Image of new drywall being installed in house

The Reality of Drywall: Why Home Improvement Shows Are Unrealistic

Oh, the allure of home renovation shows! Their perfectly framed 30-minute segments make it seem like building and renovating homes is a snap. As homeowners cozy up on their couches, it’s easy to be lulled into a dreamy vision where drywall magically hangs itself overnight, and you wake up to pristine walls without a hiccup. But in the real world – where our Kamloops home builders at Interior Elite hang our hard hats – the story is quite different.

Quality Over Quick Fixes

Many of these popular TV shows often sacrifice quality to create an illusion of speedy results. However, drywall done hastily won’t have the longevity of one that’s handled with care by professionals. It’s like opting for a plastic knob to adorn your cabinets over a carefully handcrafted steel one. Sure, both might look good for a while, but we all know which one stands the test of time. 

Custom home builders, like ours at Interior Elite, emphasize quality of work. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about doing it right

The Grueling Reality of Drywall

If there’s an Oscar for the “Most Miserable Part of Renovation,” drywall would surely take it home every year. Why? Because it feels endless. There’s the hanging, mudding, taping, sanding – and then some more sanding. It’s a dance that feels long and draining, but the beautifully smooth, strong, and structurally sound walls that result are worth it. Trust us!

Anyone who’s lived through the drywall stage understands the mix of excitement and impatience. While TV might compress this to a 5-minute montage, in reality, it’s a detailed process that requires precision – and a whole lot of patience.

When Drywall Goes South

One could easily argue, “It’s just drywall! How hard can it be?” Well, when not done correctly, a lot can go wrong. From sagging ceilings and bubbling paint to visible joints, uneven corners, and irregularities in texture, the errors become evident, especially over time. And those errors can not only be an eyesore but might also need further repairs down the line. 

In fact, when poorly installed, drywall can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, bacteria, and allergens. Any cracks or weak spots in the foundation become vulnerable to moisture, causing spores to dig in and spread, compromising the entirety of your home’s wood framing and flooring. Yikes!

Considering the heartaches and extra expenses, it becomes abundantly clear that investing time and money in having a professional Kamloops builder take on the task is not just a good idea; it’s the only idea.

Why You Should Leave Drywall to the Pros (Hint: It’s Us!)

Interior Elite isn’t here to dash your DIY dreams. But when it comes to certain tasks – especially something as foundational as drywall – it’s best left to the experts. Why? Because the quality difference is palpable. Every wall becomes a canvas for your home, and you wouldn’t want that canvas to be anything less than perfect.

Plus, you’ll get a much longer lifespan out of your drywall when done right. A professionally installed base of drywall could last up to 70 years. But if done wrong, you’d be lucky to get 20 years before it becomes aesthetically unbearable or structurally unsafe (or both). So, while we understand the allure of clipping on that tool belt and fastening up those coveralls, drywall is no easy feat. And it can be riddled with complications and frustrations. 

But guess what? When you work with Kamloops builders like us, you’re not only ensuring top-notch work but also peace of mind. And isn’t peace of mind the ultimate home improvement?

The Real Deal on Drywall: A Step-by-Step Timeframe

  1. Hanging the Drywall (1-2 days): Sheets of drywall are precisely measured, cut, and fastened to wall studs.
  2. Taping (2-3 days): Joint tape is applied over the seams to ensure a smooth, seamless appearance.
  3. Mudding (3-5 days): A compound, often referred to as “mud,” is applied over the tape and screws, filling in any gaps. Multiple coats are needed, with drying time between each. To expedite the drying, we’ll set up industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. But remember, this step is akin to watching paint dry – boring and painful but worth the wait. 
  4. Sanding (1-2 days): After the mud dries, sanding ensures a perfectly smooth surface ready for paint.
  5. Final Inspection (1 day): A thorough check ensures everything’s flawless!

Please note: Timelines can vary based on the room size and conditions, but these estimates give a realistic perspective when working with professional Kamloops home builders like Interior Elite.

Conclusion: The Real Deal with Drywall

Whether you’re catching up on Property Brothers, Good Bones, Amazing Interiors, or another HGTV favourite, remember while entertaining, these shows are rarely rooted in reality. So, next time you find yourself thinking, “I can do that in a weekend!” – hit pause and call a professional. Ideally, one who understands that drywall is a detailed dance and a vitally important process. More importantly, it’s a process that’s essential to get right.

So, when you’re ready for that renovation or to build the home of your dreams, remember us – the Kamloops home builders at Interior Elite. Reach out, get a quote, and let’s make sure your walls stand strong, look beautiful, and are truly the best they can be. At Elite, we believe every homeowner deserves quality, especially when it comes to the foundation of their dream space.