Don’t Let These 5 Drywall Finishing Mistakes Cost You Thousands in 2024

Drywall finishing may look straightforward, but even small mistakes can lead to expensive repairs and unsightly results that haunt homeowners for years. With the cost to drywall a 2,000 square foot house ranging from $8,000 to $30,000, and most homeowners spending $1,000 to $3,000 on their drywall project, getting it right the first time is crucial. Unfortunately, many homeowners and even some contractors make critical errors during the finishing process that can cost thousands to fix later.

Mistake #1: Poor Joint Compound Application

One of the most expensive mistakes in drywall finishing is improper joint compound application. Applying too much product in some spots and too little in others will leave visible ridges and valleys in the finished surface. Using the right amount of joint compound can be tricky. Applying too much can lead to uneven surfaces, excessive sanding, and a messier workspace, while too little compound won’t adequately cover seams or create a smooth finish.

The financial impact of this mistake is significant. The average cost to finish drywall is $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for labor and materials, but when mistakes require complete redoing, homeowners often pay double or triple this amount. Joint compound should be spread uniformly in a thin layer across the entire surface area. Use a wide, flexible drywall knife and spread the compound in smooth, controlled strokes.

Mistake #2: Rushing the Drying Process

Perhaps the most costly error is not allowing adequate drying time between coats. Each coat needs some time to dry before you can move on to the next one. It’s important to allow each stage to complete before sanding or fully adding the next layers. Rushing leads to bubbles, delamination between coats, cracks, and other long-term problems.

Rushed timelines can lead to bubbling, cracking, or uneven texture if contractors are in a hurry to move on to the next job and cut corners. This mistake often appears months or years later, requiring expensive repairs that could have been avoided with patience.

Mistake #3: Visible Tape and Seam Issues

Nothing screams “amateur work” like visible tape showing through the finished surface. Seeing tape through the finished surface is a common issue caused by not embedding the tape properly into the joint compound. It can also result from applying too little compound over the tape, leading to poor coverage.

You shouldn’t be able to see where one drywall sheet ends and the next begins. If seams are showing through paint or primer, it likely means the taping and mudding were rushed or done unevenly. Professional drywall finishing bethayres services understand the importance of proper tape embedding and compound application to prevent these costly visual defects.

Mistake #4: Improper Sanding Techniques

Sanding mistakes can destroy hours of careful work and create expensive problems. Uneven sanding often occurs when too much focus is placed on one spot or when you use the improper tools, leading to gouges or inconsistencies in the surface. Over-sanding can also ruin the work, exposing tape or leaving areas too thin.

Sanding is the final step to achieving that smooth, paint-ready surface. Light, circular sanding works best for achieving such a finish. Harsh back-and-forth abrasion creates visible scratch marks. Use fine-grit sandpaper with a light touch, applying even pressure in circular motions.

Mistake #5: Using Wrong Tools and Materials

The final costly mistake involves using inappropriate tools or low-quality materials. Drywall knives come in varying sizes designed for different applications. Wide knives are your go-to for initial coats and large areas, while smaller, flexible ones are perfect for tackling corners, edges, and those tricky details.

Using low-quality drywall, cheap joint compound, or the wrong fasteners can lead to long-term issues. If you are relying on using pre-mixed compound as it is, you are bound to encounter problems along the way. Make sure the compound has a good consistency and avoid using it when it’s too thick. Using the thick compound can cause bubbles to form and the tape will not stick properly on the wall.

The True Cost of Drywall Mistakes

The financial impact of these mistakes extends far beyond the initial repair costs. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for full wall replacement, with labor and material costs being the most significant contributors to the overall expense. When you factor in the disruption to your home, potential damage to furnishings, and the time lost, the true cost can be much higher.

Many homeowners quickly discover that drywall work takes skills and experience to do flawlessly. Indeed, many homeowners find it takes twice as much time as they budgeted, simply because they have to spend so much time fixing the mistakes they made while doing drywall repair.

Prevention is Key

The best way to avoid these expensive mistakes is to work with experienced professionals who understand proper drywall finishing techniques. Look for a drywall contractor who is a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry. Ask for references and browse their portfolio of similar completed projects. Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.

Avoiding common mistakes with drywall joint compounds leads to superior finished drywall surfaces ready for decoration. Careful surface preparation, even compound application in proper thicknesses, allowing full drying times between coats, using the right knives for each layer, and gentle hand sanding are the keys to success.

Don’t let these common drywall finishing mistakes cost you thousands in 2024. Whether you’re planning a renovation or dealing with repairs, investing in quality workmanship from the start will save you money, time, and frustration in the long run. Remember, when it comes to drywall finishing, patience and proper technique are worth every penny.