If you are getting ready to put up drywall, you will no doubt want to figure out the cost involved for your job. It’s easier than you might think and it makes no difference as to the size of your project. Drywall is essential to nearly every building project, so you’ll need to make sure you get the right price, whether it’s from a contractor or you’re doing it on your own. Here are some tips for figuring out your drywall costs….
Careful Measuring
This cannot be stressed enough. Make sure that you know how to use your calculator and measuring tape properly! Drywall comes in rectangular-shaped panels, so drawing pictures and tracing the various areas you will need the drywall will help you determine an accurate price. Use your diagrams to come up with the square footage.
Know the building codes
The last thing you want is to work on a job for a long time, only to find out half-way through it that you chose the wrong type of drywall according to the building codes in your area. These codes can vary in certain regions, such as fire-prone areas. You don’t want to skip this or it will come back to haunt you if you ever sell your house, which would require it to pass inspection.
There are basically three drywall types to choose from: fire-resistant, water-resistant and regular. You can also buy different thicknesses of the drywall panels. Visit your local hardware or home improvement center once you have your type of drywall chosen. You can ask them to price it for you by the panel. Be sure to factor in other items you might need like hole patching materials, tools, etc. You’ll need other supplies like goggles, tape, sandpaper, nails and drop cloths or tarps.
Think about the future. When pricing your drywall or home renovation project, consider what will be best for the long term, rather than what’s cheaper at the moment. As the saying goes, “pay me now, or pay me later.” For instance, if you cut corners by putting the wrong type of drywall in a bathroom, you may be dealing with mold issues at some point in the future. It’s much better to do it right the first time, even if it costs a little more to do so. Fixing a mold issue is costly in terms of your family’s health, in addition to the cost of the actual repairs.
Most of the time, the contractor you hire will be able to guide you in the various price points, but it’s still good to do your homework so you don’t end up with unexpected and expensive repairs later on.
For more information on drywall costs and planning for your job, please give Century Drywall a call today!
