Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should a drywall contractor be able to give me an estimate over the phone?
A: The short answer is only if it is a repair and for the minimum charge of the job. While drywall seems a straight-forward product, each job is truly different. A professional contractor needs to see the job and do measurements to give you an accurate, fair measurement.
Q: Who supplies the drywall materials on most jobs?
A: Your drywall installer will provide them. If they ask you to do so, it would be highly unusual and would put up red flags.
Q: Is a deposit generally required before work starts?
A: Most drywall contractors require a deposit at the beginning of the job but not a complete payment. You should be prepared to provide a reasonable deposit but never full payment up front unless it is a very small job.
Q: Should the drywall contractor I use be insured?
A: Absolutely. They should have both liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance if your state requires it.
Q: Do most drywall contractors do repair work?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the most difficult part of a drywall job?
A: Physically, the most demanding is hanging drywall. It is really hard work and requires patience to install properly. Taping and mudding requires a lot of skill. Sanding requires a great eye in a dusty, uncomfortable environment. As we think about it – these are all the reasons to find a pro-drywall contractor to save your back and most importantly make sure the job is done right.
Q: Should I have to pay for an estimate?
A: No.
Q: Does a drywall installer require a license?
A: Many states do require a license. You can find out by contacting your local building department. If a license is required, insist that the drywall contractor you hire has one.
Q: Will the work be performed on consecutive days?
A: Most of the time yes. That excludes weekends and holidays. If you are in a very humid area while mudding and taping is done there might be a day or two lost while the drywall compound dries.
Q: If a worker is hurt on my property, who is responsible?
A: You are unless your drywall contractor has proper insurance. So make sure you are using a licensed, insured, and qualified professional drywall contractor.
Q: Should I ask drywall contractors to give me a quote for a list of references?
A: Yes! And a drywall pro will be glad to provide them.
Q: I live in an older home in which the ceiling appear to be sagging. Can this be corrected?
A: Older homes were built with plaster which is very thick and heavy. Sometimes they will slightly sag and it is a normal condition. We recommend you have a drywall professional look at the ceiling to make sure it is not actually detaching from the ceiling. If any repairs are required, you will know after their visit.
Q: What is Drywall?
A: Drywall is a material used to cover wall and ceiling framing. It replaces plaster. It is gypsum, a very common material which is sandwiched between two layers of paper. Drywall is also called sheet rock, wallboard and gypsum board. It is faster to install than plaster and more economical. It is generally not quite as nice and true as plaster, but the economy of the material makes it the top choice in most applications.
Q: Is all drywall made in 4’ x 8’ sheets?
A: No, it comes in many sizes up to 16 feet long. This reduces the number of joints required to finish the drywall and results in a more attractive finish.
Q: What is greenboard?
A: Greenboard is a type of drywall made with moisture resistance paper. It is made for use in areas with water present such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. It can be used on the walls and ceilings of those rooms, but not where water is present – for example, on floors and shower or tub walls. In those areas a waterproof wallboard should be used.
Q: What is the problem with Chinese drywall?
A: It is drywall imported from China which has a higher than allowable sulfur content. As a result, it emits harmful sulfur gases. It is highly unlikely that any pro drywall contractor would use it. But ask just to be sure.
Q: What is the difference between sheetrock and drywall?
A: There really isn’t any difference. Sheetrock, wallboard, gypsum board, gib, gyproc, and drywall are all generally the same material used for the same purpose.
Q: Is drywall fireproof?
A: Drywall is not fireproof but it is fire resistant. There are three levels of fire resistance. The first is standard drywall which has the lowest fire time rating. Type X drywall which is normally thicker than regular drywall and with additives can have a 90 minute fire rating. And there is also a Type C drywall composition that can have a fire rating of up to 2 hours.