Faster Drywall, Better Profits: 5 Efficiency Tips for Investors

When you’re flipping houses or managing investment rehabs, every extra day of holding costs eats into your bottom line. According to ATTOM Data, the average holding cost for a flip ranges from $50–$150/day depending on financing and utilities. Saving even 3–5 days on drywall can mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

Here are 5 actionable ways to accelerate drywall installation without cutting corners:

1. Pre-Plan Material Orders 🚚

Lost time often comes from material shortages. Order all drywall sheets, screws, joint compound, and corner beads before demo is finished. Keep at least 5–10% extra on-site to prevent delays.

2. Use the Right Sheet Size 📏

Opt for 12-foot or 16-foot drywall sheets where possible. Fewer seams mean less taping/mudding and faster installs. While larger sheets can be harder to handle, they save substantial finishing time.

3. Invest in Professional Hangers 🔧

Drywall hanging is labor-intensive. A 2–3 person crew of pros can install 35–40 sheets per day versus 15–20 with inexperienced labor. Paying a bit more for pros often costs less in holding time.

4. Apply Fast-Setting Compounds ⏱️

Use “hot mud” (setting-type joint compound) for the first coat. It dries in 20–90 minutes versus 24 hours for traditional mud. This allows multiple coats in the same day, cutting 2–3 days off the timeline.

5. Sand Smarter, Not Harder 🌬️

Instead of fully sanding between every coat, use a pole sander or sponge for high spots only until the final coat. This reduces dust, labor, and time without compromising a smooth finish.

💡 Key Takeaway

Time is money in real estate. By combining smart planning, pro crews, and fast-setting materials, you can save 3–5 days per project without sacrificing drywall quality—and that’s straight profit. Call us at Longhorn Funding today and we can get you a fast & easy private money loan!