Any time you’re planning overhead drywall work, it’s worth thinking twice about doing it yourself. Defying gravity is often best left to the professionals when it’s something that could potentially come crashing down around you.

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If you are planning to do the job yourself, consider these three tips to ensure a flawless installation.

• Get help. Installing large pieces is important for minimizing seams and maximizing the stability of your drywall. But, they are heavy. You can rent drywall racks that will lift large sheets into place. You can use braces, but moving bulky sheets may require extra hands.

• Mark the sheets. Draw lines on the sheets along the lines where you’ll be nailing or screwing them onto the ceiling joists at 6- or 7-inch intervals. Quickly and properly securing the panels will keep the drywall from sagging and buckling later on.

• Allow plenty of time for a clean finish. The finishing process for drywall is all about taping and mudding the seams between sheets, and filling your countersunk nail heads or screw heads. Make sure your finish is seamless by taking a little extra time to let the mud dry properly. Then, sand down the rough spots. Proper care on the back end will make all the heavy lifting worth it.

If you are attempting a DIY install, be sure to research the project before you begin in order to properly evaluate if you are capable of completing the job. In many circumstances, it’s best to hire a professional who can get the job done quickly and efficiently. While you may be very handy, some jobs are not as safe for a homeowner to tackle on their own – and in some instances special jobs require specific tools and talents, as well as safety precautions you may not be familiar with.