Step-by-step guide

Drywall, paint and flooring: the finish-work guide

Finish work is where most DIY homeowners save real money. It is forgiving if you take it slow, and it shows every shortcut.

BeforeAfter

Drywall

1. Confirm inspections

   Never close walls until required rough and insulation inspections have passed.

2. Hang

   Hang ceilings first, then walls, with joints staggered and fastened per the manufacturer. Use moisture-resistant products where appropriate.

3. Tape and mud

   Three coats is common: tape coat, fill coat, finish coat, feathering wider each time.

4. Sand and prime

   Use dust control and a proper respirator, then prime with a drywall primer.

Paint

1. Test for lead

   In pre-1978 homes, test before sanding or scraping. Lead-safe work practices apply, and hired renovators may need lead-safe certification under EPA rules.

2. Prep

   Clean, patch, sand, caulk trim gaps, and mask.

3. Cut in, then roll

   Work wet edge to wet edge; two coats is typical.

Flooring (floating floors)

1. Acclimate and check the subfloor

   Follow the product's acclimation, flatness and moisture requirements; they affect the warranty.

2. Underlayment and layout

   Plan the layout so end rows are not tiny slivers. Leave the expansion gap the maker specifies.

3. Install and trim

   Stagger end joints, then add baseboard or quarter-round.

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