I recently bought a fixer-upper and I'm really concerned about the drywall. It's in rough shape with holes in nearly every wall, the paint looks terrible, and it's about 50 years old. I'm debating whether it's worth it to replace all the drywall or if I could just refinish it instead. If I decide to remove it, I could check the wiring and plumbing behind the walls and possibly add new insulation. Has anyone dealt with similarly bad drywall and managed to save it? Any advice would be appreciated!
4 Answers
I suggest you take it down to the studs. This way, you can check on the plumbing and electrical wiring behind the walls. It's also a great time to run any new cables you might need, like for Ethernet or security systems. That way, you’re set up for the future! Just be prepared for whatever issues you might uncover, like mold or insulation problems.
It's totally your call! Why not try replacing the drywall in one room first? Start with a bedroom as a test run. It'll help you gauge how much work is involved and whether you want to tackle the whole house. Just remember, blending patches can be tricky; you want to avoid ending up with walls that look like they have a bunch of odd patches. Good luck, and don't forget to check out some tutorial videos to help you out!
Honestly, drywall is often repairable but you need to consider if it’s worth doing all that work. New drywall and insulation can get pricey and labor-intensive. If I were single, I might dive into the project, but since I’m not, I’d weigh the costs and benefits carefully. If you're going for it, remember that tearing down will give you peace of mind by letting you check everything!
If you're considering doing extensive work, just keep an eye out for asbestos, especially in older homes. It might be a good idea to get it tested before you start knocking down walls. If everything checks out, go for replacing the drywall as long as you have the budget for it!