Drywall - taping vs taping and hanging

11/18/2011 at 11:13:01 PM

Hi Brett:

The most common mistake in drywalling, is trying to do it yourself, or a portion of, in order to save $$$.

Most people try to use scraps: this creates more seams, which are for the most part rough at the joints. Speaking of joints they require lavour and a lot of mud. Secondly, hiring a taper to start and a finisher to complete, doesn't work either. They don't care how the board is appoed, resulting in more labour cost to finish. (some finishers will not do an end job)

Get a recommended drywaller to do the entire job. Get three prices, and check out the quality of work from each. Price saving with drywall can result in the interior of your home looking like hell. Also, the paper can be oversanded (burns the surface of the paper causing roughness) and this causes huge problems for the painter. Get a GOOD DRYWALLER!

Depending on the area, drwall applied and finished should be in the $1.80 to $2.00 per square foot (includes materials)on the wall. A smooth or textured ceiling will cost the same becasue the smooth takes more prep in order to paint. If you want drywall returns on the windows this will cost more. However, it is aboujt the same price of haveing the casing aplied after, and it makes the finishing go a lot faster. I use this method on my homes and use square 90 degree bead on the surrounds which when finished looks like wooden casings. As to the type of profile, all profile whether round or 90 degree should cost the same.

Conclusion? Do not portion it out. Get someone qualified to do the entire job.

Chuck

11/20/2011 at 8:53:46 PM

The work as supplied from a General Contractor will run $3/sqft. They will include warranties, project management, cleaning and likely be doing all the rest of the associated reno.