Most clients think that framing is a rough stage of construction, that all the small details will come together several more months down the line when the painters, cabinet makers and trim carpenters show up. But the truth is, many of the details that look incredible at the end start with a lot of planning and forethought while the framers are nailing studs together and flying trusses.

When drywall goes up, the panels are screwed to the framing and the seams between them are taped and coated with joint compound. How many coats get applied, how smoothly they are sanded, and what surface prep happens before paint determines the drywall finish level.