Professional Painting Guide for New Sheetrock Walls

Posted on February 12, 2021 by bittnerdry

Have you just installed brand new sheetrock walls? If so, you are probably itching to get them painted and finished to complete your space’s updated look. But before you get started, it is wise to review some helpful tips and tricks for painting and finishing new sheetrock. Conveniently, you are already in the right place. Continue below for a professional’s guide to painting new sheetrock walls, as well as some tips on what to do if you experience trouble with your drywall projects.

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What is Sheetrock?

Not sure which type of wall you are working with? Well, do not let the term sheetrock confuse you. Sheetrock is also referred to as drywall or plasterboard. So, if you were confused, the answer is “yes, sheetrock is drywall”, which means you are correct! If you installed your own sheetrock, then you have likely just finished with fastening all the drywall boards to the wall studs, taping the seams, applying your joint compound, or drywall mud, letting it dry, and sanding it all down to a smooth, flawless surface.

At this point in the project, you do not want to let all your hard work go to waste with improper paint and primer application! Even if you purchased your sheetrock pre-treated, or had them professionally installed by an Indianapolis drywall company, you still do not want to jeopardize the finished outcome. Be sure you are making the proper arrangements to render a professional-grade outcome.

How to Paint New Sheetrock

Using a soft, damp sponge, wipe down the surface of your drywall to remove any residual dust or sanding debris. Be sure to let the wet spots dry completely.

Prepare your workspace with drop cloths and wall tape to protect against paint spills and splatters. You might want to remove outlet covers and such as well.

Now you are ready to paint. A good secret is to use a ladder and a long extension pole that will reach the very top crease of the ceiling and walls.

Always start with the ceiling, if needed. Then do the walls.

Apply your primer first. Be sure you have chosen a paint and primer product that is specifically made for sheetrock. Drywall is very absorbent, and using the wrong product will look unprofessional.

Prime your walls next. Start with the corners and edges of the wall, then work your way down.

Repeat these last two steps with your paint of choice. Always do a second coat!

Allow the paint to dry completely in between coats, and before removing your painters’ tape.

Where to Get Professional Drywall and Painting in Indianapolis, Indiana

When a painting project gets to be too much for you to take on, just call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall and painting service you can afford! We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial services, including drywall, painting, repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Contact us to request a free estimate, today.

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Do I Use Joint Compound or Drywall Spackle?

Posted on January 11, 2021 by bittnerdry

If you have a drywall repair to do, and you have no idea what you are doing, it is wise to do your research first. It is very easy to make drywall repair mistakes, so familiarize yourself with the basics before you take a turn at drywall repair. A great place to start is understanding the various tools you need for drywall repair, like drills, saws, miter boxes, utility knives, taping knives, drywall tape, mud pans, drywall screws, and of course, your adhesion product. This can be either joint compound or spackle.

Continue reading to learn the primary differences between joint compound and drywall spackle, and which applications call for each.

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Joint Compound

Drywall joint compound is a white powder containing gypsum board dust as its main ingredient. It is combined with water to produce a mud, which can be used for joining drywall seams and bedding drywall seam tape. It 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.

Drywall Spackle

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.” Spackle comes in two primary forms: quick-setting and premixed. Quick-setting drywall mud is also referred to as “hot” mud because a chemical reaction occurs during the curing process that causes heat release.

Premixed Drywall Mud

Premixed drywall mud is the more common or traditional drywall spackle, probably because it is ready to use. The type of spackle you choose for your project depends on the type of drywall work you are doing. Hot mud is recommended for small patch jobs, like door knob holes because you don’t have to wait 24 hours to reapply your second or third coat.

Drywall Repair Tips

It is important to have the proper tools, materials, and equipment to finish drywall. Not only is it a challenging task to undertake without experience or knowledge, but it is also a costly investment. A better option would be to hire professional Indianapolis drywall contractors. They have the specialized training, experience, and resources to get the job done right, and in a convenient time frame. This is strongly encouraged for large-scale or complex drywall repair projects.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Installation and Repair at the Best Price

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.

Where to Get Expert Drywall Repair and Service in Indianapolis

Posted on December 18, 2020 by bittnerdry

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.

Basic Drywall Repair and Installation Supplies for All Size Jobs

Posted on November 30, 2020 by bittnerdry

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.

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

Which Drywall Screws Do I Need?

Posted on October 26, 2020 by bittnerdry

Drywall hanging and repairing requires certain tools that must be used to get the job done right. The same rule applies for even the tiniest detail, like drywall screws. There are several options for drywall fasteners, but not all of them are good choices. The most effective nails and screws are the ones that provide a sturdy, long-lasting hold, while at the same time allowing for the proper amount of countersinking.

Continue reading to learn about a few of the most common and effective drywall screws, and how they are applied in drywall installation.

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Always Use the Right Screw for the Right Job

Drywall screws are a little more expensive, but they do provide a stronger hold. There are many drywall fasteners that come in the form of a Philips head, but they are not all the same in terms of performance and value. The screw you choose will largely depend in the drywall application you have in store, but also on the quality of screw you are looking for.

Here are four of the most common drywall screws used to hang gypsum:

✑ Self-Drilling – Also used as pan head screws, these are effective for metal stud framing.

✑ Course – These screws have courser threads that securely fasten drywall to its studs.

✑ Fine – These screws have smaller heads and finer threads that work well to secure gypsum board.

✑ Trim-Head – Use these screws to attach wood trim over drywall.

You May Also Need Drywall Nails

There are also several types of drywall nails that are effective for fastening smaller parts to a larger base. In fact, there are 3 specific type of drywall nails that are commonly used in drywall installation. These common gypsum board nails include:

✑ Drywall Nails – These are standard nails used to attach drywall to wood frames. They are designed with a large head and a barbed shank, giving them a stronger holding capacity. Some are even sterilized to protect against oil and dirt.

✑ Cupped-Head Nails – These have rounded heads that allow for easier countersinking and a smooth, flat finish. They are commonly used to secure drywall to wood framing. They require to use of joint compound to cover the exposed head.

✑ Cement-Coated Nails – These nails have a resin-coated shank that is smooth. This allows for stronger holding power. Their common application is to secure drywall to wooden framing.

Professional Drywall Installation

It is highly recommended to hire a licensed contractor for drywall installation and repair. They have the proper training, experience, and resources to provide professional drywall service in a convenient time frame. You don’t want to make the mistake of injuring yourself or damaging your property if you have never hung drywall before!

Certified Drywall and Painting Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices, including professional painting and trim work. Contact us anytime to request a free estimate, today.

What You Need for Minor Household Drywall Repairs

Posted on September 29, 2020 by bittnerdry

Drywall repair involves a lot of steps. It’s more than just mud and patching. In fact, you are wise to leave moderate to major drywall repairs in the hands of an equipped professional. They have the tools, training, and experience to manage any drywall repair project, regardless of size or scope. However, if you are ambitious about making your own minor drywall repairs, you’ll at least need the basic tools to get you started. You can get that information and more, below.

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Keep in mind that these tools are not cheap, so you must consider whether or not they are worth the investment. Unless you have future drywall repair plans, it may be more cost-effective to outsource drywall work rather than invest in your own materials for just one job.

Here’s What You’ll Need

The basic tool kit for minor drywall repairs should consists of at least 6 particular items. These include a putty knife, mud pans, sanding sponge, sandpaper, drywall tape, and corner tools. You can find these supplies at any local home improvement or hardware store, such as Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot.

Mud Pans

Your mud pan is a staple in your drywall tool kit because it will improve work efficiency. You will use it to carry around your drywall compound with you as you work. Professional drywall contractors use hawks, but mud pans are best for small jobs and beginners.

Putty Knife

There are several types of drywall knifes, ranging in sizes between 2 inches and one foot. You will need to be sure you choose one that is right for minor drywalling repair projects. Anything under 6 inches should work well.

Sanding Sponge and Sandpaper

With virtually all drywall repair projects, painting is expected to be on the agenda. And with painting comes sanding. You will need to smooth down the drywall compound for a smooth painting surface. The proper grit sandpaper or sanding sponge are two tools that will help you achieve the best results during the sanding steps.

Drywall Tape

For small holes and drywall cracks, you will need tape to secure them in place and ensure the crevices do not reappear beneath the compound. Larger holes should be covered with adhesive mesh or special self-adhesive sheets.

Corner Tools

You will need corner tools for drywall repairs in the hard-to-reach corners of walls. Not only will this reduce stress on your muscles, it will make your work progress more efficient. Just be sure to find the right corner tools for small repair jobs.

Professional Drywall Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair services 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.

How to Repair a Hole in the Wall From a Door Handle

Posted on July 30, 2020 by bittnerdry

Doesn’t it seem like doors can sometimes just swing open at the faintest touch? And what’s left over? An unsightly doorknob hole. Whether you have kids running around your house on a daily basis, or a clumsy bone in your body, you need a quick solution to repair pesky doorknob holes in drywall. Continue reading to learn just that!

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What You’ll Need:

❏ Self-Adhesive Mesh
❏ Drywall Knife
❏ Utility Knife
❏ Lightweight Joint Compound
❏ Sanding Sponge
❏ Dust Mask
❏ Safety Goggles
❏ Drywall Saw
❏ Latex Primer
❏ Drop Cloth
❏ Paint

You can purchase all of the above tools and supplies at any local home improvement or hardware store at a reasonable price. But for small holes like those caused by doorknobs, you can also purchase a patch kit. Just ask a store representative for help locating one that’s right for your drywall repair project. Look below for a simple guide to patching a doorknob hole in your drywall.

Step 1

Later drop cloth on the floor beneath your work area. This will catch all of the loose dust and debris.

Step 2

Use your utility knife to scrape away any access debris along the edges of the hole.

Step 3

Apply the self-adhesive mesh patch on top of the hole.

Step 4

Use your drywall knife to apply the lightweight joint compound over the self-adhesive mesh patch. Use a crisscross pattern to ensure full and even coverage. Taper the edges as you go to blend the compound into the wall. To spread thinner coats of joint compound, simply increase the amount of pressure you use.

Step 5

Allowed the drywall joint compound to dry completely.

Step 6

Apply another coat of your lightweight joint compound.

Step 7

Once the compound is completely dry again, use your sanding sponge to smooth it all out into an even surface. This may take a few attempts to achieve a smooth-enough surface.

Time to Finish the Job!

Once you have finished sanding the dried joint compound, you are ready to prime and paint. Be sure to use a quality primer and paint, and also be sure that your paint color matches the existing color on your wall. A store representative can help you match your existing wall color, since it can be hard to do on your own. Sometimes a color chart displays a different shade than the one that appears once your paint has dried. Avoid this with some forethought.

Sometimes the job is just too big or complex for a DIY approach. Or perhaps you simply don’t have the time or budget for needed materials. In this case, contact a licensed contractor for professional drywall replacement.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Replacement at the Right Price

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for licensed Indianapolis drywall repair you can afford. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including hole in the wall repairs, 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.

5 Steps to Properly Painting Over New Plasterboard

Posted on July 17, 2020 by bittnerdry

As one of the most widely applied in universal building materials of our day, plasterboard is a common commodity you will come across at some point in time as a homeowner. Also known as gypsum board, sheet rock, or drywall, fresh plasterboard requires a nice finish for optimal aesthetic appeal. In place of a skip trowel or texture design, homeowners can choose to paint over the new plasterboard. However, be sure you know the proper techniques and the right kind materials before getting over your head in a drywall painting project.

Continue reading to learn the 5 steps it takes to properly paint over new plasterboard, as well as, where to turn if you find yourself in need of some professional assistance or advice.

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Let’s Get Started With What You Need

Visit your local department store or home improvement store, and pick up these supplies to properly paint over your freshly-installed and finished drywall:

✒ High Quality Paint and Primer
✒ 2.5 or 3 Inch Tapered Paint Brush
✒ Paint Rollers W/Covers
✒ Roller Extension Handle (Optional)
✒ Painters Tape
✒ Paint Pan
✒ Drop Cloths or Tarps
✒ Damp Sponge
✒ Screwdriver
✒ Ladder (Optional; Depending)

Once you’ve gathered all of your necessary supplies, organize them in a fashion so that your workspace is all set up and ready to go. This includes donning any protective gear, such as safety goggles, gloves, and painters’ apron, as well as, setting up drop cloths and furniture coverings to protect all surrounding areas and structures.

Now You Are Ready To Paint Your Plasterboard

Step 1

Using your damp sponge, give you our new plasterboard a wipe down to ensure all dust and solid matter are eliminated. During this process you might notice some imperfections or problem areas. In this case, make all necessary repairs, and finish by sanding and re-wiping your sheet rock.

Step 2

Apply your painters’ tape and all necessary areas of your workspace, including around electrical outlets, baseboards, window frames, door frames, ceilings, and more. Be sure that all of your drop cloths or plastic tarps, whichever one you’re using, are perfectly in place and covering any areas that might get paint splatter.

Step 3

If you need your ladder, get it ready to go. If you can reach all areas of your plasterboard with your paint roller, forget the latter. Just grab your paint rollers and paint brush. Pour your primer into your paint pan, and began applying your paint primer. Start with corners and edges first, creating a border. Then, starting at the center of the wall, fill in the rest of the space using straight and diagonal movements to ensure a streak free finish.

Step 4

After you have allowed the primer to dry, you may need to apply a second coat. But if not go ahead and move forward step four, which involves applying your finishing paint coats. First, apply your painters’ tape below the edges of the ceiling. Then pour your paint into your paint pan, and begin painting the ceiling first. Generally, ceilings are painted all white. After the ceiling has completely dried, remove your painters’ tape, and begin applying your finishing paint to the walls, which might be a different color than the ceiling.

Step 5

After the ceiling and walls have dried completely, you may need to apply a second coat. In fact, it is usually best practice to do so. Also during this step, go ahead and add in any touchups you need using your smaller tapered paintbrush. Finish by removing the rest of your painters’ tape from your workspace.

Professional Drywall Installation and Painting Services in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for drywall installation and interior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including painting, 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.

Common Wall Problems and Solutions

Posted on June 29, 2020 by bittnerdry

Drywall, or gypsum board, is beneficial for several reasons. It is fire-resistant, economical, versatile, durable, noise-mitigating, easily decorated and painted, easy to repair and replace, and much more! For this reason, it is important to take good care of your walls, and keep up with routine cleaning and repairs. Although moderate to major drywall work should be performed by a trained and certified professional who is properly equipped with the right resources, there are some wall problems you can likely tackle yourself. This will save you both time and money.

Continue below to learn some of the most common wall issues, and how to solve them.

Wall Odors

Lingering wall odors are not pleasant. Worst of all, homeowners can become nose-blind to these foul smells, which can put a delay on fixing the problem. To clean walls of odor, fill a bucket with warm water and a drop or two of liquid dish soap. Using a soft sponge, start at the top of the wall and then work side-to-side on your way down. Use a step ladder to reach the upper areas. As you finish each section, use a towel to dry up any excess moisture. Then when finished, open up some windows and doors to ventilate the room and dry the walls.

Missing Studs

The most common way to locate a wall stud is to use a stud finder. If you do not have one on hand, your best option for located wall studs is to simply use your own fist. Using your knuckles, tap the wall a few times, and then horizontally move over every couple of inches and tap some more. The wall should emit a sound that implies hollowness when you tap, until you tap on a stud. When working with plaster walls, rely on your light switches. Most often, light switch plates are installed inside the first wall stud by the nearest door frame since the box that holds all the electrical wiring needs to be connected to something sturdy.

Small Holes

Large holes in the wall will require professional service, however, small ones can easily be patched up yourself. There are some basic steps to patching up a small hole in drywall. First, use a blade knife to clean up the edges of the hole; try to cut at an angle so that the interior of the hole is narrower than the hole. Next, use painter’s putty and putty knife to fill the hole. Then use the same knife to smooth out the surface, making it level to the wall. After the putty dries completely, lightly sand the area until smooth and level to the rest of the wall. Now, do these same steps, but with your spackle. Once the spackle is finished, you can paint over the spot and enjoy your accomplishment!

Sweaty Walls

If your home or commercial property has wet walls, or walls that “sweat” with condensation, then you may have a mold problem on your hands. Wet walls can be caused by several things, but mostly poor plumbing or leaky pipes. It is important to have a plumbing contractor provide professional diagnostics to determine the cause of your wet walls. Moldy wet walls will require drywall removal, drywall replacement, mold removal, plumbing repairs, water leak diagnostics, and fresh paint. All of these tasks require you to hire a professional.

Where to Find Trusted Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

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.

Call Drywall By Local Builders for Drywall Installation and Repair in Indianapolis

Posted on June 19, 2020 by bittnerdry

When you need trusted customer service, competitive pricing, and outstanding results that last, you need the licensed and qualified experts at Drywall By Local Builders! Whether commercial or residential, we have what it takes to deliver this promise!

A Professional Indianapolis Drywall Repair Company

Here at Drywall by Local Builders, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall construction company in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide professional drywall repair, replacement, installation, and finishing for both residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our general contractors have more than 10 years of experience in the building and construction industry, and provide a wide range of drywall and painting services for properties and complexes of all sizes.

Our experienced drywall contractors offer both residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, level 5 finishes, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Whether you need acoustic drywall service, new home construction drywall, or something in between, we are the highly-skilled Indianapolis drywall contractors to trust for the results you expect.

We Can Conquer Any Job, Large or Small

Drywall by Local Builders is always fully-equipped to manage any project, regardless of size and scope. We get the job done right the first time, and offer convenient schedule flexibility to accommodate your personal agenda. Our strong dedication to old fashioned values of honesty, integrity, and quality set us apart from our competition. And our “Satisfaction Guarantee” lets you know you can trust our work and be happy with the results for many years. When you enlist our professional Indianapolis drywall crew for drywall service and repair, you are making a safe and educated investment for your property!

How to Get in Touch for a Free Estimate

Getting in touch with one of our licensed Indianapolis drywall contractors is easy. Just contact our office at 317-269-7319 to learn more about our drywall services, or to schedule an estimate today. We also offer free estimates, in-home consultations, and complimentary advice about drywall replacement.