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Converting plaster to drywall requires between three days and one week for a standard-sized room. The timeline includes the removal of existing plaster, the installation of drywall panels, and the application of finishing compounds. Each finishing coat needs time to dry completely before the next application, which extends the overall schedule. 

For multi-room projects, expect several weeks of work. Always build additional time into your schedule for unexpected challenges like discovering structural issues behind walls.

Upon discovering potentially hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint, immediately stop all demolition work. These substances require professional handling by certified remediation specialists using proper containment procedures. 

Never attempt to remove these materials yourself, as improper handling can release dangerous particles throughout your home. Contact local environmental testing services to confirm the presence of hazardous materials before proceeding with any further work on your walls.

The decision to replace historic plaster with drywall requires careful consideration of both practical and preservation factors. While drywall offers easier repairs and modern convenience, original plaster contributes significantly to a historic home's authenticity and character. 

Many preservation-minded homeowners choose a middle path—repairing plaster in visible, architecturally significant spaces while using drywall in less prominent areas or rooms that experience moisture issues. Check with local historic preservation guidelines, as some districts have specific requirements for maintaining period features.

When your walls are opened during plaster removal, you have an ideal opportunity to address other home improvement needs. Consider upgrading insulation to improve energy efficiency, modernizing outdated electrical wiring, or updating plumbing lines. Adding new electrical outlets or communication wiring becomes much simpler during this phase. Tackling these improvements while walls are already open is significantly more cost-effective than addressing them later as separate projects that would require reopening finished walls.