Planning to install drywall yourself to save some money?
Installing drywall yourself and hiring a professional only for the finishing stage, like plastering, might seem like a cost-effective approach at first. However, this can often result in higher costs and complications. Here’s why:
1. Installation Errors: Drywall installation requires precision, from measuring and cutting to ensuring proper alignment. Even minor mistakes can lead to uneven surfaces, gaps, or poorly fastened boards. These issues can be difficult or impossible to fix with plastering alone, leading to additional expenses for repairs.
2. Inadequate Surface Preparation: Professional installers know how to prepare the wall for finishing. If the drywall isn’t installed correctly, no amount of plastering will fully smooth out uneven seams or improperly attached boards. This can result in visible imperfections that may need a complete redo.
3. Extra Costs on Materials: When doing the work yourself, it’s easy to miscalculate the amount of materials needed or buy more expensive materials than necessary. Professionals not only calculate more accurately but may also have access to better pricing.
4. Time and Quality: Installing drywall is time-consuming, especially if you’re not experienced. Even with help for plastering, the initial errors during installation will reduce the overall quality of the finish, meaning you might spend more time reworking parts of the project.
5. False Economy: While it may appear cheaper upfront to split the job, the cost of fixing mistakes or redoing poor installation can easily outweigh the savings. A professional can handle both installation and finishing faster and with better results, often leading to lower overall costs.
In the end, trusting a professional for the entire drywall process ensures fewer mistakes, better quality, and often, greater long-term savings.