A suspended ceiling offers some real advantages over the permanent variety. First, it conceals obstructions attached to the underside of the joists, yet allows easy access for fixing pipes or adding wiring later on. Suspended ceilings are also better sound barriers than drywall ceilings and since you level the ceiling as you install it, the existing joists need not be level or even straight.

With a suspended system you can add insulation and install ceiling lights by simply removing an acoustical panel and replacing it with a special drop-in fluorescent fixture, you can even add a drop in that has a built in heating element.