Tag Archives: drywall advice

Where to Get Expert Drywall Repair and Service in Indianapolis

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Your search for reliable drywall work is over! You will get professional drywall installation and repair at a competitive price with Drywall by Local Builders!

Superior Drywall and Painting at Economical Prices

Your Affordable and Steadfast Drywall Repair Solution

Here at Drywall by Local Builders, we are proud to be a locally owned and operated drywall construction company in Indianapolis. Our highly-trained drywall contractors are licensed, insured, and bonded, with more than a decade of hands-on experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of drywall services for both residential and commercial properties, but for municipal and governmental properties as well. If you are looking for reputable, efficient, and affordable drywall work, Drywall by Local Builders is your trusted solution!

True Industry Pros With a Proven Track Record

Our licensed and insured drywall contractors are fully-equipped and staffed to manage any drywall project, regardless of size or scope. Furthermore, we are proficient in everything drywall, from simple drywall installation and repair, to major work like new construction homes, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, custom drywall textures, remodels, basements, and more! Call us anytime to speak with a licensed Indianapolis drywall contractor about your home remodeling needs.

Schedule a Free Estimate for Your Needed Drywall Work

At Drywall by Local Builders, we take great care in protecting your surroundings and maintaining a clean work area in your property, as well as, offering easy and flexible scheduling to get the job done in a convenient time frame for you. Request a free estimate, information, or referrals, anytime! You can expect a prompt hello and a warm greeting. We are industry professionals who are eager to answer all of your drywall questions! Contact us at 317-292-7408 during regular business hours to learn more about our drywall options, and to request a free quote for service.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Basic Drywall Repair and Installation Supplies for All Size Jobs

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Regardless of the type of drywall project you have on deck, or the amount of drywalling experience you have under your belt, there are some basic tools and materials you will surely need. Continue below to learn the fundamental supplies you should have in your beginner’s drywall repair toolbox.

Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319
Professional Drywall and Painting in Indianapolis 317-269-7319

Fundamental Drywall Tools and Materials

Drywall Compound

Also called drywall “mud”, there are two common types of joint compound used to repair and patch: light-weight and all-purpose. Both are easy to work with and retain a room-temperature shelf-life of 9 months. The most important tip for buying drywall compound is to buy enough. For large projects, expect to purchase 4.5 gallon bucket of material. For smaller projects, you can get away with a one gallon bucket, but you may be paying close to the same amount for a larger bucket. If you think you might have future work in the next 9 months, it is more cost-effective to go with the larger bucket. If not, go with the smaller amount so to not waste any material.

Spackle and Plaster

Many people are confused about the difference among drywall compound, spackle, and plaster. The differences are subtle, and hardly noticeable to the average layperson, but they do exist. Compound, joint compound, or drywall mud all refer to the same product, and used mostly for larger drywall and gypsum board projects that require more durability, typically for covering joints between panels. Spackle is very similar to joint compound, but used mostly for small household repairs for plaster and drywall. Plaster is a type of wall material found mostly in older or historic buildings. It is a more time-consuming approach to wall repair in comparison to spackle.

Drywall Repair Tools

You can purchase drywall repair kits that come with virtually all the essentials for drywall patching and repair. Kits range in quantity, size, and price, but common ones generally include 2-3 flexible knives, a utility knife, an insider-corner knife, hammer, screwdriver, saw, drill, nails, and screws. But drywall repairs also require additional materials depending on the needs of the project, including:

► Compound
► Self-adhering Mesh Tape
► Paper Tape
► Drywall
► 1×4 Block of Pine Wood
► Hand Sander
► Nail Bar
► Level
► Hack Saw
► Sandpaper
► Miter Box
► Primer
► Paint
► Paint Brush or Roller

Where to Get Drywall Supplies

You can purchase all of the above-listed materials at any local hardware or home improvement store. Ask a store attendant to point you in the right direction, and give advice on the most reliable products. Talk to a licensed drywall contractor for expert advice on household drywall repairs, drywall projects, drywall replacement, and more. They can even take the weight off your shoulders by getting the job done faster, better, and at a price that won’t make you think twice!

Professional Drywall Repair and Installation in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Where to Find Trusted Commercial Drywall Service in Indy

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Your search for reliable drywall work is over! You will get professional drywall installation and repair at a competitive price when you call Drywall by Local Builders in Indiana!

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Drywall By Local Builders is Your Solution!

Here at Drywall By Local Builders, we are a locally owned and operated drywall company based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Our highly-trained drywall contractors are licensed, insured, and bonded, with more than a decade of hands-on experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of drywall services for both residential and commercial properties, but for municipal and governmental properties as well!

Drywall by Local Builders is fully-equipped and staffed to manage any drywall project, regardless of size or scope. We are proficient in everything drywall, from simple drywall installation and repair, to major work like new construction homes, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, custom drywall textures, remodels, basements, and more!

Unparalleled Customer Support and Care

At Drywall by Local Builders, you can expect a prompt hello and a warm greeting. We are true industry professionals who are always eager to answer all of your drywall questions! Request a free estimate, information, or referrals, anytime! Just take a look below at all the reasons why you should choose us for your commercial drywall needs!

WHY CHOOSE US:

☑ Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
☑ Commercial & Residential
☑ 10+ Years of Experience
☑ Satisfaction Guarantee
☑ High Quality Craftsmanship
☑ Economy-Based Prices
☑ Unparalleled Customer Service
☑ Highly Trained Contractors
☑ Strong Work Ethic
☑ Flexible Scheduling
☑ Friendly Phone Attendants
☑ Devoted Business Owners
☑ Free Estimates
☑ Free Drywall Advice
☑ Job is Done Right the First Time

Contact Us Today!

Call the Drywall by Local Builders office today at 317-269-7319 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis drywall contractor about your property remodeling and renovation needs. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! So pick up the phone and request your free estimate, today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hanging Drywall

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Whether you are refinishing your basement, or simply need to fix a hole in the wall, drywall repair is not simple feat. It requires an ample amount of forethought, preparation, and in best case scenarios, experience. If you are planning on undertaking a drywall project but have little to no experience, you are likely filled with questions regarding the process, materials, best practices, and more.

To help get you started on the right track, review some frequently asked questions about hanging up drywall. This can give you the confidence you need to get the job done, or at least pick up the phone to hire a professional. Continue below to get started!

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Why Do I Need Drywall Tape?

Drywall tape has but one simple purpose, but it is a highly imperative one. It is used to make the drywall seams invisible. Without drywall tape, you will be able to see where each sheet of drywall connects, which is an eyesore. Do not skip the drywall tape, or you will regret it when the job is done!

Do I Need Sheetrock or Drywall?

Do you use cotton swabs, tissues, and adhesive bandages? These are commonly referred to as “Cutips®, Kleenex®, and Band-Aids®”, which are all actually brand names rather than item descriptions. The same principle applies to sheetrock and drywall. They are the same thing, with Sheetrock being a brand name like “Band-Aids®”, and drywall being the actual material description.

What Will I Need to Fix a Hole in the Wall?

To fix a small hole in the wall, you will need a long list of materials. These include, but are not limited to, drywall metal patch (for medium holes), painter’s putty, putty knife, blade knife, drywall compound, fine grain sanding blocks, trowel,  cloth rag, paint, and a paint roller/brush. For larger holes, you will need more material. See our blog, “Common Drywall Supplies and What They Do” to learn more.

What is the Difference between Drywall Spackle and Joint Compound?

Drywall joint compound has a lighter consistency than spackle, which means it is not well-suited for the same applications. It can be used to patch holes and cracks, but it takes longer to dry and shrinks more than spackling paste. Spackle is different from joint compound since it is mainly used to patch up holes and cracks in plaster and gypsum board. It has a thicker consistency, which is why it is also known as “drywall mud.”

Should I Hang Drywall Horizontally or Vertically?

This is actually a very common question among novice handymen. The answer depends on certain factors. Commercial properties must hang drywall vertically to be compliant with fire codes. In contrast, it is normal practice to and drywall horizontally in residential properties. In fact, walls that are 9 feet or higher benefit from horizontal drywall installation, including less seams, hidden uneven studs, easier finishing, and more.

Where Can I Find Trusted Drywall Repair?

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of drywall services, for both residential and commercial properties, including new construction homes, remodels, repairs, metal stud framing, ceiling grids, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

3 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Old Wall Anchors

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After some time, old wall anchors can become more unattractive than useful. When this happens, it is possible to repair the problem all on your own. Continue reading to learn how to get rid of pesky wall anchors in just 3 easy steps!

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Each item on the list of tools and supplies below can be found at any local home improvement store, like Lowes®, Home Depot®, or Menards®. They are all reasonably priced, so you do not have to worry about spending too much on a small project! Just be sure to get the right drill bit size to avoid project hang ups and delays. Here is what you will need to get:

✒ Power Drill
✒ Drill Bit (or Bit Set)
✒ Drywall Patching Compound
✒ 180+ Grit Sandpaper
✒ Putty Knife
✒ Plastic Painters Tarp (or old sheets, newspapers, towels, etc.)

If your drill bit set is not complete, you at least need to have one that is around two sizes bigger than the wall anchor opening. If you plan to paint the wall afterwards, be sure to plan for enough time to dry and prime first. Furthermore, it is wise to purchase new wall anchors that are easily removable for more convenience in the future.

3 Steps Start to Finish:

Step ❶ ⇢ Take out the screw from the wall anchor and choose a drill bit that is 2 sizes larger than the screw hole.

Step ❷ ⇢ Center the drill bit inside the screw hole and use its resistance to drill the anchor out of the wall. It is okay if it falls into the wall cavity.

Special Note: Do not use too much pressure and maintain constant control of your drill. There could be electrical wires or plumbing pipes behind the wall that you do not want to disturb or damage.

Step ❸ ⇢ Use your putty knife to apply drywall compound to the residual hole in the wall and let it dry completely. You may need to fill the hole, little by little. Now all that’s left to do is sand, prime, and paint!

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for affordable Indianapolis drywall repair and installation services you can trust. We service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall services, including new home construction, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more.

Tips for Hiring a Drywall Crew

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It is not a simply chore finding a reputable, affordable, and accomplished drywall crew. So for this reason, it is important to evaluate a contractor properly before moving forward with their services. Below are some tips for choosing the right drywall contractor you can be better prepared when it comes time to make the final call.

Continue reading to learn what you should be looking for in a reputable drywall service company.

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Questions for a Drywall Crew

You don’t want to find a contractor that only meets all your drywall needs, you want a contractor to also meet your need to feel safe and secure; this way, you know you can trust them to do their job effectively, and in a time line that’s convenient for you. Here are some topics to consider when looking for a company to provide drywall installation, repair, or replacement:

☑ Experience

Ask about a contractor’s time in the field. Inquire how long their company has been in business and how many years of experience their crew has in the industry. This will allow you to distinguish between a reputable and thriving company and a fly-by-the-night scam. Ten years is a good amount of experience for a drywall contractor to have, but this can vary depending on skill. This is why it is also a good idea to review some of their past work to confirm their skill level.

☑ Credentials

Be sure to ask your drywall contractor if they are licensed and insured. Any dependable drywall repair company will be licensed and insured. Experience is another vital credential. This lets you know they retain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate work. Also check for industry-related memberships, as well as, BBB and Angie’s List-type memberships. This is a good sign as well, but not a deal-breaker.

☑ Services Offered

You must voice your expectations for drywall service, otherwise, you may choose a company that doesn’t offer all the services you need. Ask them about all the drywall services they offer, and if they can offer all the services specific to your property. At this point, it is wise to also inquire about their grade of equipment, and whether or not they are fully staffed and equipped to get the job done within your preferred timeline.

Indianapolis Drywall Services

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of drywall services, including patchwork, hole repair, crack repair, installation, grid ceilings, custom textures, and more. Whether commercial or residential, our team of licensed drywall contractors are fully-equipped to get the job done in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-269-7319 to learn about our Indianapolis drywall services, prices and availability, today.

Tips for Avoiding DIY Drywall Mistakes

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Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

When people attempt to do their own drywall repairs, the potential for making mistakes is high. Without the proper resources and knowledge, drywall repairs can be messy, complex, and unpredictable. They are not the everyday chore you can easily tackle. However, for small jobs, do-it-yourself repairs are possible. If you are preparing to fix a small hole or area of damaged drywall, it is important to review some common mistakes so that you do not repeat them.

Continue reading to learn the most common DIY drywall errors, and how to avoid making them yourself.

Be Sure You Have Proper Edge Support

Many people make the mistake of not checking the framing at the inside corners before starting their drywall repair or installation project. You must have adequate framing and support, or the drywall you hang will be too heavy. For most jobs, you need at least one inch of exposed framing. If you do not have this extra framing, you’ll need to attach an additional 2×4 to provide alongside the framing you do have. You may also have to add blocking, so be sure to check the top of the wall that runs parallel to the ceiling.

Mark Your Framing

Do not forget to mark your framing members. If you forget, and go on to cover your framing with drywall, you will have a lot of trouble finding the proper places to screw. You need to mark the ceiling joists, and then the center of each stud in the floor, as well as the ceiling.

Avoid Tapering Drywall Corners

A tapered edge of a sheet of drywall will not do you any good once it comes time to install the corner bead. This will cause the corner bead to hang too low, which will make it a challenge covering the joint compound. If you have cut edges, place them on the outside corners of the framing.

Trim Openings Before Fastening Drywall

It is common to measure incorrectly or come across an outlet that doesn’t fit. This is why it is important to always check the fit before you fasten anything to the framing.

Use the Longest Drywall Sheets Possible

You want to avoid adding extra joints, especially butt joints. Taping around these joints is time-consuming and complicated, so reduce the quantity by procuring the longest and biggest drywall sheets possible for your project. For the average 8 to 9 foot wall, it is recommended to get specially-cut 54 inch wide drywall sheets. If you have a larger job, you should use 12 foot sheets, but it is recommended to get the materials delivered. They are heavy, and difficult to transport.

Call a Professional Indianapolis Drywall Repair Company

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional Indianapolis drywall repair at an affordable price. We are highly-trained and licensed drywall contractors that offer a wide range of drywall services for residential and commercial properties. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! Call 317-269-7319 to request an estimate for Indianapolis drywall repair, today.

How to Match Drywall Texture

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Indianapolis Drywall Installation 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Installation 317-269-7319

When you have to patch textured drywall, matching the textures properly can be quite the challenge since there are so many variables involved. In fact, it is strongly recommended to use professional drywall service for patching and repair work on textured drywall unless you have experience. Professional drywall contractors retain all the proper tools, materials, and training to match drywall textures effortlessly. However, if you are going to take on the project yourself, there are a few tips to learn before
you get started.

Continue reading to learn some advice on how to match drywall textures and achieve a seamless finish.

Be Sure the Width of the Drywall Matches the Existing Layer

It is important that the wall is level. To ensure this, you must use the same thickness drywall as the new layer. Otherwise, the new layer will protrude or cave in, which will look defective when finished. Simply measure the width of the existing drywall and find the matching size at your local home improvement store. One exception to this rule is plaster. You may have to use shimming to raise the final layer of your drywall patch since plaster is not always an exact size.

Use as Little Drywall Mud as Possible on the Surrounding Drywall

When taping and coating the surrounding patch area in an effort to make it as flat as possible, be sure to limit the amount of mud you use. Use the thinnest layer possible to get the job done.

Blend the Lines that Distinguish the New Layer with the Existing Layer of Mud

One of the primary focuses of a drywall patching job is to blend the lines so they are not distinguishable when the wall is finished. But there is more to this strategy than this obvious factor. For flat finishes, you could simply feather out the mud and do away with these lines entirely; but for textures, you will need to use a drywall knife or other tool to fill these crevices with excess drywall mud.

Mimic the Same Application Technique Used for the Original Texture

It is vital to use the same tools and techniques used for the existing drywall texture. If you do anything differently, you will not get the same results and your patch will not match the rest of the wall. If you did not apply the initial layer of drywall, you may want to hire a professional for assistance.

Be Sure You Use the Same Amount of Spackle as the Existing Layer of Drywall

Just like you matched the drywall width and technique, you must also match the same amount of drywall mud. If you use less mud than the existing layer, it will appear concaved; and if you use too much, it will look swollen. Work in moderate amounts so you can match the layer accurately.

Indianapolis Drywall Installation and Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We provide residential and commercial drywall service at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.