There are many factors to consider when planning your drywall project.
The first and most important aspect is framing. If the framing is not secure, level and plumb, then the results of the drywall will suffer.
Using a laser level to check corners, joists, strapping, and straightness of walls is a good way to check that the drywall has proper framing. Any deviation in the framing will result in imperfect drywall. If you do not own a laser level, use a traditional level or a string to check that the framing is consistent.
Adding strapping before doing drywall will help reduce the chances of lateral shifting of the drywall which is a major reason for drywall seams cracking. Strapping also stabilizes the joists and reduces the sounds transfer to the drywall. To increase sound attenuation, resilient channel can be used as a substitute for wood strapping. It is important to make sure the joists are level before installing strapping or resilient channel.
Roxul insulation between floors. To add more sound proofing, Roxul insulation is installed in the joist cavities. It is important offset the seams of the insulation to make sure there are no gaps that sound can pass through.
Further sound proofing. There are higher end products to help reduce noise transfer in homes, offices, between floors, and in home theaters or sound booths. Resilient channels with rubber dampers will help reduce noise transfer. Another option is a sound reducing drywall called Quiet Rock. This product is used in conjunction with a sound attenuation glue called GreenGlue to soften the noise behind the wall or ceiling that you are building.
Designing for form and function. It is nice to have a newly built basement, but it is much better if the basement is professionally designed for your needs. If you are not sure about some details in your project, it is a good idea to discuss your project with someone that has experience in this field. It is better to focus on function and add style to make your space useful and aesthetic.
Size and type of drywall required. To minimize waste, it is important to check what size drywall fits on each wall. To do this, measure from each corner to see where a full sheet will land. Mark the stud that the sheet lands on then measure from this stud to the other corner. Once you have this measurement, you can write on the stud to remember which size sheets are required for each wall. Remember to offset the butt joint of the drywall by 4 feet. Each wall will therefore have two different studs to measure from. Once you have measured and marked each wall, write the total sheets on the rough opening of the doorframe.
Shut off valves and access panels. Keep in mind you need to leave access to all shut off valves and electrical junction boxes. It is important to incorporate these areas into the design to mitigate any weird looking areas in the new space.
Having a blueprint is important. It is very important to have a blueprint of the work that you are doing. This helps contractors and clients understand the scope of work for the project and prevents misunderstandings along the way.
Delivery and Procurement. Drywall delivery should be done by a professional. If the drywall is not handled properly, there will be broken corners and edges that will make the taping and plastering stage difficult.
Customize your space. Adding unique shaped drywall features can set your project apart from the ordinary.