What are the best practices for drywall and painting during a home renovation?

Proper drywall installation and painting technique can make or break your renovation's final appearance. The key is taking time with preparation, using quality materials, and following the right sequence - rushing these finishing trades always shows in the final result.

Drywall Best Practices

Start with proper framing preparation before hanging any drywall. In Ottawa's older homes, you'll often find uneven studs or settling that requires shimming to create straight, plumb walls. Use a laser level or long straightedge to identify problem areas. For bathroom and basement renovations, always use moisture-resistant drywall (green board or purple board) in wet areas, and consider mold-resistant varieties given Ottawa's humidity swings.

When hanging drywall, minimize joints wherever possible by using the longest sheets that will fit through your doorways. Standard 4x8 sheets work for most residential work, but 4x10 or 4x12 sheets reduce seams significantly. Always hang horizontally on walls under 9 feet - this creates stronger joints and fewer seams. Leave a 1/4" gap at the floor for expansion and settlement, especially important in Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate.

Taping and mudding requires patience - this is where most DIY projects fail. Apply three coats minimum: tape coat, fill coat, and finish coat. Each coat must be completely dry before the next (24-48 hours in Ottawa's variable humidity). Use paper tape for corners and butt joints - it's stronger than mesh tape despite being harder to work with. Feather your mud coats progressively wider: 6" for tape coat, 10" for fill coat, 12-14" for finish coat.

Painting Preparation and Execution

Surface preparation determines paint longevity more than paint quality. Sand all drywall mud smooth with 120-grit paper, then prime with a high-quality drywall primer - never skip this step. In Ottawa homes, pay special attention to areas that may have been exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations during construction.

Choose paint based on the room's function and Ottawa's climate conditions. For bathrooms and basements, use moisture-resistant paint with mold inhibitors. Semi-gloss or satin finishes work best in high-humidity areas and are easier to clean. For living areas, eggshell provides good durability while hiding minor imperfections.

Apply paint in the right environmental conditions - temperature between 50-85°F with low humidity. Ottawa's spring and fall weather can be ideal, but avoid painting during humid summer days or when heating systems create dry winter air that causes paint to dry too quickly.

Professional vs. DIY Considerations

While homeowners can handle basic drywall repairs and painting, large renovations benefit from professional trades. Experienced drywallers can hang and finish a typical room in 2-3 days versus 1-2 weeks for most DIYers. Professional painters achieve consistent coverage and finish quality that's difficult to match without experience.

For secondary suite conversions, fire-rated drywall installation requires specific techniques and inspection. The Ontario Building Code requires 45-minute fire separation between units, which involves specific screw patterns, sealants, and installation methods that affect insurance and safety.

Next Steps for Your Project

Plan your drywall and painting timeline carefully - these trades can't be rushed without compromising quality. Budget 7-10 days minimum for a typical room including drying time. For whole-home renovations, consider hiring professionals for consistent results and faster completion. Want to discuss the finishing details for your specific renovation? Contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation on achieving professional-quality results.