"Suzy" wrote in message
...
'On May 1, 3:19 pm, "John Grabowski" wrote:
I am going to be getting estimates and then signing a contract to have
3 rooms (game room, bedroom, storage room) in my basement, drywalled,
taped, and textured.

I would like to get some suggestions for "Do's and Don'ts" that I
should specify in my contract to makes sure the contractor does not
implement any "inappropriate" shortcuts that result in a less than
optimum result.

For example:

1. The drywall shall be attached with screws.
2. ...

*I'm not a fan of textured drywall because it is so difficult to match
after
a repair has been made.

Echo that. It's unlikely that you'll ever touch the ceilings again,
and some form of texture is often preferable aesthetically, but do you
really want texture on the walls? If you ever scrape it need access
to pipes or wires etc you're going to having to repair the texture.
I've tried to match many times - there are numerous techniques you
will see if you google - but none of them blend in well and I've
always ended up respraying the whole wall which is a major PITA.
Also, I don't like the way orange peel looks after it's had more than
a couple of coats of paint - looks like a more sloppy finish.
Moreover, I don't think you can beat a nice flat finish on a well
mudded wall.

Anyway....to actually answer your question... I would require taping
of all joints (seems obvious, I know), I assume you want 1/2", I would
give them a clear time limit to get the job done (ideally you'd like
to see consecutive days until they're done, but it may not work out
like that unless you make it a requirement) and would include one coat
of primer as part of the job so you can properly assess the quality of
the finish before you pay up.

Cub



Stay away from textures..They always end up being a PITA and look like crap
after a while as pointed out...

1. Since it is a basement Moisture and Mold Resistant Sheetrock is an
option..

2. Ceiling will be strapped 16 inches on center with 1X3 fir strapping..

3.All USG materials will be used and applied to manufactures specs...(Other
brands are fine too , again to spec)

4. All corner bead will be nailed on and not crimped on..

5. Work will be done in a timely manner..(Sometimes due to drying time
consecutive days are not possible on a job that small especially in a
basement)

6. Any extra daily clean up requirements or other special considerations..

7. All scrap sheetrock and garbage is the responsibility of the contractor
to remove and dispose of

8. A coat of primer to be applied to manufacturer's specs..( if you
want)...


You should also TELL them where to pull power from , where to park and what
bathroom to use...HTH...Of course if you do some of that it will reduce your
cost...