Poor Drywall Installation - Need Advice Please

[jeffmorgan]

I paid a drywall installer to hang and mud drywall in large den. Paneling was up before (which I removed). I needed it done in a hurry before I had my hardwoods refinished. After some searching, I was able to find a company that was able to do the work.

They finished, I paid, and I felt good about getting it done in my timeframe. HOWEVER - - after a closer inspection under the right light, the rush job was not such a good idea on my part. I discovered the following.

-> humps on many of the seams

-> valleys on some of the seams

-> some wavy areas

My questions:

1. Can this be repaired 2-3 weeks after the work was done?

1. Should I accept the fact that I needed a rush job, and got an expected result?

2. Should I attempt to repair this myself, or bring the contractor back out?

1. Am I able to bring him back out even though I already paid?

2. How do you fix the humps on the seams? Sand 'em out, or re-mud first?

Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[e-mail]

[Tony Hwang]

Hi, IMO, rush or no rush, jobs has to be done properly. Sounds like they did not do a good prep. after panelling is removed. Maybe apprentice did the job wihout supervision?

[Joey]

YES, you can repair drywall easily at a later date.

No, they should have done a good job first time.

Depends. You'll need to practice first and get the hang of drywalling. It's not hard but the key is a small layer at a time, let it dry, sand, and then another layer until it's right.

If he is dependable you might try that. Point out the flaws you found and hear what he has to say.

Sand, re-mud, dry, then repeat as needed. It's not hard at all and any mistakes you make can be sanded out. But first get some instruction and practice on a scrap piece of drywall.

Many people these days spray texture the drywall. This is done by spraying mixed drywall compound and then just before it's completely dry run a platic wide blade down the wall to knock it down. This not only looks good and paints well, but it hides any drywall defects such as seams and taping assuming they are very minor. Next time you're at someones house or a business look at their drywall for this texture finish. It's looks expensive but very easily done with practice.

[DK]

Call and have the contractor stop by and show him what you found.

Give him a chance to do the right thing.