Alright, let's talk drywall. I've seen a lot of sheetrock go up in Yakima over the years, from new builds out in West Valley to remodels in older homes downtown. And I've seen homeowners make some pretty common, and frankly, expensive mistakes when they're planning a project or hiring someone to do the work. You don't want to be one of them, trust me.
Mistake #1: Focusing Only on the Lowest Bid
This is probably the biggest one. Everyone wants a good deal, I get it. But when it comes to drywall, the cheapest bid often means corners are getting cut. You're not just paying for the material; you're paying for experience, skill, and attention to detail. A super low bid might mean they're using cheaper mud, rushing the drying times, or skipping steps like proper sanding between coats. What you end up with is wavy walls, visible seams, or a finish that looks fine until the light hits it just right, and then all those imperfections pop out. And once paint goes on, fixing that is a whole different beast. It's almost always more expensive to fix bad drywall than to do it right the first time.
Mistake #2: Not Checking References or Past Work
You'd be surprised how many folks just take a contractor's word for it. Don't do that. Any reputable drywall contractor, including us at Yakima Drywall Company, should be happy to provide references or show you examples of their work. Ask to see a finished project, or even better, one that's just been taped and mudded before paint. That's where you really see the quality. Look for smooth transitions, flat surfaces, and clean corners. If they hem and haw about showing you anything, that's a huge red flag. You're inviting someone into your home to do significant work; you need to be sure they know what they're doing and stand by it.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Moisture and Ventilation
This is a big one, especially in places like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Yakima's climate can be pretty dry, but we still get humidity, and moisture is drywall's enemy. Standard drywall isn't designed for high-moisture areas. If you're putting up sheetrock in a bathroom, you absolutely need moisture-resistant drywall, often called green board or purple board. And even then, proper ventilation is key. I've seen plenty of DIYers or inexperienced contractors slap up regular drywall in a shower area, and within a year or two, you're looking at mold, sagging, and a whole new headache. Make sure your contractor specifies the right type of board for each area of your home.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Finishing Levels
When you get a bid, does it mention the 'level' of finish? If not, ask. There are different levels of drywall finish, from Level 0 (just the board) to Level 5 (a perfectly smooth, skim-coated surface). Most residential projects aim for Level 4, which is great for most paints and textures. Level 5 is for high-gloss paints or areas with critical lighting where every imperfection would show. If your contractor just says