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Drywall (or Sheetrock, or just plain 'rock') is one of those things that seems (to me anyway) like it should be pretty easy to do. The hardest part of hanging the drywall is getting it into your basement! Although I thought I'd end up doing it myself, or maybe with a buddy to help, I figured I'd get an estimate or two to see what the pros charge.
My thinking was that if I could get the drywall hung & finished for around $2,000, I'd seriously consider having it done. A professional can certainly do it much quicker than me, and (hopefully) much better too.
Getting drywall estimates
I came across a drywall company who was doing the new homes being built in my neighborhood. It turns out the mother-in-law of the owner of the company lives right across the street. I had him over to check out the basement and to provide an estimate.
He looked it over and said they could have the drywall up in a day, and come back on three other days to tape, mud, and finish it. He took my plan with him so he could look over the measurements and come up with an exact price. He also said he'd handle another repair I need, approximately a 4 foot x 6 foot area of the first floor, at no extra charge if I went with his company. He said he'd get me an estimate in the next day or two.
Another "no show" contractor
Well, a week went by and still no estimate. Finally, I called him back and he said "Oh, yeah. I forgot to call you…" He said he thought the estimate was around $4,200!! He said he'd drop it off.
Still no word, but obviously based on his price and response time he didn't want the job. Add in the fact that every time I talk to him he seems either drunk or hung over, and it seems he's disqualified himself from the job.
I don't know what it is with contractors. This is the third one that took the time to come to my house, but never got back to me with the estimate! In the end, I decided to hang the drywall myself. My brother-in-law, who has done a couple of basements himself offered to help me get started. I've lined up a drywall guy who will do the finishing at an hourly rate ($25/hr). Maybe I'll get another estimate or two for the finishing when the time comes…
Additional drywall resources
Hanging drywall
See how to get things started as you begin to hang your drywall.
How to cut drywall around switches, outlets, and other openings
See how to cut drywall around those tricky openings and get a perfect cut every time!
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