When the drywall contractor’s work is finished, a building begins looking like a building, and the finish line of the multi-year scheme is approaching. This is a vital phase in the project because the function of the drywall contractor is the most visible and subject to the most judgment. Read on to understand the role of a drywall contractor.
In big commercial projects, the drywall contractor is one of the last trades to function on a building. After the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work has been completed, the project is at the phase for the drywall contractor to build framing, install insulation, and place drywall.
As more and more buildings seek Leadership in Energy and Environment Design certification, a person in drywall work that supports energy efficiency will be in great demand. Insulation serves as sound and thermal control. Nonetheless, newer materials that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly have been developed. Environmentally-friendly products comprise a high percentage of recycled or natural materials and no harmful chemicals. The main factor of green insulation which can influence pricing the most is R-value which estimates heat flow resistance.
While traditional drywall finish is still the most generally used material, several types of drywall are on the market. As per the placement of the drywall, there are different levels of moisture resistance. Similar to insulation, some drywalls are created of natural and recycled materials and ones that provide an additional fire level and soundproofing. Depending on your design goals and budget, several materials fit your necessities.
Measuring, cutting, and placing the drywall sheets is a physically strenuous part of the project. Finishing is the final piece to ensure the edges and joints are smooth and ready for paint. This time-intensive multi-step procedure involves covering joints and screw heads with special joint compounds and tape and repeating the process as required.
More often than not, by the time the drywall project is ready for framing, insulation, and drywall, the project is going on behind schedule. Several times, the laborers of the drywall subcontractor arrive, and other businesses are in the way, preventing work from the beginning.
Documenting delays and lost labor hours is vital for a drywall subcontractor to keep a track of project management software. If lost hours with other trades proceeds to be a chronic problem, communication with the owner or general contractor should be supervised as part of the project documentation. Significant features in project management software for a drywall contractor should comprise meeting minutes that can be utilized to document notes and action items from in-person meetings, while two-way email integration keeps all email correspondence tied to a project. Communication stored along with the remaining drywall construction project documentation in one central repository gives a detailed audit trail to mitigate danger and protect the subcontractor.
The drywall contractor can proactively follow labor productivity with daily documentation considering labor hours and material. A project management system that captures labor hours from everyday reports into a cost-to-complete report is an invaluable tool for the drywall contractor. If the efficiency of the labor is not on target, then the contractor can specify what aspects of the labor are running behind and then expand the number of crew to keep the project on schedule.
Drywall contractors are usually needed to be licensed, which differs by state. However, like most hands-on experience, specialty trades are invaluable to becoming successful in a drywall career. An apprenticeship with a drywall contractor delivers in-depth classroom and on-the-job training. The strength is generally needed for a drywall installer to lift sheets into place and precision cuts to reduce waste.
Whether you are a drywall installer or finisher, there is a high degree of threat for drywall contractors. Depending on the extent of the drywall, sheets of drywall can be heavy and require multiple workers to install. In addition, falls off scaffolding are there, so employees must be wearing proper protection. Dust from sanding and gypsum board is also dangerous, so eye and respiratory protection are needed. A reputable contractor has a strong safety program to ensure the safety of its workers.
Read More