A drywall business of your own would be the logical next step if you have been in the construction industry for a while and have hands-on experience. The drywall and building plasters market is set to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% up to 2025, chiefly due to its superior characteristics and ease of application. With the demand for drywall burgeoning, there is no time like the present if you have been looking to get your foot in the door.

If you have been putting off setting out on your own because you do not know where to start, we are here to help you forge ahead.

Factors to Consider

Once you have made up your mind to turn entrepreneur in the drywall sector, there are a couple of elements regarding the business you have to evaluate, and decide on. They are:

• Areas of Operation: Drywall contracting has a wide scope, and it might prove useful if you can narrow down the areas of operation you want to start with. Once you set up your business, and it gets off to a good start, then you can always expand. Residential, commercial, and niche are the three broad categories under which drywall projects can be classified. Specializing in restoration of buildings after natural calamities and the like is one example of a niche segment.

• Small or Big: This decision will be largely determined by the kind of financing you have available. If you are starting off on a small scale, then the investment can be kept at a minimum, and your own funds might suffice. However, a larger operation will require external funding, such as a business loan or interested investors.

Setting Up Shop

Once you have determined your area of business, and the scale of your enterprise, it is time to get your hands dirty -- literally.

Setting up a drywall business, big or small, requires a good deal of time, effort, and paperwork. The following are some things that will have to be done before you can start on your first project:

• Appropriate Certification/License - Even if you have a good deal of experience with different aspects of drywall, including hanging and finishing, it is essential to get a certification and license in drywall estimating before you turn entrepreneur. Each region has its own specifications with regard to this, so verify the requirements where you live.

• Solid Business Plan – This must include all details of your drywall business and the ways in which you intend to market it. Mention the types of jobs you will be undertaking, the source of your financing, costs involved in setting up the venture, daily operating expenses, cost of materials, and salaries for your employees. Even if you work from home, you must figure in the cost of an office.

• Gather Your Tools – You will need all types of tools required for drywall installation and finishing, such as trowels, hawks, and sanders. Be sure to add stilts, scaffolding, and ladders to the list. Also, keep an eye out for tools that can simplify your drywall tasks, such as the CanAm Starter Kit. It requires less effort on your part without any compromise on quality. The CanAm Starter Kit is of high quality, requires no servicing, offers ease of use, and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

• Put Together Your Crew – Installing drywall is best done when there is at least one other person to help out. So, at a minimum, you will need one reliable drywall installer and depending on the projects at hand, you might need more people. Ideally, look for people with at least some experience in drywall installation.

• Finding Customers – Speaking to subcontractors in your area might be a good place to start off. Companies involved in the construction industry and remodeling are another great avenue to explore. You can also ask family and friends to give you some word-of-mouth publicity. Give them your business cards and any other publicity material so they can pass it on to their contacts.

The level of competition in the drywall industry is quite high, irrespective of how long you have been in the business and your annual revenue. However, being diligent with your work and promoting it the right way can help you stay in the forefront of this race.

As Seth Godin said, “You are not your resume, you are your work.”

Just keep your finger on the customers’ pulse while you ensure your workforce is committed to doing an excellent job, as well as strictly adhering to timelines and the right pricing.

You have finally gotten around to finishing your basement or putting in that cozy den – just off the hallway – and you decide to make it your pet DIY project to showcase your home improvement skills!

But wait; drywall installation is going to be a major part of this project and that is definitely something you do not want to do all by yourself, especially if you are not well-trained for it.

Consider the following factors, then decide for yourself if handling the drywall process is your cup of tea.

You will have to do everything from A to Z when it comes to drywall installation. From purchasing the materials, and bringing them to the site, to identifying the tools required, and getting the measurements right. It is one big task all around, and if the project involves drywall installation over a large area, you might even have to think of taking a few days off work.

Unless you intend on being an avid home improvement enthusiast for the next decade or so, half the money you shell out for tools and materials will go down the drain. This is because, even if you buy materials sparingly, there is bound to be some stuff leftover, which will go waste if unused. Similarly, investing in the tools and equipment for one-time use hardly justifies the spending.

The entire drywall process, from cutting the drywall to hanging it up, to finishing with sanding the seams, requires a good deal of precision to prevent it from chipping or breaking. Not using the right technique can lead to a whole new set of drywall problems for you to tackle!

Source: Photo by Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash

Reasons to Hire a Professional Drywall Installer

So, if you do not want to deal with the mess and stress of such a project, hiring a professional contractor to complete the drywall process can be the solution to your home improvement project. They are trained in all aspects of the job, and many are likely to be certified also. Look for someone who is committed to the project, fits your budget, and believes in meeting deadlines. Other benefits of hiring a professional, include:

• Tools of the trade – Equipped with tools like the CanAm Starter Kit, professional drywall contractors will be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently. They are also likely to know of good and reliable places to source all required materials within your budget.
  
  
• Smoothing wrinkles – If a wall has to be demolished, an experienced drywall contractor will know how to do it best without damaging the plumbing or electrical wiring. If mold is a factor, a good contractor will first seal off the entire area until the work is completed in order to prevent the mold spores from spreading. They will also handle cleaning and sprucing up after the work is finished.

• Adds value – A drywall job that is well done can add to the resale value of your property. If, like most people, you are likely to put your property on the market sometime in the future, this can prove a wise move in hindsight.

• Creative inputs – Drywall contractors who have been in the business a while are sure to have dealt with a variety of projects of different types, sizes, and shapes. This makes them qualified to offer you customization options, such as designs or patterns, on your walls and ceilings. Or they might be able to accommodate the built-in shelving you have wanted for a while.

• Peace of mind – Once you shortlist a drywall installer, he / she will provide you with an estimate, then draw up a contract. The contract will specify the terms and conditions down to the finest detail, including all the work, the price, and a deadline for completion of the project. This ensures you will not have to worry about going over your budget down the line or spend sleepless nights thinking about getting the work done on time.

According to Jason Momoa:

“Everything has technique to it. So, if there’s something you wanna try out, it’s always good to get a trainer or listen to people who know what they are doing.”

Right now, this might be the best option for you - hiring professionals for your drywall installation and understanding the process. Ask questions, get answers, and maybe someday, you will be able to handle your drywall process on your own with all the finesse of a professional!