Anybody know what a good price would be to have someone mud and tape my sheetrock.

I used 30 sheets of 4 x 8 x 5/8 on the ceiling (960 sqft)
I figure I will use 65 sheets of 4 x 8 x 1/2 on the walls (2080 sqft)

I am trying to decide if it would be worth paying someone to mud and tape or to spend the time and do it myself.

 

I think $$$ would depend on where u live. Personally I would have someone do it. they will get it done alot faster than I could and they have the right tools to do a great job. There is nothing worse than a bad mud job.....Just my 2cents

 

Are you going to texture it yourself, or is that something you want done also? What kind of texture? Or are you looking for smooth walls, because that will make quite a difference in price.

 

http://www.williamscustombuilding.com/drywall.html

Use info for a baseline. If you hung it yourself and joints are not horrendous you can save a few $$ doing the tape and first two coats of mud yourself. One pro can then finish it off.

 

Ceiling will be textured, wall will be smooth (for now). I may end up putting panelling on the walls.

 

...used to be somwhere in the nieghborhood of $0.10 per sq ft, but its been awhile since I did it...

 

Even though I'm on the grunt end of drywall(hanger and taper) I'm not sure what sq. ft. goes these days. But I can give you some do-it-yourself pointers.
First off, you will need a 4 inch knife, 6 inch knife, and either a 10-12 inch trowel or similiar size taping knife, a mud pan, and a hawk if you're using a trowel.
When taping flats, use the 6 inch knife. The rolled edge is that size. Lay enough mud in and smooth it out before applying the tape. Use paper tape, not mesh. Lay the tape in, then wipe the excess off with the 6 inch knife. Corners, use the four inch knife. Try and get the tape as flat as possible.
When finishing, use the trowel or larger knifes. Coat the tape, then swipe the edges for excess mud. A light sanding or sponging of the edges helps between coats. Make sure not to drag any crap through the mud. On corners, you can just skim coat the edges with the four inch knife. If you have corner bead, use one of the larger knifes or the trowel.
Butt joints are another matter. After they are taped, check for flatness by putting one of your large knifes on it. If the knife rocks, you'll have to spread the mud out to get it "flat"(usually three knife-widths wide.) It can be a pain, but be patient. Make sure you scrape all ridges down from spreading the mud out.
When everything is coated, take a clear 100 watt bulb and hold it along the edges. This will help you find any blisters, screw-ups, etc. Then sponge all surfaces to remove dust.
This may seem like a big project, but if you take your time, you'll be amazed what you can do and how much $ you saved.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

I know some guys won't tape and mud a job they didn't hang.....Just something else to think about......

 

The finish of your room is largely dependent on the quality of the tape job. If you don't care what it looks like do it yourself. On the other hand if the appearance is important then hire the pro's.
When it comes down to it they will accomplish in one day what woulkd take you a week and that's if your good with tools, ie like a journeyman carpenter. I've gone both ways myself. The last was my own home kitchen remodel. I do my own plumbing, electrical and carpentry and tile work, floor laying and painting.
I hired two Union tapers and paid them 1200.00 to finish the drywalll and texture. They did it in two days with all radius corners and man it's ****. Class A worht every penny. I've done entire houses myself in the past and consider my work passable.
The pro's know's dude don't hesitate call in some good guys and you won't regret it.
Franklin