Are you a contractor? You may need an accurate drywall cost estimate. However, many contractors experience a tough time when completing the drywall takeoff work. Determining the exact amount of drywall and other necessary materials is really an easier task.
But it can be most challenging at the same time. You need to consider many things, including the drywall type and the project size. This is where drywall takeoff services come in handy.
Do you want to perform drywall takeoff on your own? You will find more details in this guideline.
What Is Drywall Takeoff?
Drywall takeoff comprises determining the labor and materials required for drywall installation. Usually, homeowners, project managers, and general contractors need drywall estimates for their construction work.
In addition, the area size, project complexity, and drywall type are considered in drywall takeoffs and estimations. Moreover, the following drywall takeoff scopes are involved in estimations.
● Thermal insulation
● Sheetrock panels
● Drywall sheets
● Corner beads
● Metal studs
● Drywall mud
● Blocking
● Clips
● Metal furring
● Screws
● Joint type
Leading Steps To Perform A Drywall Takeoff
Contractors can take many benefits from drywall takeoffs. For example, accurate estimations, reduced waste, time-savings, and improved project management. But how can you perform an effective drywall takeoff service? Don’t worry! You just need to follow the below steps for that purpose:
Measure Every Wall
Before you order any drywall material, it is advisable to measure every wall physically. Because it will help you get the most accurate budget breakdown. When you enter the room, look up at the ceiling and figure out where to hang the drywall.
Despite this, you need to determine whether you want to hand drywall perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Now, take a few measurements to get the room’s width and length appropriately.
Order The Right Size Drywall Sheets
Next comes ordering the right size drywall sheets. For example, if you are up to drywall fifteen inches or less than sixteen inches. Then, you must order two pieces of sixteen-foot drywall. Likewise, it is better to order two pieces of fourteen-foot drywall sheets for the fourteen-foot wall.
This is how drywall is. However, the most common sheet thickness for interior walls of homes is 16 inches. In comparison, ½ inch drywall sheet is considered the most versatile board.
Estimate The Ceiling Material
Have you decided to install drywall on your ceilings? Sounds great! If you’re done with ordering the right size drywall sheets. Then, the next step is to estimate the ceiling material using the wall measurements. Figure out how many drywall sheets you require for the installation process.
You can calculate it by dividing the square foot of surface area by 32 for 4-by-8 sheets or by 48 for 4-by-12 sheets. Multiply the price per sheet and the total number of sheets to get the cost.
Apply Ceiling sheets Properly
Above all, the next step is to apply the ceiling sheets properly.
But, you must decide first whether you want to hand ceiling sheets perpendicular to joists or strapping.
In case the panel doesn’t reach the entire ceiling, you need to apply sheets to the center of the joist piece. Make sure to perform this crucial step with full attention to get precise cost estimates in the end.
Split Drywall Sheets
When you come to the living space area where there is a doorway, it is very simple to split drywall sheets. For example, if you have a ten-foot wall with a doorway. Then, you need to split an eight-foot drywall sheet for the bottom and a ten-foot drywall sheet for the top.
Besides, it is advisable to use a drywall knife to cut the drywall sheets to avoid injuries precisely.
Install Drywall Sheets
If you have closet walls less than four feet wide, you should use eight-foot sheets for narrow walls. However, it is crucial to ensure that the drywall sheets stand vertically. You can’t use a ten-foot sheet for the five-foot wall. So, it is best to cut the sheet in half and install it from top to bottom.
Thus, hanging drywall is not as difficult until you follow the necessary steps to ensure accuracy.
Deploy The Right Material Types
When it comes to effective drywall takeoff service, using the right material types is essential. For instance, you will need mold-resistant drywall for wet areas like bathrooms. But, for a mechanical closet or the garage, it would be a smart choice to utilize the fire-resistant drywall sheet material.
Further, you can make notes of which drywall sheet material would be required for each room.
Concluding Remarks
Precise drywall takeoffs are essential to allocate your material and labor stock accordingly. You can get more new construction projects with the help of accurate drywall estimating and takeoffs. Hopefully, the tips mentioned above are enough to clarify how to conduct drywall takeoff. Still, you need to follow up each step more appropriately to get error-free estimates.