Common Mistakes To Avoid When Working With Drywall Contractors

Drywall is one of the most essential and versatile materials in any construction or remodelling project. It can create smooth and seamless walls, ceilings, and partitions, as well as provide insulation, fire resistance, and soundproofing.

However, drywall installation is not as easy as it may seem. Achieving a flawless and durable result requires skill, experience, and attention to detail.

If done incorrectly, drywall installation can lead to various problems, such as cracks, bulges, nail pops, uneven surfaces, and poor finishing.

That’s why it’s important to hire a professional drywall contractor who can handle the job with expertise and efficiency.

A drywall contractor from a certified drywall company can save you time, money, and hassle by avoiding common drywall installation mistakes and delivering high-quality workmanship.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the common mistakes to avoid when working with drywall contractors and how to find and hire the best one for your project.

Mistake #1: Not Checking The Contractor’s Credentials and Reputation

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring a drywall contractor is not doing your homework. Before signing any contract or agreement, you should always check the contractor’s credentials and reputation. Some of the things you should look for are:

License And Insurance

A professional drywall contractor should have a valid license and insurance that covers liability and workers’ compensation.

This will protect you and your property from any damages or injuries that may occur during the project.

Experience And Portfolio

A professional drywall contractor should have at least several years of experience in the industry and a portfolio of previous projects that showcase their skills and quality.

You should ask for references and testimonials from past clients and visit some of their job sites to see their work in person.

Warranty And Guarantee

A professional drywall contractor should offer a warranty and guarantee for their work, which means they will fix any defects or issues that may arise after the project is completed.

Moreover, you should ask for a written contract specifying the project’s scope, timeline, cost, and warranty.

Mistake #2: Driving Screws Too Deep Or Too Shallow

Another common mistake that can affect the quality and durability of your drywall installation is driving screws too deep or too shallow.

Screws are used to fasten the drywall sheets to the framing members, such as studs, joists, and rafters. However, if the screws are driven too deep, they can break the paper surface of the drywall and reduce its holding power.

If the screws are driven too shallow, they can leave gaps between the drywall and the framing, which can cause the drywall to sag or fall off.

To avoid this mistake, you should use a drywall screw gun or a drill with a depth-sensitive nosepiece that can automatically stop the screw at the right depth.

You should also use the right size and type of screws for your project. The general rule is to use 1-1/4 inch coarse-thread drywall screws for wood framing and 1-5/8 inch fine-thread drywall screws for metal framing.

Furthermore, you should also space the screws evenly along the edges and in the field of the drywall sheets, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Mistake #3: Having Too Many Or Too Few Joints

Joints are the areas where two drywall sheets meet. They are usually covered with tape and joint compound to create a smooth and seamless surface.

However, having too many or too few joints can cause problems for your drywall installation. If you have too many joints, you will have more work and waste in taping and finishing the drywall.

On the other hand, if you have too few joints, you will have more stress and movement in the drywall, which can lead to cracks and gaps.

To avoid this mistake, carefully plan your drywall layout and use the largest drywall sheets possible for your project.

You should also minimize the number of butt joints, which are the joints where the cut ends of two drywall sheets meet.

Butt joints are harder to finish than tapered joints, which are the joints where the factory edges of two drywall sheets meet.

You should also stagger the joints on adjacent rows and columns of drywall sheets to avoid creating long and continuous joints that can weaken the structure.

Mistake #4: Placing Joints Next To Doors And Windows

Another mistake that can compromise the appearance and performance of your drywall installation is placing joints next to doors and windows.

Doors and windows are the areas where the drywall is most likely to crack or buckle due to the stress and movement caused by opening and closing.

If you place a joint next to a door or window, you will create a weak spot that can easily break or separate.

To avoid this mistake, you should place the joints at least 12 inches away from the edges of doors and windows.

You should also reinforce the corners of doors and windows with metal or plastic corner beads that can protect the drywall from damage and provide a clean and sharp edge.

Moreover, you should also use flexible or paperless tape and setting-type joint compound for the joints near doors and windows, as they are more resistant to cracking and shrinking than regular paper tape and ready-mixed joint compound.

Mistake #5: Not Hiring A Professional Drywall Contractor

The last and most costly mistake you can make when working with drywall contractors is not hiring a professional.

Drywall installation is not a DIY project that you can do by yourself or with the help of a friend. It requires specialized tools, materials, skills, and knowledge that only a professional drywall contractor can provide.

If you try to do it yourself or hire an amateur or unqualified contractor, you will end up with a poor-quality and unsafe drywall installation that will cost you more time, money, and hassle in the long run.

To avoid this mistake, you should hire a professional drywall contractor who can handle your project with expertise and efficiency.

A professional drywall contractor can save you time, money, and hassle by avoiding common drywall installation mistakes and delivering high-quality workmanship.

They can also offer you advice, guidance, and recommendations on the best drywall products and practices.

How To Find And Hire The Best Professional Drywall Contractor For Your Project

Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid when working with drywall contractors, you may be wondering how to find and hire the best one for your project. Here are some tips and steps to help you with your search and selection process:

• Start by asking for referrals from your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues who have recently hired a drywall contractor for their projects. They can give you honest and reliable feedback on their experience and satisfaction with the contractor they hired.
• Do some online research and look for drywall contractors in your area who have good ratings, reviews, and testimonials from their previous clients.
• Contact at least three drywall contractors and ask them for a free estimate and consultation for your project. You should provide them with the details and specifications of your project, such as the size, scope, budget, and timeline. You should also ask them about their credentials, experience, portfolio, warranty, and guarantee.
• Compare the estimates and proposals from the drywall contractors and evaluate them based on their quality, price, and value. You should also check their references and verify their license and insurance. You should choose the drywall contractor who offers you the best combination of quality, price, and value for your project.
• Once you have chosen the drywall contractor, you should sign a written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the project, such as the scope, timeline, cost, and warranty. You should also communicate with the contractor regularly and monitor the progress and quality of the work.

About Us

Truerock Interior Systems is a professional drywall contractor that provides high-quality drywall installation and finishing services for residential and commercial projects. We have many years of experience in the industry and a team of skilled and trained drywall experts who can handle any project, big or small. We use the best drywall products and practices to ensure a flawless and durable result. We also offer competitive prices and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for our work.

Whether you need drywall installation for a new construction, remodelling, or repair project, you can trust us to deliver the best drywall service in the area. Contact us today for a free estimate and consultation. We look forward to working with you.