I just received a 2nd bid from a contractor to hang, tape, and mud drywall in my basement, and I'm surprised at how different the two bids are. One first for about $2500, the 2nd is for about $5000 - literally a 100% difference. Both contractors that came and performed the measurements were great - they showed up on time, communicated with me promptly, answered all of my questions, and acted professionally. I had another drywall contractor come by almost a year ago, and he was a total slime ball. I like these other two guys.

So it's no question who I'll choose. The $2500 price tag is still painful though - however I've committed to contracting out the taping and mudding, and it's only about $500 more to get the entire job done (including hanging drywall for the total $2500 price).

I've also decided to hang the drywall myself in the studio room. I don't want a contractor to go near that room. But in order for the contractor to get in I need to hang the drywall in that room first so they can tape it. I'm hoping to find time in December but I'm not optimistic I will. However I think the entire drywall phase will be complete by the end of January, and that's pretty exciting.