That looks GREAT Lee! I am totally envious because I have to do the same. Thanks for the tip on the lift because I know I'll be going to get it now. The stairs look very much like the one I have installed. We've put ours through the wringer through and they are in sad shape. I am considering an aluminum set now. Seeing your shelves and organization has given me some new ideas.
I will be taping and mudding but I can already tell you it will not be for a professional look. I may just go with the "stucco" look for the mudding. As it is, we will be finishing the interior of the new mud room once the contractor is finished (starts this Tuesday) and that will have to be perfect.
Here's a tip for mudding... After the first generous coat is nearing dry, use your 12" knife to knock down all the high spots. Apply the second coat after the first is dry and feather it out from the tape joints at least a full 12". Again, just before dry, knock off the high spots to smooth it out. After this coat is dry, use a large firm sponge and with a bucket of water, dampen the sponge, wring it out and wipe the surfaces without a lot of pressure. About the pressure you'd use to shake a dainty lady's hand...

don't go over it more than three or four swipes. Let this dry... Now, take some mud and thin it to the point it stops standing on its own and begins to spread. Use this with the 12" knife again to swipe over the surface with the blade at about 30 degrees. This thin-set will fill in all the small pores and lines. After this dries, use the sponge for one firm swipe. Let this dry and then using your hands, find the rough areas and lightly sand them with the finest grit drywall sander you can buy. At this point, it should be very minimal sanding and very little dust.
Sorry that got long-winded....
