Should you take all the drywall out or leave the good bits.

[Annetta B.]

I have taken drywall off all the exterior walls but left the inside walls. The drywall is a bit bumpy, smelly and in need of some repair. The electrician suggests i take out all drywall but thats more demolition cost, more dumpsters and more drywall installation. However, will the old drywall look awful next to the new beautiful drywall? Should i just do it all over? 

[Brian Pulaski]

I have never gutted a house to the stud. Personally I leave drywall and plaster unless I find a need to remove it. In your case "bumpy" can usually be fixed by a good taper/mud guy. If the majority of the walls are rough and need to be coated, it is probably worth removing it all. Also if the smell you describe is into the sheetrock, then it might be worth it to demo it all as well.

Keep in mind, electricians almost always "ask" for the drywall to be removed. It makes their lives a whole lot easier when running wires.

To date I almost 100% gut my kitchens and baths to the studs. I leave most of the other rooms in tact, unless I have work to do behind the walls (framing, rot, etc..) and spot patch as needed.