Hanging Drywall can be messy and dusty, but the end result is worth the effort. Drywall provides a smooth, finished surface that is ready for painting or wallpapering. To ensure a smooth process, there are several steps you should take before hanging Drywall in your home.
Preparing for Drywall installation is half the battle. This will not only save you money and time but also prevent frustration.
Here’s What Needs To Be Done Before Drywall:
Before bringing and hanging Drywall in your home, you should ensure that everything in your house that is supposed to be in the wall’s cavity is present. Since you must cut and fit your Drywall according to those spaces, you must ensure they are in place.
Here is a list of things that you should check or do before hanging your drywalls.
- Electrical Boxes
- Plumbing
- Heating or Cooling
- Television and Data
- Blocking
- Insulation
- Inspection
You should check all these things before installing your Drywall. Here is a description of what you should check within these areas when installing Drywall.
Electrical Boxes
Ensure all electrical boxes are installed, such as switches, wall outlets, and light fixtures. These will need to be cut into the Drywall for later installation.
Plumbing
Check that your drainage and water lines are in good working order before Drywall installation. This will save you time and money on potential repairs.
Heating or Cooling
Make sure that all heating and cooling needs are addressed before hanging the Drywall. This includes completing any necessary ductwork.
Television and Data
Place wall boxes and lines for your television, internet, computer, and telephone connections.
Blocking
Add wood blocks to areas where extra support is needed, such as for heavy mirrors, towel bars, or cabinetry.
Insulation
Insulate both interior and exterior walls for sound dampening and heat loss/gain.
Inspection
Before hanging the Drywall, inspect everything by a building inspector to ensure all systems are in working order. This step can save you potential issues later on.
Do and Don’ts of Pre-Drywall Installation
When it comes to pre-drywall installation, it is crucial to make sure that the Drywall will be hung well and durable. Factors such as the material and type of Drywall are important for durability, but other factors can also affect your Drywall’s durability, which may lead to the need for earlier repairs than expected.
Here are some dos and don’ts for installing Drywall.
Finalize Plans
Do finalize plans before purchasing materials to ensure that everything is calculated according to your finalized design. This will prevent unexpected costs and help everything stay organized.
Get A Third-Party Inspector
Do get a third-party inspector to ensure that everything is done according to building codes. Skipping this step can lead to costly repairs later.
Get Your Home Plans Ready
Do get your home plans printed and ready to ensure that everything is being installed where it should be and that there are no changes.
Finalize All the Placements, Spacing, Selection, and Measurements
Do finalize all placements, spacing, selection, and measurements. Locate and mark all the electrical and other outlets before installing the Drywall to prevent blockage and bumps.
Take Pictures of All the Ceilings and Walls
Do take pictures of all the ceilings and walls where Drywall will be installed to help locate things like studs, electric wires, and plumbing pipes.
Ask Questions to Your Builder
Do ask your builder questions before installing the Drywall. This includes asking about the type of Drywall to install, where to install AC units in the house, how to cover dangling wires, and what the durability of the Drywall is.
Pipes, Dishwasher, and Other Checks
Don’t forget to make space for pipes, dishwashers, and other essential items. This can help prevent damage to the Drywall and costly repairs in the future.
Floor, Roof, and Foundation Checks
When inspecting pre-drywall installation, focus on the floors and walls. Inspect the flooring to ensure it is arranged properly and accurately connected to the foundations. Check that the floor joists are supportive, properly spaced, and installed perfectly to avoid the inconvenience of pulling up the floor later. Vary your sentence length to keep your writing engaging.
For the roof, ensure there are no exposed nails, water leaks, bracing, or frame issues. Leaks can damage the Drywall and pose a danger to electrical wires. A damaged roof might even collapse. Use descriptive language to create vivid mental images for the reader.
Finally, inspect the foundation for issues. If there are problems with the foundation, they cannot be fixed after installing the Drywall. Ensure everything is leveled out, and there are no issues with the foundation of your house. Use transitions to connect your ideas and create a sense of flow in your writing.
FAQs:
Do You Drywall The Ceiling Or Walls First?
When performing floor, roof, and foundation checks, remember to follow the general rule of drywalling from top to bottom. Begin by hanging your drywall on the ceilings before covering the walls, as this is typically the most challenging part. By completing the ceiling first, you can make the process of hanging drywall on the walls much easier and more efficient.
Do You Do Flooring Or Drywall First?
To ensure a smooth installation process for your new flooring and drywall, it’s recommended to finish the drywall installation first. This approach simplifies and speeds up the process while minimizing the risk of damaging the flooring. Prioritizing drywall installation beforehand can make the entire project much easier and more efficient.
Can You Drywall Over Electrical Junction Box?
No. Applying your Drywall over an electrical junction box is never the best idea. As per the building codes, you should always keep your junction boxes accessible regardless of how well you spliced the Drywall.