Get matched with top drywall pros in Orinda, CA

Drywall insulation costs around $1,800, on average, but prices can range from $500 to $4,500, depending on a few different factors. The following things are important considerations to make when pricing out your insulation project:

• Square footage of insulation

• Type of insulation 

• Climate in your area and the insulation R-value required

• Whether or not your walls are already finished

• Accessibility of the area 

• Whether or not you need old insulation removed first

While certain types of textured walls can seem dated (looking at you, popcorn), textured walls are a common sight in both older and more modern homes. The main reason textured walls may be here to stay is that they are an excellent way to hide minor imperfections on a wall and give it a finished appearance. Some homeowners think a coat of paint on drywall is a bit industrial-looking. However, that look works perfectly in modern home design. 

There are six levels of drywall finish, from 0 to 5, that refer to the amount of work performed during the finishing process.

Level 0: Drywall is hung with no finishing work.

Level 1: Tape is placed over the seams between drywall sheets.

Level 2: A thin layer of mud is applied over the tape and screw holes. This level is common for utility rooms or walls that will be covered.

Level 3: A full coat of mud covers the screw holes and tape, but the surface is not sanded. This is often used in garages.

Level 4: This is the most common finish for visible interior walls. It involves applying two coats of mud over seams and screw holes, with sanding between each coat, creating a smooth surface ready for flat paint.

Level 5: This is a high-end finish for luxury homes. It includes full taping, mudding, and sanding, plus a final skim coat over the entire surface before painting.

Whether to repair or replace water-damaged plaster depends on the scale of the damage. For small, limited areas, you can often perform a repair yourself. If you choose to paint over small patches, ensure the surface is completely dry and apply a coat of antifungal primer first to prevent mold growth. However, simply painting or plastering over the damage is only a temporary solution that doesn't address the core problem. For more extensive or long-term damage, the plaster may be compromised, and there is a risk of mold. In these cases, it is recommended to remove the damaged section of plasterboard and replace it. You may consider hiring a professional for the repair, and it's worth noting that water damage is often covered by home insurance.