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You should stagger drywall sheets to help prevent cracking. The joints between drywall sheets are the weak spots, so if you install drywall with seams aligned, you’ll create weak lines that run across the length of the wall and extend from floor to ceiling. But when you stagger drywall, the solid sections of panels will support the joints. This can prevent seams from cracking or separating due to fluctuating temperature and humidity, vibrations from movement inside the home, and gravity.

In most cases, no, you won’t need a permit to replace drywall. If you’re changing the floorplan of your home by adding or removing walls during the drywall project, then you might need a permit, but replacement or repairs usually doesn’t require a permit. Your drywall professional should be able to confirm whether or not a permit is required for your project. If it is, it’s likely to add between $50 and $150 to your total cost. Keep in mind that you will need permits if you plan to install new electrical wiring or plumbing lines behind your new drywall.

It’s a pretty good idea to have drywall corners, also called drywall beading. Drywall is a pretty brittle material and corners tend to be rubbed up against it often. Rather quickly, the edges will start crumbling and you’ll need to replace the entire panel, or add beads on top and repaint the wall. Drywall beads—which are inexpensive—provide long-term support for the drywall and protect your investment.

Most drywall used for interior walls of homes is 1/2-inch thick. This size strikes a balance of being easy to handle and hang while being thick enough for the durability needed on interior wall applications.