With the fireplace out of the way, we started rebuilding the recording/mixing room. A lot of the ceiling drywall had water damage due to a leak around the old fireplace, so we removed the ceiling first. We framed the area behing the fireplace and added insulation to the outside wall and ceiling before putting up drywall. Yes, we used 5/8 sheetrock on the ceiling, and yes, it was a pain.

Some of the damaged ceiling fell on its own.	Bottom side of the patched roof.
We left as much of the old insulation in as possible.	We reinforced the existing planks with screws.
Some of the electrical wiring had to be fixed.	Insulation is in. We added a switch for a light in the back of the room.
Mats in the new hallway wall.	Drywall is up.
Mix room door installed.	View of the door from the hallway.
Mudding in progress where the fireplace used to be.	Walls ready to paint.