Drywall information

We've been having little success in getting good drywall information. A while ago we contacted eight different drywall companies to get quotes for drywalling our bathroom. Only four called us back:

• one told us that they don't do residential work
• one said they'd call back later (which they didn't)
• one said another employee would call us back (which he didn't, but we called the employee directly only to learn he didn't want the job because we were too far away)
• one gave us a tentative quote over the phone but would want to see the room after we've had the windows done

Another problem has been figuring out what textures are available; it's been nearly impossible to find pictures or descriptions of them. My SO found Mike Bell Drywall, which has a good set of pictures of drywall textures as well as lots of other practical information. I have only one regret with Mike Bell Drywall: they're located in Wisconsin and not California. On a side note, Hometime's Drywall Installation How-to Page looks like a good introduction to the topic.

My SO has also found some resources on popcorn ceiling removal, which is another project we're hoping to start in the not-too-distant future. Before we start we'll have to figure out if there's asbestos in the texturing, which is a concern since our house was built in the 1950's. Removing material containing asbestos is particularly hazardous because inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to health problems; however, if asbestos-containing materials are not disturbed they're usually not a threat. So it looks like we'll probably be able to do the removal ourselves if there's no asbestos in it, but if there is asbestos we'll likely have to hire an expert, or just leave it alone since it's been painted over already.

• Ron Hazelton's Popcorn Ceiling Removal Tips is a photo essay detailing how to remove popcorn ceilings.
  
• Air Tech International sells an Asbestos Testing Kit. Note: we haven't checked this company out yet, so please don't take this as an endorsement.
  
• Utah State Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Air Quality has a page detailing Asbestos Removal Procedures for Homeowners
  
• California Indoor Air Quality program's list of Asbestos Information, which includes (at the bottom) a list of labs that test for asbestos. Unfortunately it was last updated in 2000.