Shower installation costs in Chicago, IL depend on size, style, and materials. No matter the budget, this guide can help you plan your project and even save a few bucks.
How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost in Chicago? [2026 Data]
Drywall service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
Despite the higher cost of living, drywall installation in Chicago costs 3.5% less than the national average.
Experienced Chicago drywall contractors charge between $0.95 and $2.05 per square foot for drywall installation.
In Chicago, you don’t need a permit for basic drywall jobs.
If you need to remove existing wood paneling, plan to pay between $0.50 and $0.95 per square foot.
Although the Windy City has a higher than average cost of living, drywall installation costs in Chicago are 3.5% lower than the overall average price in the U.S. The typical Chicagoan pays $1,914 to have drywall installed, though prices may run from $1,085 to $2,896. Let’s review how cost factors like type of drywall and drywall thickness affect your total project cost when revamping your Chicago home.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
Drywall installation costs in Chicago, Illinois, run from $1,085 to $2,896, but costs vary.
Room Size
Whether you’re working on a small bathroom or a spacious living room, having an estimate of costs based on room size can help you plan your budget more effectively. Installing drywall in a small bathroom of around 100 square feet will cost $385 to $625, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,450 to $2,895.
Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:
| Room Size in Square Foot | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 (Small Bedroom) | $385–$625 |
| 200 (Small Bedroom) | $530–$965 |
| 300 (Small Bedroom) | $870–$1,450 |
| 400 (Small Living Room) | $1,060–$2,125 |
| 500 (Large Living Room) | $1,350–$2,700 |
| 600 (Large Space) | $1,640–$2,990 |
Type of Drywall
Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.
| Drywall Type | Best Use | Average Cost of Materials per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-resistant | Bathrooms, kitchens | $0.55–$0.70 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.65–$0.70 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.55–$0.85 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $1.80–$2.90 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.70–$0.85 |
Drywall Thickness
Drywall thickness can sway your total price. If you’re on a minimal budget, you might want to opt for the thinnest quarter-inch panels. Three-eighths-inch and half-inch are the most common varieties. Soundproof and fire-resistant panels are usually five-eighths-inch thick. Drywall is sometimes available in ¾-inch thicknesses for added soundproofing.
| Drywall Thickness in Inch | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $14.50 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $15.50 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $19.30 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $20.25 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $22.25 |
Level of Finish
Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.
| Level | Description | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $0.75–$0.95 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $0.95–$1.95 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1.25–$2.50 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.20–$2.90 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $1.60–$3.05 |
| 5 | A very high-quality finish which is the best option for enamel and gloss paint application. This includes three coats of joint compound and a full skim coat for a super-smooth appearance | $1.90–$3.40 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
Drywalling can be time-consuming work, and simple mistakes can become costly. Most homeowners should plan to hire a Chicago drywall installer to ensure drywall is hung efficiently and correctly.
Experienced Chicago drywall contractors charge between $0.95 and $2.05 per square foot for drywall installation. For the typical project, you should budget between $665 and $2,125 for labor alone.
Old Wall Removal Cost
If you need the drywall installer to remove and replace existing drywall, you may have additional costs. For instance, removing wood paneling in Chicago costs between $0.50 and $0.95 per square foot. The cost to replace plaster is more expensive, from $1.45 to $2.90 per square foot in Chicago.
Chicago Construction Permit Cost
You generally don’t need a permit in Chicago to replace or repair drywall. However, if the drywalling is part of a much larger job, like building an addition or completely renovating an existing interior space, you’ll likely need a permit. Use Chicago’s permit guide to determine which permits you might need, keeping in mind that permit costs vary by project.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Since repairing or replacing existing drywall is a matter of routine maintenance, it doesn’t add to your property’s overall worth. On the flip side, if you’re doing drywall work while renovating a space or expanding your home’s square footage with an addition, that type of improvement can enhance your home’s market value.
The amount your property’s value rises depends on the scale and type of renovation. You can add significant home value by building an addition—ROI is usually between 24% and 35%.
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.
Drywall services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Chicago, IL
4.7★ avg. • 276 total reviews
- Sabine R.
Donny and his company Mastercat have done an excellent job for me on more than one occasion! After a contractor left a facet on which then flooded part of my basement, Donny and his crew were there the next day to remove all the damaged drywall, baseboards and carpet! They dried the space...
Master Catastrophe Team LLC - Sarah S.
It went. They showed up and did and excellent job. I had some cracks and other drywall that needed repair and they did an excellent job. I would definitely hire them again. And they left the place clean and looking great!
317 Acuna Painting & More - Derrick D.
We had just completed an asbestos removal for our office in Chicago and they took our baseboards, resulting in me needing to find a fast solution. Simon was super communicative, efficient, and got the job done the day after I submitted the request to Angi's List. The work he completed was...
GRK Builders, Inc. - Hugo A.
I hired Gustavo to do some drywall repair and painting at an apartment that I'm remodeling. He and his crew did an excellent job. The work is top notch and the price was very reasonable. If you're looking for a professional and reliable painter, I highly recommend Element Drywall & Painting...
Element Drywall & Painting - Elaine M.
It is refreshing to find a team that really cares about its work. J Family Design does things the old-fashioned way, with a European work ethic. No crooked corners, no bumps attention to detail with drywall is tops. But beyond paint and drywall, these workers are skilled at carpentry and...
J Family Design - Justin S.
We hired John for drywall and painting work. Weâ ve been rehabbing our sleepy old condo for months, and John is the best professional weâ ve engaged. He does excellent, careful work, and was punctual and communicative. Complete recommendation.
J K Painting Services, Inc. - Steve X.
Cascade construction provided full service drywalling at a high level. Their staff was professional as well as punctual, and had a great eye for detail. I would strongly recommend using them!
Cascade Construction Co. - Halaman Utama Facebook - Mark.
City Drywall did an excellent job for metal studs,drywall and taping. Always on time and a good hard working crew. Men and women too !
- Christina G.
I hired Yuel to patch drywall in my condo, he was on time and did a fantastic job! Would absolutely hire him again!
YB Paint - Jonathan B.
Curtis did a stellar job repairing some drywall for me. He is thorough and skilled.
The homeowners guide to drywall services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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