Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Wallboard Installation
Wallboard Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Wallboard Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Wallboard Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Wallboard Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Wallboard Installation labor cost? What are the important Wallboard Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Wallboard Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Wallboard Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Wallboard Installation expect to pay between $0.60 to $0.75 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Wallboard Installation work? | Your Wallboard Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Wallboard Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Wallboard Installation work? | The operation and performance of the wallboard may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Wallboard Installation carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Wallboard Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Wallboard Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Wallboard Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Wallboard Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 3 days. |
Wallboard Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Wallboard Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Wallboard Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Wallboard Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed wallboard layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the wallboard meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- Stagger wallboard joint ends in adjacent courses in a (choose one): __uniform ___random pattern, with no joint ends in adjacent courses closer than 1/4 the typical wallboard length
- Installed wallboard surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
- The wallboard surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- All visible wallboard surfaces will have a consistent texture and uniform sheen
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
- The wallboard will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- The wallboard will be securely anchored to structural framing
Wallboard Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Wallboard Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the wallboard work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Determine if permit is required for Wallboard Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of wallboard, before any work begins
- Manage delivery of wallboard; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Review material choices for Wallboard Installation with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Install wallboard using drywall screws and construction adhesive, per manufacturer nailing specifications and applicable local building code(s)
- Install wallboard to fit closely around fixtures and fittings
- Tape and seal joints with paper tape and 3 coats of mud compound and manufacturer recommended techniques
- Inspect Wallboard Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
