BasementFinishing

Finish Basement Drywall

Attempting to finish basement drywall projects without the help of a licensedbasement remodeling contractor may be challenging. If you're installing drywall in your basement as a substrate for wall paneling, you may find that the project can be complicated by the conditions underneath your home. Poor ventilation and leaky pipes can create a moist environment that damages drywall. Before the drywall is installed, your finish project should address any potential sources of water that might compromise the sheetrock's structural integrity.

In the early planning stages of a basement remodel, consult several remodeling contractors about the time, equipment and materials required to finish basement drywall installation. Because the sheetrock will have a significant impact on the quality of the insulation in your basement, it's important that this aspect of a finish project is completed correctly. With proper planning, you can finish basement drywall projects quickly and efficiently, then move on to the next stage of your basement finish.

Drywall Basics

Drywall is a versatile, affordable product composed of gypsum plaster encased in heavy sheets of paper. This material originated as a more convenient, cost effective alternative to plaster for ceilings and walls. In your basement finish project, this material can be used as an under-layer for wall paneling. Gypsum plaster, or sheetrock, is available in large sheets, which can be cut to accommodate electrical outlets, pipes and other fixtures. Because sheetrock is flame resistant, these sheets also offer protection against fire.

Unlike the application of plaster, which may require weeks of skilled labor, finish basement drywall application may be completed within a matter of days under the right circumstances. If you're skilled at do it yourself projects, a finish basement drywall project may be easy to accomplish. Think about the scope of the finish and how much preparatory work will need to be done before the gypsum sheets can be hung. Because this material is very porous, mold and mildew grow easily in this material, which is easily destroyed by water exposure.

When you're considering ways to finish basement drywall projects, think about how and where the sheets should be cut to make room for electrical or plumbing fixtures. One disadvantage of finish basement drywall is that fixtures below the sheets are not easy to access. If you have a problem with heating ducts, plumbing or wiring, the sheetrock may need to be torn apart in order to make the necessary repairs. Before you install this product, consider how you'll access the area behind the walls if you need to fix a leaking pipe or a malfunctioning wire.

Your plans for the finish project may also affect your choice of wall materials. If you intend to hang large, heavy shelves or an entertainment center on the walls, your paneling must be sturdy enough to support their weight. In addition to the underlying gypsum plaster sheets, you'll need strong panels that can bear the weight load. Talk with a local remodeling contractor about the best type of paneling to install in your game room, home office or guest quarters.

Drywall Installation Costs

If you've decided to hire a contractor to complete the finish basement drywall work, compare estimates from several licensed remodeling contractors before you make a final decision. The current condition of your home will have a bearing on the final cost of the project. If your room requires extensive waterproofing or insulation before the sheets can be installed, the preparatory labor will increase your costs. You may reduce the cost of waterproofing this area by identifying sources of leakage, such as faulty plumbing, and having these leaks repaired.

Sheetrock itself is very affordable, and the cost per sheet, including screws, nails and other materials, is cheaper than the cost of conventional plaster. Installation costs may be affected by structural irregularities or unique architectural features in the area underneath your home. Installing sheetrock in a house that's under construction is generally faster and easier than installing sheets in a constructed home, which makes remodeling costs slightly higher than new home installation.

For do it yourself experts who prefer to take on this project alone, enlist the help of a skilled friend to help you lift and manipulate the sheets. Sheetrock is heavy, and hanging the sheets can be a laborious process. With a little assistance from one or more friends, the project will be much easier.

Finish basement drywall costs are reasonable enough to convince many homeowners to take this approach to finishing walls or ceilings. Before you choose a product, consult a professional home remodeling expert. While sheetrock is an excellent choice for many homes, the material can be easily damaged in a humid environment. Ask a trusted local contractor for advice and quotes on finishing your walls in the most cost effective, secure manner.