5 Steps Before Installing Drywall in Kitchener

Drywall is one of those exciting finishing touches on a house. Before the material goes up, the house is only a box of wood beams and posts. The drywall seals in and defines the spaces. Then, the structure becomes a blank slate for homeowners to put their finishing touches. However, as drywall services in Kitchener explain, you cannot rush into the drywall stage.

Drywall is a part of the final stages of wall and ceiling construction. The material seals the wall cavity. If there are any components that need to sit within the cavity, it is not possible after drywall installation. Therefore, you should follow a checklist of items before drywall installation is possible.

1. Plumbing

Plumbing runs through every floor of your home. For pipes and water lines to make the way to multiple floors, installers will snake them through walls and ceilings. The easiest way for plumbers to install pipes and lines is with the wall cavities exposed. Drywall will only be an obstacle for installers.

If drywall installation occurs before plumbing, the plumbers will need to remove segments of drywall from several areas. The professionals will need to reopen the wall cavities, allowing access and space to install the plumbing.

Having to pull down drywall will add to the plumbing installation costs. Additionally, resealing the wall after the installation will also increase the housing budget.

2. Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling systems also take a lot of planning and forethought. The planning process and installation are more straightforward when the walls are open. Professionals can work together to configure routes through the house for HVAC efficiency.

Again, if the drywall installation occurs before HVAC, homeowners will face additional expenses. While drywall is not an expensive material, it does require a laborious installation. The material is heavy and requires multiple people to install.

3. Electrical

Electrical is not impossible to install after drywall. Many professionals install new electrical components in older, well-established homes. While not impossible, installation is always easier when the walls are open.

Still, if you install drywall and forget some aspects of electrical, you can fix the issue without causing significant damage to the drywall. Most electricians can snake lines through wall cavities by creating several cuts and small openings in the drywall. It is still easier to install electrical with open cavities.

4. Wiring

Wiring involves running cable and lines for internet, alarms, speakers, and cable. Typically, wiring is a part of electrical, but it helps to separate the two. By looking at electrical as strictly bringing power throughout the house, you can itemize other things. Building a new home is all about itemization and checklists, ensuring you don’t miss a detail.

Like electrical, wiring is possible after drywall installation. You will need to cut into fresh drywall and patch it after installation. Installation is more manageable with open walls, as with everything else on this list.

5. Blocking

Blocking is not an essential step in wall construction, but it does make finishing design touches easier. Blocking refers to securing several wood blocks in strategic locations through the wall. For example, if you want to mount your television to the wall, it can help to have wood blocks for added security and holding strength. While not essential, wood blocking is impossible after drywall installation without creating extensive damage to the material.

Drywall encloses the space of a house, helping to define the layout. There is an order of installs to perform before drywall. However, if you have home repairs that require opening drywall and exposing wall cavities, contact Handyman Connection for a consultation and assessment.