I am looking for some advice and possibly confirmation on cutting out a section of plasterboard wall. The only thing the contractor said to look out for was the edges of the plaster. He said there most likely is metal mesh there. If I cut that cleanly with snips it will make it easier to patch the wall up. I plan on using an oscillating tool with wood blades to do most of the cutting. I don't plan on cutting out any studs until I expose the bulk head. There is one power leg behind there that I have mapped out with an electrical wire finder, which should not be a big deal. There is a concrete chimney behind that wall that will come down in the next few days. If anybody has any additional advice I'm all ears. Thanks in advance. [ATTACH]90958[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]90960[/ATTACH]

I have a spiral staircase leading up to a loft. There is cracking as pictured. I dug in and found what appears to be metal under what I assumed was drywall. I can't find any tape. Seems like there is a metal screw or bolt at one point. The last pic isn't clear but it's metal under the drywall. The metal doesn't hold the staircase. What is going on here? What would be the fix for the cracking? Thanks!