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Plaster itself has a higher R-value than drywall. However, there are other considerations surrounding plaster and insulation. As a general rule, it's easier to obtain consistency in insulating value and quality when working with drywall rather than plaster. Plaster walls often don't contain any insulation behind the wall covering by design, and careful evaluation is necessary when choosing to add it.

All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.

Here's how to tell the difference:

• Cosmetic Cracks: Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.

• Structural Cracks: Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.

For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.

A post-drywall inspection could uncover many problems that weren’t present during the pre-drywall inspection, including insufficient insulation, missing weather stripping, improperly installed plumbing and lighting fixtures, flooring damage, drywall damage, plumbing leaks, aesthetic issues, and more. Structural problems, which are often expensive to fix and are common reasons to walk away after a home inspection, are easier to see before the drywall goes up, but a post-drywall inspection may highlight minor issues with house settling and foundation problems.

There are six levels of drywall finish, from 0 to 5, that refer to the amount of work performed during the finishing process.

Level 0: Drywall is hung with no finishing work.

Level 1: Tape is placed over the seams between drywall sheets.

Level 2: A thin layer of mud is applied over the tape and screw holes. This level is common for utility rooms or walls that will be covered.

Level 3: A full coat of mud covers the screw holes and tape, but the surface is not sanded. This is often used in garages.

Level 4: This is the most common finish for visible interior walls. It involves applying two coats of mud over seams and screw holes, with sanding between each coat, creating a smooth surface ready for flat paint.

Level 5: This is a high-end finish for luxury homes. It includes full taping, mudding, and sanding, plus a final skim coat over the entire surface before painting.