Drywall Installation Cost in Detroit [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
  • Contractors may charge more for basement projects that need moisture-resistant drywall.

  • Licensed contractors in Michigan must carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

  • Michigan’s 6% sales tax applies to drywall materials, but not to labor.

Drywall installation in Detroit averages around $2,017, with a typical range of $968 to $3,066. The biggest cost drivers include the project’s size, drywall thickness, and finish level. Many older homes in the area also require additional preparation to remove plaster and level uneven walls, which can add to the total labor time and overall cost.

Drywall Installation Cost Factors 

Drywall installation costs in Detroit, MI vary quite a bit based on factors like the size of the room and the drywall thickness you opt for. 

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 $400 to $625, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,650 to $2,900.

Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:

Room Size (in Sq. Ft.)Average Cost
100 (Small Bathroom)$400–$625
200 (Small Bedroom)$550–$950
300 (Large Bedroom)$875–$1,500
400 (Small Living Room)$1,100–$2,100
500 (Large Living Room)$1,350–$2,600
600 (Large Space)$1,650–$2,900

Type of Drywall

Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.

Drywall TypeBest UseAverage Cost of Materials per Square Foot
Moisture-resistantBathrooms, kitchens$0.55–$0.75
Mold-resistantExtra-moist areas$0.65–$0.80
Fire-resistantGarages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings$0.60–$0.95
SoundproofMusic rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms$1.80–$3
Eco-friendlyAll rooms$0.75–$0.95

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 3/4" thicknesses for added soundproofing.

Drywall Thickness (Inches)Ideal Use CaseAverage Cost per Panel
1/4Curved areas or patches$15
3/8Patches or repairs$16
1/2Standard walls$20
5/8Standard ceilings, fire-proofing$21
3/4Sound-proofing, fire-proofing$23

Level of Finish

6 levels of drywall finishes illustrated, with level 5 having the final skim coat

Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.

LevelDescriptionAverage Cost (per Sq. Ft.)
0Contractor hangs the drywall and no more$0.80–$1
1Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud$1–$2
2Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top$1.25–$2.50
3Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish$1.50–$3
4If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound$1.65–$3.15
5A 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$2–$3.50

Drywall Installation Pro Costs

What you’ll pay for drywall installation in Detroit depends on a few key factors, including labor rates, taxes, and whether your contractor is licensed and insured. 

Labor

Drywall installation in Detroit typically costs between $1.70 and $2.10 per square foot, including both materials and labor. Projects that involve repairing plaster, finishing basements, or working around uneven framing tend to land on the higher end, while basic installations in newer spaces come in lower. 

Permits

Detroit doesn’t usually require a standalone permit for drywall work unless the project includes electrical, plumbing, or framing changes. When a permit is necessary, it’s handled through the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department. Fees generally start around $75 and increase with project complexity and valuation. 

Licensing and Insurance

Michigan requires residential builders and remodelers to hold a state license for construction work, including drywall installation. Contractors also need to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to stay compliant. Those operating with full credentials often charge slightly more, since maintaining coverage and licensing adds to their business expenses, but it protects you from any costs related to on-site injuries or damage.

Taxes

Michigan applies a 6% sales tax to drywall materials, but labor for residential installation isn’t taxed. Most contractors include this in their overall estimate, so it’s worth checking that only materials, and not labor, are being taxed on your final invoice.

Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?

Replacing drywall won’t significantly impact a home’s appraised value in Detroit, but it can create a noticeable visual difference. Many older homes still have patched or textured walls, and updating them with smooth, freshly finished drywall helps rooms feel cleaner and more contemporary. That fresh appearance can enhance buyer perception and help homes sell more effectively

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’ve surveyed over 10,000 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.

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