand drill/driver and a jig saw. If you are constructing at home and bringing in…bench tools will be more precise. Even with the loft pre-built, you will probably still need hand tools when you assemble in the dorm room. You will probably have to adjust the design based on how your dorm’s bed springs would fit in the loft. Res Life also has some rules on mininum requirements for a loft…check the website. </p>
<p>My son’s loft is probably over-engineered, but it is sturdy. 3/8" bolts and lag screws used throughout the construction. 2x8s for the bed frame structure, doubled 2x6s for the uprights. Lots of tweaks added over this summer…bookcases, head boards, track lighting. Oh, and we added folding ladders too.</p>
<p>A lot of people will try to sell you premade lofts, but they are usually overpriced. We bought some last year, which worked out well, but we were definitely overcharged. Speaking of which… if anyone is looking to buy a loft, my roommate and I are selling ours for $150 each (or best offer). They’ve only been used one year. We orginally paid like 225 for them and then added some shelves, which are quite convenient to have. If anyone is interested, PM me. </p>
<p>Sorry for using CC as a pseudo-ebay, but i’m getting a bit desperate. :)</p>
<p>shellzie just curious why aren’t you using them this year? We are interested but figure we have no talent to build</p>
<p>They’re death traps, that’s why.</p>
<p>Lol…actually, I’m not using them this year because I am gaining three more roommates and so our room will be configured differently. We actually bought some new lofts that were specifically made to fit the room we will be in this year from the girls who lived there last year. </p>
<p>Also, if you don’t have any carpentry skills, you should still be able to build a loft. Especially if you buy them partially preassembled, which is what I did last year, it’s pretty simple. And I haven’t heard of any tragic loft collapses yet, but I’ll let you know…</p>