How much cost involved in drywall?

Question

I need to drywall the living room/ceiling....anyone know the cost of that and since I've never done it before, is it hard to do? Where can I find info on this? thanks

Answer 1

You'll need to know what the local codes are for thickness and if you need a permit and inspector. This can get expesive so hang on. Near big cities ,say Chicago, you can expect to pay $20.00 a sheet to have it installed and mudded and finished. That will probably be a cash quote.

That doesnt count the cost of the material and while you are at it, you might as well double the insulation in your attic above that room at least. To get an idea of the cost to have it done for you ( and you may have to remove the old to save money yourself) measure the ceiling size. Let's say 12 by 20. Thats 240 square feet divided by the typical size sheet of drywall ( 4x8) of 32 square feet. That will figure to about 8 sheets but you may want to add an additional 2 sheets just to be safe. Then you have joint compund possibly in a five gallon bucket, three or four plaster " knives" sandpaper, razor knife, plastic sheeting. insulation. drywall screws. and the drywall itself for an additional cost of maybe $275.00. Keep in mind, the carpet in that room will virtually be destroyed with plaster dust and the rest of the house will be coated in it also. My guess by the time all is said and done, with someone else doing the labor, it will cost 900 to 1100 dollars. If you do it you will save a few hundered, but you will work on it much longer than a contractor, the house will be torn up much longer, and the results generally arent as good especially if you have never done it before. Taping and mudding the seams is the most time consuming part and also will show the most mistakes.

My son recently had his basement done near Chicago. This was walls included but about 700 square feet of living space for about $2,500.00. It was definitely worth it . The work is hard, terribly dusty, and for prefectionists. They did a great job for $20.00 a sheet complete. ( You still had to pay for the materials and have them inside ready to go.)

Good luck. I applaud you for wanting to try this but I'd start with a much smaller job for a first time.

Answer 2

Certainly Drywall is available at any big box home improvement store. Ceilings @ 1/2 x 4 x 8 a sheet may be approx $12 each, and over the Country will only vary by pennies.

Install should be a two person job at least, to make it easier. 3 might be nice, 2 to hold in place while the third screws it into the ceiling beams.

One person job, at least two, 8 ft step ladders and some 2 x 4 "TOOLS" built ahead of time, with a brace across the end of each to help in holding the sheet in place as the one person screws to the ceiling beams. Then tape/mud/sand/paint.

Prepare for a possible stiff neck and aching shoulders to some degree. Seek help if this is a DIY, perhaps in the form of a DIY party.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

call some drywall contractors in your area that provide free estimates and ask for a detailed written one. then estimate the time and effort it would take you vs them and decide what is best for your situation.