Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot on average, depending on the type and finishing options. Most homeowners spend $1,000 to $3,000 on a typical drywall project. Higher costs apply when adding insulation or specialized customizations.

• Finishing a 12'x12' drywall bedroom costs $580 to $1,800.
• The cost to drywall a ceiling is $2 to $4 per square foot.
• The cost to drywall a garage is $800 to $5,000 on average.

Sheetrock and drywall prices are $10 to $20 per sheet or $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot on average for materials only, depending on the size, thickness, and type.

Drywall installation typically includes all materials and labor for the hanging, taping, and finishing of drywall, including cleanup. Some contractors may give discounts for the additional work of painting the finished drywall at the end to complete the walls and ceilings.

However, insulation work typically isn’t included in drywall installation because it requires more knowledge and experience about building codes than the average drywall installer has.

Hanging drywall in a house takes anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the home's size, layout, and drywall finish. A typical 4-person crew installs 1,500 to 2,500 square feet of wall or ceiling surface per day.

Drywall installers typically offer the following services besides regular installation:

• The cost to texture drywall is $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot.
• The cost to skim coat walls is $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot.
• Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack.
• Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
• Popcorn ceiling removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot.

Properly installed drywall lasts 30 to 75 years. Exposure to moisture, rodents, and termites shortens the lifespan. Installers must be careful to seal all plumbing and electrical connections near drywall very well because drywall is highly flammable and prone to mold with any water leaks.

The differences between drywall and plaster include:

• The cost of plastering is $2 to $10 per square foot, which makes it up to 3 times more expensive than drywall.
• Since plaster is a very thick paste over wood-lath frames, it cures into a more durable surface. That's why plaster outlasts drywall, insulates better, and resists fire because it's much thicker than drywall.
• Drywall is gypsum board coated with paper or fiberglass, which is thinner and easier to install but also more easily damaged.

Start by searching our listings to hire a drywall contractor near you. Next, be sure to:

• Get at least 3 in-person estimates to compare.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask if the drywall contractor is a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
• Select licensed, insured, and bonded companies who've been in business for at least 5 years.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.

• How long have you been hanging drywall?
• Can I see photos of homes where you've installed drywall and a reference list?
• Will your company work on the project, or will subcontractors?
• How many people are on your crew, and what's their schedule?
• Which type of drywall do you recommend and why?
• Can you add a board between studs in places where I'll hang something heavy on the wall?
• Does the estimate include delivery, hanging, taping and mudding, finishing, and cleanup?
• Will you pull permits?
• What other costs should I expect?
• How long will the project take?
• If damages happen on the job, how do you handle it?
• Can I get a labor warranty?