Should I do my own drywall or hire a professional?

For most homeowners, hiring a professional drywaller is the better choice unless you have significant experience and the right tools. While drywall installation looks straightforward, achieving professional results requires specific skills, especially in the finishing stages.

DIY drywall can work for small projects like patching holes or finishing an unfinished basement room where perfection isn't critical. You'll need basic tools (drywall saw, screw gun, taping knives, mud pan) and can expect to spend $1-2 per square foot on materials. However, the learning curve is steep - most first-timers struggle with taping, mudding, and sanding to achieve smooth, paint-ready walls. Common mistakes include visible seams, uneven joints, and over-sanding that damages the paper face.

Professional installation in the Ottawa market typically runs $2-4 per square foot installed and finished, depending on ceiling height, room complexity, and finish level. This includes hanging, taping, mudding, sanding, and primer application. Professionals have specialized tools like automatic tapers and corner rollers that create consistently smooth results, plus they work much faster - what takes a homeowner a weekend might take a pro a few hours.

Ottawa-specific considerations include our climate's effect on drywall - the freeze-thaw cycles mean proper installation is crucial around windows and exterior walls to prevent cracking. If your project requires permits (like basement finishing or secondary suite conversion), the drywall work will be inspected, and poor DIY work can fail inspection, costing more to fix than hiring a pro initially.

When to hire a professional: Complex rooms with vaulted ceilings, multiple corners, or areas requiring fire-rated drywall (like secondary suites requiring 45-minute fire separation). Also consider your timeline - professionals complete the job faster, allowing other trades to proceed sooner.

Safety considerations include dust control (especially important if you have asbestos-containing materials in older Ottawa homes) and proper lifting techniques for heavy sheets. Always test for asbestos before disturbing walls in homes built before 1980.

For most renovation projects, the cost difference between DIY and professional installation is often worth it for the time savings, guaranteed results, and warranty coverage. Want to discuss your specific drywall project? We offer free consultations to help determine the best approach for your situation.