framing down ceiling for drywall

[doruho]

I am starting to finish my basement, and I have to build down my ceiling framing because of existing conduit/water/DWV pipes in the way. I wanted to use 2x4's flat, but I have two seperate spots - each in the middle of a room - where I need to come down a bit lower (2-1/2 inches). 2x3's on edge will give me just enough drop, but I'm wondering how to attach them. I'm thinking I will put them perpendicular to the joists and fasten them with one 4-inch screw at each joist. Does anyone see a problem trying to screw edge-wise through a 2x3 and into the joists? Will this give enough support?

Should I build walls first, or should I frame down the ceiling first and then frame the walls to it?

Finally, is it acceptable to notch joists in order to get conduit flush with the bottom of the joists?

Thanks in advance.

[Joe.Carrick]

Your plan to screw thru the 2x3's into the Joists should work fine., but a 2x2 at eac joist with screws thru into the joists and also into the 2x3's would be better.
This way, the screws (or nails) are in shear vs withdrawal and will hold better.

If you build walls first, then you can support the ceiling with the walls - assuming that the floor is suficient to take the load.

Don't notch the joists.

[kuhurdler]

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[doruho]

Thanks to both replies.

Joe, I had to run your suggestion about the 2x2's through my head several times before I got the picture, but now it makes sense.

I'm a little leary of notching any joists because the entire floor above is ceramic tile on cementboard underlayment - pretty heavy.