The article was written in collaboration Danny Turgeman renovation and plaster contractor.
Installing drywall actually consists of two separate tasks. The first task is the installation of the panels themselves, which includes cutting, shaping, installing the panels in place, and connecting them with screws. The second task is gluing gypsum paper on the contact lines between the boards as well as sealing them and sealing the screw holes with putty. The process requires covering and sanding these surfaces until the walls and corners are smooth and you can no longer see where one panel ends and the other begins.
If you take all of this into account, then it's no wonder that special steps must be taken when choosing a contractor to install plaster walls.
preparation
If you look at a finished wall in any house, it looks like a uniform surface of paint that ends only at the corners, and the corners themselves look like they were cut out of one block with a precision saw blade. Only your prior knowledge in the field can tell you otherwise. However, the quality of the drywall also depends on the frame to which it is attached.
Drywall board is basically a thin board of plaster wrapped on both sides with a tight layer of paper. That is, apart from the fragile structure of the plaster, only the paper maintains the shape of this plaster core. The complete board that is 4' wide (about 120 cm), whether it is 8', 10', 12' long, is attached to the frame with screws or plaster nails, and the surface on which they are held is only the thin layer of paper. If the board is twisted or crooked, The heads of these screws will stick out from it, as the board tries to keep the original shape it had at the time of manufacture.
The same goes for ceilings. Sometimes during the installation of ceilings, plaster installers will add cardboard pads, because it is difficult for the frame installers to assemble beams 10-12" long with a uniform height throughout. In such long panels there are "hills" and "valleys" that originate from the drying process in the kiln Some installers will use a laser level to ensure proper installation, while others will install pads as they work. Either way, it's the installer's skill that counts.
Choosing a contractor to install drywall
There is nothing more infuriating to a homeowner than seeing bumps and cracks in a finished drywall, so you can't just pick any one to install drywall in your home. There are ways to find the ones that will do the job at the best level. For installing plaster walls and gluing them, the cost per hour of work for an employee at an installation company can be around 100-350 NIS, so it is not particularly cheap. For this reason, it is better for you to follow a number of instructions:
Finding a contractor
This can be done in a number of different ways such as the Internet, equipment and building material stores, or word of mouth. Stores are usually the recommended way, because they know the credit history of all the contractors and can give you an idea of which of the contractors is reliable. Sites like Google and Easy can provide you with detailed information about contractors who have been rated and recommended by your neighbors.
Questions for contractors
Here are some questions you can ask:
- How long has your company been around?
- Do you have a license (if required by state or province)?
- Can you provide proof of insurance?
- Do you have your own staff?
- How will you do this job? What is included in the job?
- What are the estimated start and end dates?
- Will you make sure to get the necessary approvals?
- What is your payment schedule?
- Is it possible to get the list of your recommenders?
- Will you use the right work tools and leave after you at the end of the work?
- Are you willing to provide a written contract with all the details?
Remember that professionals will not be offended by your questions. The questions are part of the hiring process and they will be satisfied that you are knowledgeable about the subject. This means that the less good competitors will be swept away.
Selection of the contractor
Good contractors like to show the results of their work and will probably provide you with interviews with their former clients. Furthermore, homeowners also like to show off the quality work they have done, so it is recommended to visit them as well and see the quality of the work.
Another rule of thumb is the ability to work with someone. If you have a good feeling about the contractor, it should not be the only determining factor, but it is recommended to consider it together with the other factors. The ability to communicate is a necessary factor. It is important that you and the contractor are on the same page regarding your requirements.
Go through the contractor's project estimates and check that everything is included in them. Make sure the start and end dates are also included, although you'll need to allow some wiggle room if there are unforeseen timing difficulties on either side.
the contract
When you choose the right contractor, make sure he repeats the estimates and signs them all. Some people have short memories or may confuse your quote with another, so it's a good idea to get straight on all the details. Never pay for the entire job in advance, but it's okay to give a down payment to secure your commitment, as the contractor will need to assign people to the job.