What do I need to do to PREP for RE-TEXTURING of indoor walls?

Question

Finally took back my unit through the abandonment process! Now my walls are nice and messed up and I need to get someone in there to re-texture. I found a handyman on Craigslist I am going to meet with tonight and see how he seems. Said he's done tons of this and sounds pretty knowledgeable.

Anyways, he asked me if the walls had already been prepped and I didn't want to ask him what needs to be done as I want to sound knowledgeable when I meet him so he doesn't think I don't know anything (which I really don't) and take advantage of me on pricing.

AH! Another good question: What is a fair price to pay for a re-texturing of walls in a 3 Bed 2.5 Bath 1,250SF unit?

Anyways, what do I need to do in order to be "Prepared" for the Re-Texturing of these walls? I am hoping to have him start tomorrow afternoon so perhaps I need to devote my entire evening to this.

Any advise would be GREATLY appreciated. I am a numbers guy, I have a lot to learn about physical maintenance of property! IRR, NPV, DCF, got it... How to prep a dang wall -- Could use some advise. :)

THANK YOU!

Here is a photo of the wall:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yfrihv9c9gyzh2b/P1020356.JPG

Photo's of entire unit if anyone has any other suggestions:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tzxq6faapr8y7ww/KRGSqoMbuP

Zach Schwarzmiller · Answer

I won't blow smoke but I wanted to have some idea of prep, I won't be lying to anyone - that is for sure.

Matt Devincenzo · Answer

Be honest with the guy coming and tell him you have no idea what he needs.

Don't blow smoke; almost everyone can tell and you just look dumb. So ask the question of the man that will be doing the work and see what it is he wants you to get done for him. Besides he might say all the prep is done and you don't look foolish for saying it wasn't when it was. Just my .02...

Zach Schwarzmiller · Answer

Are you referring to all the patches? I really have no idea. I just closed on this building 5/31 and took the unit back from a non-rent paying hoarder 2 days ago. It looks like it was patched all over though.

Thank you for that info!

Patrick G. · Answer

Can you tell me what is going on in picture 21 of 48? It's hard to tell.

It's a simple process (Kinda). 
1) Cut away the paper on any damaged areas. You don't want anything sticking up.
2) Great time to check that it is secure to the studs, lot of builders and harry home owners don't use liquid nails to properly adhere it.  If it flexes screw the heck out of it.
3) Prime any exposed areas with interior primer/sealer
4) Apply joint compound to get it nice and even
5) Sand

I'm currently sitting in my basement which i still need to trim, I had to do the whole walls, my contractor buddy was suppose to do it, but he got attacked by a cat and his hand needed an operation.  I quickly realized it's a learned skill and I suck at it.  I ended up repeating steps 4 & 5 many many times.  (still doesn't look at that great)

Zach Schwarzmiller · Answer

I have no contractor, and I am looking to do the prep myself, what should I do to prep the walls myself before having the texture guy come?

Patrick G. · Answer

Drywall prep means the surface is ready to paint or texture.  So in new construction first you "hang" drywall, then you prep, then you paint.

looks like you need your contractor to prep the damaged areas.  Unless he uses a fast drying compound, that means an extra trip.