Walking a hang job: sheets on the long wall have all the butt joints lined up on the same stud top and bottom, the top course was cut so the joint lands right at the corner of the door opening, and every sheet is jammed tight to the slab.

Here's what needs fixing, prioritized by importance:

Immediate structural issues:

• Stagger all butt joints - lining up joints on the same stud creates a weak wall and will telegraph through finishes. Joints should be staggered at least 6" vertically between courses.
• Relieve the sheets from the slab - leave ½" minimum gap at concrete to prevent moisture wicking and allow for slab movement. Use a scribe or kick the sheets out.

Finish-related problems:

• Move the door corner joint - that butt joint at the door opening corner will be highly visible and prone to cracking. Relocate it at least 6" away from the corner.
• Check sheet alignment - ensure all sheets are properly fastened and not over-driven, which causes dimpling.

Code references:

• IRC R703.2 requires staggered joints
• IRC R703.1.1 requires ½" clearance from concrete

What to tell them: "Stagger all butt joints minimum 6" vertically, pull all sheets ½" off the slab, and relocate the door corner joint. These are structural and moisture issues that will cause cracking and failure."

The finisher will have a nightmare otherwise - cracking at the corner joint, visible telegraphing, and potential moisture issues. Don't let them start finishing until these are corrected.

Make them fix all three issues before taping starts.

1. Stacked Butt Joints (Critical): Butt joints on the same stud top-to-bottom create a continuous weak line. IRC R702.3.1 / ASTM C840 require staggered joints. Cut the top or bottom course sheets to shift joints minimum 12" (16" preferred) off the stud below/above. This often means re-hanging the top course.

1. Butt Joint at Door Corner (Critical): A butt joint landing exactly at a door corner guarantees a crack. ASTM C840 Section 7.3 requires joints to be ≥ 12" from door/window openings. Cut the sheet so the joint falls in the field, or use a full sheet wrapping the corner if layout allows.

1. Tight to Slab (Critical): ASTM C840 Section 7.2 and manufacturer specs require 1/2"–5/8" gap at the floor for expansion/moisture wicking. Sheets jammed tight will buckle or wick moisture. Cut the bottom of every sheet on that wall with a roto-zip or saw. Use a 1/2" spacer block during re-hang.

Sequence: Cut floor gap first → Re-hang top course to stagger joints & clear door corner → Re-screw to schedule (12" field / 8" edges). Do not let the finisher start until this is right; mud hides nothing.