Renovations can be costly (with the average project ranging between $2,000 and $4,000) and mistakes can be dangerous.
When people start a home renovation project, they are understandably full of questions, and many times those questions revolve around what’s on the outside of the walls: fixtures, appliances, or paint colors.
But it’s probably more important to pay attention to the foundational products that are more difficult to change in the years ahead.
One of those that is often overlooked is drywall. Not all drywall is created equal, and making the wrong choice now can create headaches down the road.
The Importance of Quality Drywall
For example, all gypsum-based drywall is naturally fire-resistant, but the PURPLE family of high-performance drywall products provided by National Gypsum is unique because it also resists moisture, mold and mildew.
That’s important to the health of your home and your family, whether you’re renovating a basement, a bathroom, or you simply live in a humid climate like I do.
On top of that, many PURPLE drywall products also stand up to scratches, scuffs and dents. That’s a big deal in garages and playrooms!
And some even minimize the transmission of sound between rooms. That’s important if you’re building a media room or want a quiet master suite.
So, if you’re planning a renovation, spend some of your time thinking about what goes under the paint and fixtures, and Ask for Purple.
When to DIY or Hire a Pro
While some projects are OK to do yourself, it’s important to know when to hire a pro — like anything requiring structural changes.
And even if you tackle the project alone, you need to know what’s behind your walls — never drill, cut or nail into a wall without first locating studs, live electrical wires and plumbing — before you hang anything.
This infographic outlines what DIYers should know before swinging that sledgehammer or even hanging a picture.
