Saskatoon Handyman: 3 Important Things to Do Before You Install Drywall in the Basement

Many homeowners choose to finish their basements to make the most of their home’s square footage. The process sounds simple enough; you put up some walls and paint, right? Not so fast, according to drywall services in Saskatoon.

There are multiple steps in finishing a basement, and putting up drywall is one of the last. The drywall is the finishing touch, the element that says the area is now a functional part of your home. Still, you can’t just jump right in and put it up.

3 Things To Consider Before Finishing a Basement With Drywall

Drywall has to adhere or connect to something; you can’t just glue it to the basement wall. Basements have a tendency to collect moisture, especially around cinder blocks or concrete walls. You need to ensure there is a gap between the wall and the drywall by first installing studs.

Then, after the studs are up, you still can’t put the drywall up. Drywall is large and heavy and will create one heck of a mess when cutting and securing it. Before you pick up your drywall or start installing it, there are a few things you need to consider.

1. Storage

If you hire professional installers, you will need to empty the entire basement. Honestly, removing all of your stuff from the area is a good idea, even if you work alone.

You need the room for the drywall delivery and for cutting the material. Also, you want the area clear, so it is easy to maneuver around people without risking injury or property damage.

Also, the drywall is dusty, and it will get into and on top of everything. Even if you think a few things are safe under plastic sheeting, the dust will find a way. Do yourself a favour and find another space to store your belongings.

2. Dust

Drywall installation is a dusty process. While the cutting and securing of the material might not create that much of a mess, the finishing process will.

The primary culprit of drywall dust is the mud used to hide the seams. Once the mud dries, the installation crew must sand it to achieve a seamless appearance. The sanding of the material creates this fine dust that gets all over everything.

To contain the spread of the dust, you will want to hang plastic sheeting and lay down paint tarps. The crew will do its best to keep the dust in the work area, but some will make it upstairs inevitably.

3. Insulation

Basements are naturally cooler than the rest of your house because they are below ground. Insulation can help regulate the temperature of the lower level, but that is not the only reason to use insulation.

Drywall and insulation go hand-in-hand when finishing basements, and it is for soundproofing. Anyone who has spent any time in a basement knows how loud everything is. The plumbing, the HVAC, and even the footsteps from someone tip-toeing in the kitchen.

Investing in quality insulation can make all the difference. If you are unsure of the type of insulation you need, talk to a professional.

Importance of Hiring a Professional Contractor

Drywall installation is one of those deceptively simple home repairs. You think it is easy, just a matter of cutting pieces to size and lining them up, but it takes so much more skill than that.

A professional installation is seamless, even textured, and durable. A DIY approach will never match the quality of experienced contractors. If you are ready to make the most of your basement and finish it, contact Handyman Connection and schedule a project consultation with a professional contractor.