In addition to your basic utility knife, you'll need some special tools for cutting drywall sheets.

For making square cuts, use a drywall T-square. Set your sheets of drywall upright with the smooth side out. Set the T-square on the top edge and line it up with your measurement. Run a utility knife along the side of the "T" to score your cut. Snap the sheet back to break the sheet along the cut. Then cut the paper back with a utility knife.

For making cuts around obstacles you can use a drywall saw. Just use a back-and-forth motion like you would for any hand saw.

Cutting your sheets slightly too big is better than too small. You can always shave the ends off with a rasp.

For cutting around electrical boxes use a keyhole saw. Just punch the tip through the drywall and cut along each side. You can also use a power jig saw for these cuts.

For round cuts, like around light fixture boxes, use a circle cutter. Find the center of your circle and punch in the center marker. Adjust the arm to the radius of your circle and use it to score the perimeter of the circle. Do the same on the other side of the sheet. Tap out the cut out with a hammer. You can also use a compass to draw the circles, and a keyhole saw to cut them.

There's also a power tool professionals use that's designed specifically for cutting out holes for electrical boxes and fixtures. It's like a drywall router, and they use it to cut the holes after the sheets of drywall are up. This is a lot faster then cutting them all by hand.

If you do end up renting one of these power routers be careful so you don't strip the electrical wiring inside.

Drywall Lifts and Jacks

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HOMETIME HOW TO, Drywall - Tools

AMBRIDGE After numerous residents stated they werent aware of a major sewer infrastructure project, the Ambridge Municipal Authority postponed awarding contracts Monday.

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Concerns prompt further review of Ambridge sewer project

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 20, 2014

Plastering and drywall services have a buyer power score of 1.7 out of 5. According to IBISWorld procurement analyst Ian Buchanan, this score represents weak buying power resulting from rapidly increasing prices and a low availability of practical substitutes. Low market share concentration, however, provides buyers with a bit of negotiation leverage.

Over the three years to 2014, the price of plastering and drywall services is expected to rise rapidly. Due to improving economic conditions, the construction sector has experienced a boom in activity during this period. Consequently, residential and nonresidential construction markets have increased their demand for plastering and drywall services. As a result, suppliers have felt reduced pressure to lower prices to remain competitive and buyer power has decreased. In addition, gypsum building materials, such as drywall and plasters, are estimated to experience accelerated price growth during this period. Because these materials are the primary input costs for suppliers of this service, providers are expected to face rising operating costs during this three-year term. Suppliers will raise the price of their service further to cover expanding costs. Unfortunately for buyers, both demand and input costs are anticipated to be highly volatile over the three years to 2014, says Buchanan. As a result, suppliers will be less willing to negotiate lower prices to mitigate the negative effects of sudden, unexpected cost fluctuations or declines in demand.

The lack of practical substitutes to plastering and drywall services further hampers buying power. There are multiple alternatives to using plaster and drywall, but these substitutes will often result in much higher costs. Armed with the knowledge that buyers have a limited number of options, suppliers gain pricing leverage and buyer power is reduced. The market, however, has a large number of suppliers with no major player controlling significant market share, so vendors are highly competitive. The high level of competition forces suppliers to offer incentives and bid down competitors to try to secure contracts, slightly uplifting buying power. The largest players in the market are KHS&S Contractors, Performance Contracting Group, Precision Walls Inc. and Standard Drywall Inc.

For more information, visit IBISWorlds Plastering and Drywall Services procurement category market research report page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld Like IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld Procurement Report Key Topics

This report is intended to assist buyers of plastering and drywall services. Suppliers provide drywall installation and repair as well as plaster installation services. These services are used in commercial and residential construction projects, whether they are new builds or renovations. This report excludes insulation services.

Executive Summary Pricing Environment Price Fundamentals Benchmark Price Pricing Model Price Drivers Recent Price Trend Price Forecast Product Characteristics Product Life Cycle Total Cost of Ownership Product Specialization Substitute Goods Regulation Quality Control Supply Chain & Vendors Supply Chain Dynamics Supply Chain Risk Imports Competitive Environment Market Share Concentration Market Profitability Switching Costs Purchasing Process Buying Basics Buying Lead Time Selection Process Key RFP Elements Negotiation Questions Buyer Power Factors Key Statistics

About IBISWorld Inc. IBISWorld is one of the world's leading publishers of business intelligence, specializing in Industry research and Procurement research. Since 1971, IBISWorld has provided thoroughly researched, accurate and current business information. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, IBISWorlds procurement research reports equip clients with the insight necessary to make better purchasing decisions, faster. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld Procurement serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

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Plastering and Drywall Services Procurement Category Market Research Report from IBISWorld has Been Updated

DUBLIN, Ohio (PRWEB) October 20, 2014

For more than 100 years, poured-concrete foundation walls have been the industry standard for residential homes in the United States (U.S.). Times are changing, however, with the introduction of patented Epitome quality foundation walls from Composite Panel Systems (CPS).

The new foundation walls were designed with the builder and contractor in mind ensuring simple installation and minimal training for anyone skilled in the trade. Walls are delivered to a job site altogether in one trip and typical installations take less than two hours. The composite walls also decrease moisture and mold issues common with traditional foundations, and provide homeowners a warmer, drier, more energy-efficient and ready-to-finish basement.

On October 14, 2014, CPS was recognized during the Composites and Advanced Materials Exposition (CAMX) for cutting-edge innovation and for shaping the future of composites and advanced materials in the marketplace. This award makes Composite Panel Systems an elite member of leaders and visionaries within the composites and advanced materials community.

The new composite foundation wall system employs a high-performance composites technology developed by Composite Panel Systems, LLC. With the help of their panel-systems fabricator, Fiber-Tech Industries, Inc., and fire-retardant resin-systems supplier, Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), CPS launched the clean, engineered solution to replace vertically installed concrete walls during the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention and Expo in June. The system solution combines strength, integrated stud cavities for mechanicals, insulation, the top plate and a vapor barrier all in a single step. The technology is currently approved for use in Wisconsin and is expected to be compliant on a national level with International Building code and International Residential Code later this year.

In addition to all of the other builder and homeowner benefits, the composite technology is designed to withstand six times a sand backfill load, and can be installed in any soil type suitable for backfilling. Each 24 feet of foundation panel can withstand 600,000 pounds of downward force, resulting in a maximum allowable house load of 8,900 lbs/linear foot after the safety factor is applied.

It thrills me to win this award knowing how much hard work it took the CPS team, my father and I to bring this product to market, said Glenn Schiffmann, founder and president, CPS. This is the most exciting thing the residential building industry has seen since the introduction of plywood. Composites offer incredible performance, and having gained the trust of engineers in aviation many years ago, we knew that when it came to basements, we could develop a better performing alternative to concrete using high-performance composite materials.

Epitome quality foundation walls offer better energy efficiency with an inherent R-16.5 insulation value. There is an airtight transition between the floor and foundation that makes it more efficient than a standard concrete foundation. They also pass the National Fire Protection Associations 286 room corner burn test and therefore do not require covering with a thermal barrier such as drywall prior to occupancy. This allows homeowners flexibility to finish their lower level at their leisure and save money upfront.

Ashland is using good chemistry to make great things happen and were proud to collaborate with cutting-edge companies and entrepreneurs like CPS. said Ted Harris, president of Ashland Performance Materials. We encourage innovation and applaud the work of CPS particularly in light of the outstanding competitors in the building and construction composites industry. Were thrilled they have earned industry recognition.

From deep below the ground to 40,000 feet above and beyond, composites have become the material of choice in many critical industrial, infrastructure, aerospace and military applications. Composites offer high strength, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, durability and longevity. Most importantly, composites are used to raise performance levels, address traditional material design limitations and enable the development of new solutions like Epitome quality foundation walls.

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Ashlands Customer Composite Panel Systems Wins CAMX Unsurpassed Innovation Award for Industry-changing Basement ...

GIBSONTON Residential construction is ramping back up in the Tampa Bay area, but not nearly to the extent it occurred before the Great Recession.

The slower pace has prompted drywall giant National Gypsum Services Co. to reach out to a growing customer base the do-it-yourselfers.

The company, which has a manufacturing plant here, has even hired celebrity design maven Anitra Mecadon, host of the DIY Networks Mega Dens, to lure in homeowners who may be ready to tear out some old walls and replace them. For many, post recession, Mecadon said, its more about DIY projects than about trying to sell a house. She has produced a YouTube video to show homeowners how easy the products are to install.

National Gypsum, which ranks itself as second largest in U.S. drywall sales behind Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, is using a fairly new line of colorful wallboard to entice families into trying its products. The patented Purple family of National Gypsum products includes XP (extra protection) drywall that is mold and moisture resistant (think kitchen and bathroom remodel), boards that are impact and abrasion resistant (think busy family room and garage) and boards that reduce noise between rooms (home theaters and bathrooms abutting bedrooms).

The privately held company with about 70 employees at its Gibsonton facility on U.S. 41 started business here in 2000 and is cranking out 33 products, including enough drywall to fulfill the current needs of every home builder in Florida, said product manager Kelly Guinsler.

Drywall is a $4 billion-a-year industry in the United States, employing about 9,000 people at 158 businesses, according to IBISWorld, an industry research firm. Because National Gypsum is privately held, it does not release specific financial information, spokesman Stephen Hass said. As for how much of the DIY market National Gypsum hopes to corral, all of it, Hass said.

Like most other construction-related businesses, drywall manufacturers took a big hit to their bottom lines during the great recession.

Before the recession, there were about 1.5 million house starts on average in a year nationally, Guinsler said. It has been six years since we have seen anything over 1 million.

Florida construction permits for single-family homes were down 11 percent in August from 2013, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Tampa still ranks second in the state for new single-family building permits only behind Orlando.

As a whole, the state is only up 1 percent this year for single-family. Nationally, the U.S. is barely ahead of last year and is up less than a percent, so Tampa is behind those trends, Hass said.

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Tampa Bay area drywall giant calling all DIYers

Erin Beslers thought-provoking installation in the small, airy gallery of the MAK Centers Mackey Garage Top consists of three tiny white rooms.

Turning the narrow space into something of a maze, the structures have taut, curved white walls inside and closely spaced metal studs without. Too small and cramped to be functional, they are like droplets of space.

At first glance, the overall effect is something like a budget do-it-yourself Richard Serra, in which curves unfold into unexpected volumes.

However, the walls of the rooms are often awkwardly joined or overlapping; their curvature is imperfect and incomplete. These discontinuities are exacerbated by the addition of traditional molding at top and bottom. At the intersections, the molding often doubles up on itself, creating awkward protrusions and creases.

FULL COVERAGE: Gallery and museum reviews

Its as if the trim has slavishly followed the contours of the wall, even when those walls are abruptly truncated or misaligned.

These details give the work a digital feel; the redundant moldings are like leftover points on some computer model that someone forgot to clean up. With this small, absurd gesture, Besler illustrates the gap between the expressive, effortless shapes one can envision on the computer and the challenges of translating those shapes into chunky metal and drywall.

Like an eternal rough draft, her installation occupies a generative limbo.

MAK Center for Art and Architecture, Mackey Garage Top, 1137 S. Cochran Ave., (323) 651-1510, through Oct. 29. Closed Sundays and Mondays. http://www.makcenter.org

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Erin Besler explores the spaces between concept and reality

6 Easy Steps To Repair Drywall (Installation, Taping, Sanding)
Got a hole in your drywall? Need to patch your damaged drywall? Wander how to repair your drywall? In this video we show 6 easy steps for new drywall install...

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6 Easy Steps To Repair Drywall (Installation, Taping, Sanding) - Video

STEP 3 - New drywall installation
In this video you will learn how to do drywall installation in your Toronto custom home. Easy and straight forward, use drywall screws and a screwdriver to attach the drywall to the studs....

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STEP 3 - New drywall installation - Video

Chantilly, VA (PRWEB) October 07, 2014

Encore Custom Audio Video, the premier home technology professionals for the Northern Virginia and DC Metro regions, today announced its return from this years Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo with even more accolades, repeating their status as Best Home Theater Gold Award Winner for four consecutive years, as well as receiving three Silver awards for additional categories.

On Saturday night (September 13th), CEDIA presented a variety of Electronic Lifestyles Awards for the years best integration work. For the fourth year in a row, Encore Custom AV topped the competition in the Best Technical Design Home Theater ($75,000 and under), winning both the Gold and Silver awards in that category. In addition, Encore took the Silver prize for Home Theaters ($75,000-$125,000), as well as the Silver award for Best Media Room. Altogether they received four awards in three categories, more than any other private integration firm in the country.

This years Gold winner challenged Encore to turn a completely unfinished space (15 x 18, bare to the concrete) into a unique private cinema. The client visited the Encore showroom and wanted something similar but with a reduced budget. With their Virginia Class A state license, Encore pulled the permits, framed the area, installed the drywall and finished the build out from a dark and empty basement into a warm and inviting destination to entertain up to 6 guests.

The finished room looks like something a Hollywood producer would own, but costs less than most of todays independent films, commented Ian Williams, owner/operator at Encore Custom A/V. We couldnt be more proud of that room, regardless of the awardalthough getting another award is never a bad thing.

When looking ahead to 2015, Williams has even more ideas on how to impress the judges next year. Were doing treatments for the ceilings and acoustics that I just dont see anyone else offering, Williams continued. Regardless of the needs or budget, Encore provides nothing less than the very best in home entertainment.

About Encore Custom Audio Video For years, Encore Custom Audio Video has been helping consumers make their home audio/visual dreams a reality. Their dedicated staff of trained professionals is the foundation of the company, always working hard to do whatever it takes to exceed the customers expectations. Encores years of success are based on the simple concept that they will address their customers needs first and foremost, offer only the top performing products at competitive prices, and deliver the very best after-the-sale support and service.

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Encore Custom AV Finds Gold (and Silver) in Denver

In the home of the future, refrigerators tweet and coffee pots let you know when grandma missed her morning cup. But people willing to pay a price can already live in this sci-fi reality.

Companies are quickly introducing an array of smart home appliances that let you use your smartphone to open your blinds or turn off your lights, and, yes, tweet from your fridge. (Thank you Samsung.)

At Fortune, we waded through the piles of gadgets and gizmos, comparing user reviews and product descriptions, to list seven of the most useful smart home devices on the market. We skipped over some popular products like locks (you can open and close them with your smartphone) and light bulbs (you can turn them on or off or dim them with your phone), because we couldnt find anything hitting the sweet spot in combining automation with simplicity. Heres what did make our wish list.

Image credit: Canary

A consumer survey by research firm IHS found that most desired smarthome device is is something that detects intruders. The second is for a device that detect hazards like fires, water leaks, and carbon monoxide. Start-up Canary kills two birds with one machine by packaging an HD video camera, microphone, motion detector, and a temperature and humidity sensor into a sleek cylinder. When the machine, also called Canary, senses something out of the ordinary happening when youre away from home, you get an alert with video footage and options for responding. Canary, also automatically changes its settings when you get home so the motion detector doesnt go off when you want some late night milk and cookies.

Image credit: Honeywell

Both of these thermostats let you control your home's temperature from anywhere in the world using your smartphone. Furthermore, these two products automatically learn your temperature preferences based on your behavior and adjust your thermostat accordingly. Were not going to take sides on the Honeywell vs. Google Nest debate. Nest fanatics rave about the ease of installation and minimalistic design, while Honeywell fans like the more nuanced control of Honeywell's Smart Thermostat. Honeywell just introduced a new product, the Lyric ($279), which piggybacks off of Nests design, with the additional ability use your smartphones location to adjust the temperature as you come and go in real-time. However, users are saying its still riddled with bugs and to stick to the more useable (but clunkier) Honeywell Smart Thermostat.

Image credit: Nest Labs

Nest Protect is a home fire alarm that will tell you if theres smoke or CO in your house and where its coming from. You can get phone alerts whenever it goes off or when the battery needs to be changed. Better yet, the phone app lets you create an emergency plan ahead of time (because, be honest now, who among us has gotten around to creating an emergency plan?). In the event of an emergency the app will send you a customized list of useful tips. And for those who care about design, it has the sweet minimalism thats characteristic of all of Nest's products.

Image credit: Rainmachine

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The 7 Most Useful Smart Home Devices