Drywall Condition Guide
How to tell if your walls are ready to paint.
Before a single drop of paint touches your walls, it’s important to understand the surface underneath. At Craftwork, we believe great results come from great prep—and that begins with evaluating your drywall condition.
Whether your walls are practically perfect or have a few battle scars, here’s how to identify what’s going on—and why.
Grade A – Nearly Perfect Walls
What to Look For
Minor nail holes or screw marks (think picture hangers)
Smooth drywall surface, no bubbling or flaking
Joints feel flat and invisible to the touch
Why This Happens
These conditions are most common in homes built from 2020 to today. Newer building materials, better framing practices, and minimal structural shifting make for clean walls with little damage.
What It Means
Only the lightest of work is needed—filling tiny holes, wiping down surfaces, and you’re good to go.
Grade B – Typical Wear and Tear
What to Look For
Nail pops, small dings or dents
Caulk cracking where trim meets the wall
Obvious old patchwork or uneven spackle jobs
Why This Happens
Common in homes built between 1990–2020, these signs are due to:
Natural home settling
Seasonal humidity changes
Wear from everyday life—moving furniture, hanging decor, bumping corners
What It Means
These walls need a bit more prep work: sanding rough patches, re-caulking trim, and fixing minor cosmetic flaws before the first coat of paint.
Grade C – Underlying Issues Emerging
What to Look For
Drywall cracks, especially near windows or ceilings
Failing or bubbling drywall tape
Visible unevenness in wall texture
Why This Happens
This condition tends to show up in homes built before 1990. Over time, materials shift and expand, especially if they weren’t sealed or installed correctly. Past DIY patch jobs or older construction techniques can also be a factor.
What It Means
Repairs might include re-taping seams or reinforcing weak drywall spots.
Grade D – Advanced Damage or Aging
What to Look For
Large holes (bigger than a sticky note)
Cracks that run across ceilings or walls
Sagging drywall, peeling paint, or exposed lath and plaster
Why This Happens
This level of damage appears most often in homes built before 1960 or in any home that’s experienced a major accident (i.e. flooding) or foundation issues.
What It Means
Before painting, these walls often require lengthier structural repairs: patching holes or installing new drywall.
How to Do a Quick Wall Check Yourself
✅ Scan walls in daylight—angled light reveals texture flaws ✅ Run your palm across seams—feel for bumps or dips ✅ Check baseboards, doorframes, and crown for cracked caulk ✅ Look up—ceiling cracks are early red flags ✅ Watch for discoloration, sagging areas, or flaking paint
Still Not Sure? That’s Why We’re Here
During your estimate and throughout the painting process, we’ll make sure every room is properly prepped. We do our best to identify any drywall issues during the estimate, but if additional concerns come up along the way, we’ll notify you right away. No guesswork. No surprises. Just a smooth, lasting finish—backed by expert eyes and steady hands.
