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Furring strips, thin strips of wood or metal, are not always required for ceiling drywall installation. If the ceiling surface is even and in good condition, drywall can be directly attached to the ceiling joists using screws. However, furring strips become essential when dealing with irregular surfaces or when additional insulation or soundproofing is needed. They create a level substrate for attaching the drywall. Ultimately, the decision to use furring strips depends on the condition of the existing ceiling and the specific requirements of the project.

You can drywall over plaster, but there are some things to consider. First, installing drywall over plaster will increase the wall’s thickness. This could create challenges for window and door frames that no longer fit the wall’s thickness. You may also have to adjust power outlets so they are accessible. When done right, drywall can create a smooth, flat appearance, but it’s best when handled by professionals.

Whether you can reuse a drywall anchor or not depends on the type. Plastic expansion anchors and plastic self-drilling anchors, which expand once screwed into the wall, are single-use only. You can't straighten and reuse them after removing them from the wall.

Metal toggle bolts can be reused, provided you can successfully remove the toggle from behind the wall. Once you remove the bolt, the toggle often falls down and can be difficult to retrieve without removing the drywall.

Two of the biggest mistakes with drywalling are not measuring (and therefore buying the wrong amount of drywall) and trying to install drywall yourself. A sheet of drywall can weigh around 50 pounds, so it can be difficult to install without a pro or at least some experienced friends willing to help with a DIY installation. It can also get expensive if you don’t measure at least twice before buying the drywall sheets.