Planning · Calgary, AB
What drywall work costs depends on
The honest answer to “how much?” is a list of variables. Here is each one, what it does to the job, and how to describe your project so the estimate comes back accurate.
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The short answer
Drywall prices are set by the job, not a rate card. The biggest factors are how much area is involved, whether it is on walls or ceilings, what caused the damage, the finish level and texture to match, and access. Small repairs often carry a minimum charge because they need several visits for drying time.
Cost factors
Every factor, and what it changes
These apply to repairs and to new installation. Not all of them matter for every job.
| Factor | What changes | Tip for your request |
|---|---|---|
| Size and number of areas | What changesMaterial, time and number of coats. | Tip for your requestList every area, even small ones. |
| Walls or ceilings | What changesOverhead work is slower and needs more setup. | Tip for your requestSay which, and ceiling height. |
| Cause of the damage | What changesLeaks and movement add investigation or repeat work. | Tip for your requestSay what happened and if it is fixed. |
| Repair or replace | What changesReplacement adds removal, disposal and new board. | Tip for your requestDescribe softness, sagging or staining. |
| Finish level | What changesLevel 5 adds a skim coat over the whole surface. | Tip for your requestMention big windows and paint plans. |
| Texture | What changesMatching knockdown or older textures takes extra work. | Tip for your requestInclude a close-up photo if asked. |
| Access and protection | What changesStairwells, high ceilings, furnished rooms. | Tip for your requestMention furniture and access. |
| Scheduling | What changesAfter-hours or phased work in occupied spaces. | Tip for your requestGive your timing constraints. |
| Primer and paint | What changesAdds a step, or a separate trade. | Tip for your requestSay whether you want it included. |
Two kinds of job
Repairs and new drywall are priced differently
Repairs
Repairs are mostly about time and visits rather than material. A doorknob hole uses very little drywall, but it needs the same trip, setup and several coats as a larger repair. That is why several repairs in one visit cost less each than one on its own. Read more on drywall repair and holes and cracks.
Installation
New drywall scales more with area, but the details decide the final number: ceiling height, how many corners, bulkheads and openings, the board type, and the finish level. A basement with many bulkheads can take much longer than a simple room of the same size. See drywall installation and basement drywall.
Comparing estimates
What a good written estimate should say
- Exactly which walls, ceilings and repairs are included
- Whether taping, finishing and sanding are included, and to what finish level
- Whether primer and paint are included, or left for your painter
- How dust, protection and cleanup will be handled
- Disposal of removed drywall, where there is any
- The schedule, including drying time between visits
- Payment terms, and any warranty or touch-up policy
Common questions
Drywall pricing questions
Why is there no price list on this site?
Why does a small repair cost more than I expected?
How is drywall installation usually priced?
What details help a drywall contractor quote a Calgary basement?
Can I lower the cost of a drywall job?
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