A drywall estimator analyzes costs to install wallboards in construction projects.
Installing drywall is the last step in the construction project before the painting begins. Contractors hire drywall estimators to determine the amount of materials needed for the project and at what reasonable cost. The drywall estimator studies blueprints of the structure, calculating the measurements of walls and ceilings to the number of drywall sheets required.
Construction Project
A property owner contracts a drywall cost estimator regarding the costs for installing drywall in a structure. These costs include the materials, such as drywall gypsum boards, joint compound, drywall screws and joint tape. The drywall estimator also considers equipment and labor costs since drywall panels are used in both ceiling and wall applications and require at least two people to install the cumbersome sheets. Based on these estimates, the property owner can decide if the costs fit within the budget or modifications must be made.
Waste Costs
Besides estimating the cost of building materials, the drywall estimator determines the amount of unused materials and waste. Most manufacturers create drywall panels in standard sizes of 4-by-8. Workers measure and cut drywall to fit the building's framework. Drywall estimators study the construction drawings and determine the amount of wasted drywall pieces that cannot be reused anywhere on the structure. This estimate allows the property owner to make the proper arrangements for waste removal services.
Education
Many drywall estimators need at least a college degree in building construction or engineering. They also should have knowledge in basic math and blueprint readings. The drywall estimator may have a related degree in accounting and finance. Drywall estimators receive on-the-job training with an experienced inspector while learning about building construction. They may also start out as apprentices.
Job Prospects
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 217,800 people worked as drywall estimators in 2008 and earned an average salary of $60,320 a year. The field is expected to grow through the year 2018. Employers eagerly seek experienced drywall estimators for both construction and repair jobs for a variety of building projects.
Related posts
Measuring The SpaceCompanies put up drywall in the interior of a home. Drywall is the material that your walls are made up of, the material that is below the paint or wallpaper. In order to figure...
A home builder is often involved in all stages of new house construction.A home builder builds new houses. He may be self-employed and sell what he constructs or work for a company that sells new...
You'll pay more if you hire a contractor.Drywall panels, with their wide flat surfaces, are standard in residential ceiling construction, but a leaky roof, smoke or structural settling can wreak h...
Estimating the cost of drywall installation is simple.Although installing drywall in a room is a relatively simple procedure, it's imperative that the installer---whether beginner or novice---begi...
For most drywall contractors, installing drywall is the easy part. In fact, most drywall contractors got their start by installing, and over the years moved up the ladder until they were able to s...