Future-Proofing Your Build – Good Pre-Drywall Strategies for Designers and Builders

Foreword by Ian Thompson, Editor

My Pre-Drywall Considerations and Tips

Before we line our walls with drywall/plasterboard/ply, or whatever you choose, it’s a great time to make sure you have all the supports in place for all the components of your house that need added wall support.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to break open a wall to accommodate an extra item, or remove something that is broken. For example, I recently had to remove a solar hot water tank from a roof space in my own house. I could have left it there festering away for years to come, but my OCD kicked in and I just had to remove it. It liberally took me days and I regretted not incorporating a bigger access hatch at the time when I designed and built the house.

If I employed a builder or plumber to remove the tank then I hate to think what the bill would be – and also how good a job they would have done.

I also recently renovated my kitchen, and had to change some wall supports because of a small issue with the supplied German made Poggenpohl kitchen. Had I thought about cupboard maintenance and upgrading then I might have saved a lot of hassle.

So my advice; think ahead, future-proof your walls for changes and maintenance – especially if you are designing and building for your own home.

Over to Matt.

The Risinger Build Ep:16 – Pre-Drywall Checklist & Blocking

In this edition (episode 16) of The Risinger Build, Matt Risinger and Tim Hill explore the pre-sheetrock/plasterboard lining phase of Matt’s home construction project, offering educational insights into strategic blocking, preparation, and thoughtful design considerations.

Kitchen Preparation: More Than Just Cabinets

The kitchen serves as a good starting point for understanding pre-drywall strategic blocking i.e. how do we support the weight of our hanging cupboards, especially if they’re non-load bearing internal walls? Here are some key considerations:

• Cabinet blocking requires precise placement, typically accommodating 36-38 inch workspace cabinets
• Upper cabinets need blocking both at the top and bottom to ensure stable support
• Matt chose pocket screws and 5/8-inch plywood provide substantial screw supports
• Consider countertop height and weight variations
• Electrical box placement and potential future adjustments should be considered really early, especially if you’re running power to kitchen islands. Also make sure that the power cabling rating is sufficient for induction hobs – even if you are using gas today. You might want to upgrade later.

Strategic Blocking Throughout the Home

Living Spaces and Bedrooms

• Television mounting requires solid plywood (or equiv.) backing, especially for larger modern heavy TVs
• Access panels are a good idea for future maintenance – replacing/upgrading cables (media cables etc.)
• Thermostat and electronic control panel ‘added’ blocking prevents support solely by drywall

Bathrooms and Specialized Areas

• Solid blocking for bath hardware prevents future issues with drywall anchors.
• Pocket door frames require careful space consideration and hardware installation
• Protect vulnerable plumbing with metal blocking and/or protective straps. Think about leaking problems – where’s the water going?
• Consider access panels for maintenance-heavy components like electronic valves – or even replacing a water tank. Can you replace it easily?

Staircase and Railing Considerations

• Railing blocking typically spans 32-38 inches from stair nosing
• Matt demonstrates in the video an innovative “ankle wall” approach that simplifies finished carpentry and reduces costs

Future-Proofing Techniques

The builders highlighted several forward-thinking strategies:

1. Conduit Between Spaces

• Installing “Smurf tubes” (coloured conduits) between attics and spaces allows simpler and understandable wire routing
• Ensures easy access for potential technology upgrades or retrofitting

2. Insulation and Thermal Considerations

• Matt specified Zip R6 sheathing in order to provide additional thermal breaks
• Careful attention to header insulation values improves overall energy efficiency

3. Flexible Pre-Drywall Design Preparation

• Blocking for potential shelving, rods, and wall-mounted fixtures is never a bad idea.
• Planning for potential layout changes in spaces like closets or room configuration changes like moving non-loadbearing internal walls to make smaller or bigger rooms.

Unique Construction Details

Garage Preparation

• Solid sheeting between garage and house creates a better air and fire barrier
• Precise wire and pipe penetration (one hole per wire/pipe)
• Preparation for electric car charger and garage cabinets
• Planning for finished plywood paneling instead of traditional drywall

Pre-Drywall Design Recommendations

Sheetrock/Plasterboard Considerations

• Using 5/8-inch sheetrock throughout (instead of typical 1/2-inch)
• Communicating sheetrock thickness to ensure proper door jamb sizing to joinery company.

Cautionary Tales

• Matt’s personal anecdote about accidentally puncturing a toilet tank highlights the importance of protective blocking behind vulnerable fixtures

Key Takeaways for Builders and Homeowners

1. Blocking is not just about supporting weight – it’s about anticipating future needs
2. Careful preparation prevents costly modifications later
3. Consider future renovations and flexibility in design
4. Pay attention to thermal efficiency, air sealing, and plumbing failures.
5. Think beyond current requirements to future potential uses of spaces

Context of the Build

Matt’s video serves as an educational resource that goes far beyond basic construction techniques, showcasing a holistic approach pre-drywall design and build considerations and home building that prioritizes durability, indoor air quality, and long-term functionality. This is Matt’s build for his own family, so his attention to detail is way higher than you’d normally see.

By meticulously planning blocking, wire routing, and potential future modifications, builders can create homes that are not just structurally sound, but adaptable and efficient for years to come.

Related

Insulation Strategy on Matt’s Self-Build : The Risinger Build

What House Roofing Should You Choose – The Risinger Build Episode 14

The Risinger Build: Episode 13 – Exterior Cladding and Trim