Sometimes, all your home needs is a new wall to make a room or provide an updated function to an existing space. Learn how much it costs to install a new wall in Baltimore, MD.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wall in Washington, DC? [2026 Data]
Contractor service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Get quotes from contractors near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from contractors near you
No obligation · 100% free
Cost Insights
D.C. costs to build a wall per linear foot range from $45 to $200 for full walls.
Materials also have an effect, and options like drywall and plaster are more wallet-friendly than glass and wood.
A project like this requires a $30 building permit in order to be approved in D.C.
You’ll pay more overall for load-bearing walls because they require two pros—a general contractor and a structural engineer.
It costs $2,533 to build a wall in Washington D.C., and the average homeowner will likely spend somewhere between $1,279 to $3,852. Prices of materials, like drywall versus plywood, plus desired wall size, have the biggest impact on what you’ll spend. However, high construction prices and a greater cost of living in the D.C. area will also play a role. General contractors in D.C. can give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay, and point you in the direction of potential cost-saving opportunities—like switching to a different material.
Wall Installation Cost Factors
Three major components determine the cost to build a wall in Washington, D.C.: your wall's size, the material type, and labor fees.
Size
The bigger the wall, the more expensive it is to build. The standard wall height is 8 feet, though you may need something taller or shorter. Once you figure out the wall length you need, just multiply it by the height to get the square footage.
You can expect a finished wall, including framing, drywall, and electrical, to cost around $45 to $200 per linear foot. Half-walls cost $41 to $180 per linear foot and are useful for dividing areas in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and more.
| Wall Length (Linear Feet, by 8-Feet-Tall) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 10 | $450–$2,000 |
| 15 | $675–$3,000 |
| 20 | $900–$4,000 |
| 25 | $1,125–$5,000 |
| 35 | $1,575–$7,000 |
| 40 | $1,800–$8,000 |
Prep and demo average $40 per linear foot, which may make a not-so-insignificant dent in your budget if you need to clear a large space first.
Material
The cost to install a wall depends greatly on its material. Walls come in a wide range of materials, including brick, plaster, stone, and concrete. Drywall installation cost is among the most wallet-friendly, but plastering walls is an affordable option, too.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $1.30–$3 |
| Plaster | $6–$15 |
| Glass | $30–$100 |
| Concrete | $20–$37 |
| Wood | $10–$15 |
| Stone or stone veneer | $9–$50 |
| Brick or brick veneer | $5–$25 |
Type of Wall
Whether you want to install a partition wall for privacy or a load-bearing exterior wall, the wall's function determines the final cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from 10% to 20% more if you choose the latter.
General Contractor Costs
Although building a wall is an achievable project for an experienced DIYer, there are still a number of reasons why hiring a pro should be your first choice. Drywall and general contractors know the ins and outs of new wall construction—including how to do it safely and without causing damage to other parts of your home.
Additionally, D.C. contractors are intimately familiar with where and how to source the best materials for different budgets. They’ll also help you navigate the multi-step permit application process, from determining the scope of work to payment.
General contractors typically charge 30% of the project's total cost, including materials and additional services like prep and demo. That means you’ll pay a pro like this between $330 and $1,100 on average.
Hiring a general contractor is a must, but you may pay more if you also need a structural engineer, which you will if you’re building a load-bearing wall.
Structural Engineer Costs
Structural engineers are only required for wall construction if you’re building a load-bearing wall. They ensure that your new addition is structurally sound and charge an average of $350 to $750 in D.C.
Does Installing a New Wall Increase Home Value?
Installing a new wall is unlikely to increase home value unless it’s part of a larger remodel. For instance, bathroom remodels generally yield an ROI of 61%, but you could see a property value increase of 21% to 30% if your new wall is part of a new build, such as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). What’s more, as home prices in D.C. continue to rise year after year, so does the likelihood of getting a bigger ROI from a project like this.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Contractor services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Washington, DC
4.4★ avg. • 297 total reviews
- Lauren M.
We asked Alex and Svetlana to help us reimagine our small and outdated kitchen and they definitely delivered. This included refacing our cabinets, installing new countertops and several new cabinets, and moving our peninsula to provide us ample space to maneuver while cooking. They also...
Remodel Washington DC - Pamela D.
Mauro is not only a skilled carpenter, he is a responsible and friendly business owner. He responds quickly to text, phone, and email messages and provides timely and professional estimates and invoices. He shows up when he says he will and he, individually, does the work of two carpenters in...
MCS Services, LLC - Keith D.
Overall we had a lot of difficulty working with All Renovations based on the quality of their work. We have a fair amount of experience with construction and working with contractors so there is a reference point for our observations. I am going to outline our experience in four categories:...
All Renovations Inc - Suesser B.
Jeff was extremely professional and skilled at a variety of carpentry tasks, including shelving and cabinet doors. He also did drywall repair and painting for us. Excellent communication skills, prompt estimates and great work ethic. Highly recommend!
- Ra S.
Benchmark Painting did a superb job with painting exterior parts of my home, as well as interior painting work including walls, ceilings, over existing wallpaper and radiators. Also completed some "light" carpentry prior to the painting work. The entire experience with the company was first...
Benchmark Painting & Carpentry of Kensington, LLC - Gail M.
AC Carpentry did a great job on my kitchen. The quality of the work was excellent, and I especially appreciated that they could give me the flexibility in scheduling that I needed. I also appreciated their troubleshooting and recommendations along the way. Will call them again.
A. C. Carpentry LLC - Constance H.
Jorge Alfaro did a number of different jobs for me including carpentry, door and window repair, painting, and more. He showed up on time, charged exactly what he told me in advance and did high quality work. I will definitely hire him again.
Alfaro Carpentry, LLC - John C.
The job entailed painting interior of two story home, replacing baseboard and several small carpentry improvements prior to the painting. Emerald did a superb job. Extremely professional. They were punctual, friendly and hardworking. I received extremely high quality work for a fair price....
Emerald Painting & Carpentry, LLC - Eric D.
Working with AJ to get this work done was an absolute pleasure. The work was done within scope, budget, and time. Frankly, this is probably the best experience I've ever had working with a contractor (and I've had my share) They were actually concerned with completing the work to my complete...
- Susan C.
The project manager Visvydas Matulis was the ultimate professional always responsive and punctual, looking to ensure excellence. His team was fantastic, especially the carpenters whose craftsmanship and perfectionism gave brilliant results. We were very impressed with their ability to find...
General Remodeling Group
The homeowners guide to contractor services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Kick erosion to the curb with an eye-catching retaining wall. Retaining wall costs in Baltimore, MD, vary based on the material, but this guide will help you budget.
Kick erosion to the curb with an eye-catching retaining wall. Retaining wall costs in Washington, D.C., vary based on the material, but this guide will help you budget.
Installing drywall is the most common way to finish your home’s interior. Use this drywall installation cost guide to see what your project is likely to cost in Washington, D.C.
Whether you’re installing a new door or replacing an existing one, the cost of door installation in Baltimore, MD, varies based on door type, framing needs, and other factors.
Shower installation costs in Washington, D.C. depend on size, style, and materials. No matter the budget, this guide can help you plan your project and even save a few bucks.