drywall over plaster? what is are begining steps?

[glc4]

I have plaster walls in a home that was built in 57. I want to cover the existing plaster with drywall. Can I find the existing studs and just cover it that way or do I have to use ferring strips? on one wall their used to be a closet door, it was removed and patched. Now there is a large bump in the wall. What can I do to even out that spot? Any info. would be great.GLC4

[Drywall DIY Guy]

Drywall

If you want to go over the top and need to level things out, then you can remove the plaster in the bump and shim it out with plywood or other material to make it level as needed. You will need to locate all studs and mark them so you have a good solid surface to attach drywall. Use extra long screws so at least 1/2" of screw gets into the underlying stud.

If you live in a cold region and the walls are not insulated now, I would tear down the plaster and insulate and then put drywall up. If you live in a really cold area, consider tearing down the plaster and furring the walls out to make them the equivalent of 2x6 insulated walls. See http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/i...ckenwalls.shtm for more info.