So, you're finally ready to tackle that basement finish, or maybe you're just sick of looking at those old, damaged walls in your Orem home. Awesome! New sheetrock can seriously change a room. But, I've seen plenty of folks around here make some pretty common — and often expensive — mistakes when they're planning or hiring for a drywall installation project. You definitely don't want to be one of them, trust me on this.
Mistake #1: Only Looking at the Cheapest Price
This is probably the biggest one out there. Everybody wants to save a buck, and I totally get that. But with drywall, the cheapest bid almost never gives you the best value. I've been doing this for years with All Things Drywall Company, and I can tell you straight up: cutting corners on materials or labor always, always shows up in the final product. You'll end up with wavy walls, seams you can see, or nail pops popping out later on. Then you're paying someone else (or me!) to fix it, which costs more than just doing it right from the start.
Seriously, ask yourself why one bid is way lower than the others. Are they using cheaper, thinner board? Are they rushing the mudding and sanding process? Are they even licensed and insured, for crying out loud? A good contractor builds in quality materials, skilled labor, insurance, and a fair profit. If a price seems too good to be true, well, it probably is.
Mistake #2: Skipping References or Past Work Checks
You wouldn't hire a babysitter without checking references, right? The same logic applies to your walls. Don't just take a contractor's word for it. Ask to see examples of their recent work — in person if that's possible, or at least high-quality photos. Chat with their past clients. Any reputable drywall contractor will be proud to show off what they've done and connect you with happy customers.
Take a good, close look at the finish. Are the corners sharp? Can you even see the seams? Is the texture consistent across the whole wall? These little details are what separate a true pro from someone just trying to make a quick buck. Especially with some of the older homes we have in areas like the Carterville neighborhood, where walls might not be perfectly straight, you really need someone who knows how to make it all look smooth.
Mistake #3: Forgetting How Important Proper Prep and Framing Are
Drywall is only as good as what's behind it. If your framing isn't straight, plumb, and square, your sheetrock won't be either. I've walked onto jobs where the homeowner or another contractor rushed the framing, and let me tell you, it makes our job ten times harder to get a smooth, flat surface. We can try our best to float out imperfections with mud, but there's only so much drywall compound can hide.
Before any sheetrock goes up, make absolutely sure the framing is solid. Are there enough studs for proper attachment points? Have all the electrical and plumbing rough-ins been finished? Is the area clean and free of debris? Good preparation isn't just about protecting your floors; it's about building the right foundation for a really high-quality finish.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Finishing Levels
This is a big one that causes a lot of confusion and, frankly, disappointment. Not all drywall finishes are created equal. There are different