Get matched with top drywall pros in Keokuk, IA

You can take a few steps to save money on drywall installation, even when hiring a professional to do the bulk of the work for you. These ideas include the following:

• Buy the drywall and other materials yourself to avoid product markup and delivery fees

• Ask about discounts if you use the same company to tape, spackle, and paint

• Hire drywall professionals in the winter when demand is the lowest

• DIY as many parts of the project as possible, like replacing insulation and painting

Installing drywall will cost between $1.50 and $3 per square foot for materials, labor, and finishing, which is quite a bit lower than the average of $9 to $13 per square foot for a drop-tile ceiling. So, while drop ceilings allow more design flexibility, provide easy access to utility lines above them, and are often much easier and less expensive to repair, they do cost more upfront. You can minimize your drop ceiling cost by opting for more affordable fiberboard panels, although some homeowners don’t like the look of this material.

Drywall installation is considerably faster and more affordable than plastering. Because plastering involves applying a wet material, it’s more time-consuming, takes longer to dry, and is more prone to cracking. It doesn’t tend to be as insulative either. If you need resurfacing work done on the walls, it's not unusual for the cost of plastering to hit $10 per square foot, which is much higher than the drywall installation costs of $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

If you’re looking for good soundproofing and want a high-end look in a historic home, though, plastering may be the better option.

Level 4 is the most commonly used drywall finish for visible interior walls. Finishing the drywall to Level 4 rovides a smooth surface ready to be painted with flat paint. 

Level 2 and 3 finishing are also common, particularly on walls that will get covered.