If you’ve ever noticed cracks in your walls, water stains, or even holes in your ceiling, you might have thought about drywall replacement. Drywall is used to cover the walls and ceilings in most homes, but it can get damaged over time. Whether it’s from a leak, a significant impact, or just age, sometimes the drywall replacing is necessary to keep your home safe and looking good.
Understanding the cost of drywall replacement is vital if you’re a homeowner or even a contractor. It helps you plan and avoid any surprises in your budget. Replacing a drywall can be expensive, but knowing what affects the price can help you make smart decisions.
We will provide you insight on how much does it cost to replace a drywall and influencing factors. Whether you’re planning to replace drywall or hire someone, knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother and easier. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of how much it cost and what choices you have along the way.
KEY Takeaways
Average Cost of Drywall Replacement
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1.50 and $6.31 per square foot. This range can change based on the kind of drywall you’re using and how fancy you want the finish to be. For example, a simple, basic drywall job will be on the lower end of the scale, while higher-end materials or a more detailed finish will cost more.
Cost to Replace Drywall by Project Type
The cost can vary greatly depending on the size and type of project. Let’s examine some common types of drywall projects to give you a better idea of what to expect.
The cost for a small room like a bedroom can range from $300 to $1,800. The lower end of the range is usually for basic drywall installation in a small room with standard drywall, while the higher end is for rooms that may need extra work or special materials. Factors like the number of windows or doors, ceiling height, or wall damage can add up costs.
For a whole house of about 2,000 square feet, you could be looking at anywhere from $8,000 to $30,000. This includes walls and ceilings, and the cost will vary depending on the size of the rooms, the materials used, and whether any special work is needed. Homes with many rooms or high ceilings will be more expensive to finish.
If you only focus on the ceiling replacement, the cost will be $2 to $4 per sq ft. Ceiling removal can be more expensive because it requires extra care and skill. Plus, if the ceiling is high or has any complex features, it could raise the labor time, making the job pricier.
May you interested in getting information on about what is drywall?
For drywall patching, a smaller job that fixes small holes or damaged sections, you’ll pay between $356 and $560. This is for patching up areas around 4 square feet. Patching is cheaper than a complete replacement, but it still requires a professional to ensure the finish matches the rest of the wall.
Textured walls, like popcorn ceilings or more intricate patterns, can be more costly to replace. The reason is that the texture requires special techniques and extra labor to replicate the pattern correctly. So, if you want to keep your walls looking the same after replacing the drywall, expect the cost to be higher than for plain, smooth drywall.
Get the Right Cost for Replacing a Drywall
Cost Factors to Look Before Replacement a Drywall
Here are some factors that affect the price of replacing drywall.
Room Size & Layout
First, room size and layout play a significant role in the cost. The larger the room, the more drywall you will need to cover the walls and ceiling. Since drywall is priced per square foot, a bigger room requires more materials and labor to install it.
Rooms with many corners, windows, or doors might need more work to cut the drywall to fit correctly, which can add to the cost.
Ceiling Height
If you have high ceilings, expect the cost to go up. Higher walls are more rigid to work on and require more time and effort to install the drywall. The labor prices will be more. Sometimes, you may need scaffolding or ladders, adding extra costs.
Finish Level
Different types of finishes range from simple smooth walls to more complex textured surfaces. A basic smooth finish is the least expensive option. However, you want textured walls, like a knockdown finish or popcorn ceilings. In that case, the cost will go up because these textures require extra steps and specialized skills.
The highest finish level, called Level 5, involves a super-smooth, flawless finish ideal for high-end homes or professional spaces, and it’s more expensive because it requires more time and careful work.
Material Type
Standard drywall is fine for most rooms, but if you’re dealing with areas that have extra moisture, like a bathroom or basement, you must install moisture-resistant drywall. In case of sound or resists fire, it is costly because these specialty materials cost more. So, choosing between standard drywall and specialty options will impact your overall cost.
Labor Cost
In some areas, contractors charge more due to higher living costs or service demand. The experience and skill of the contractor can also change the price. A more experienced contractor might charge more, but they could do the job faster and with fewer mistakes, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Accessibility
The cost will go up if the area is hard to reach, like a room with lots of built-in furniture or a high ceiling. The contractor must have extra equipment, like scaffolding or lifts, or they may take more time to work in those tough spots. All these additional steps can add to the total price.
See Also: Drywall repairing cost
When to Replace Drywall?
Here are some signs that it’s time to do so.
Severe water damage is a clear sign. Water-soaked drywall can become soft, moldy, or crumble. Even after drying, it may still be unsafe, especially if the damage is widespread.
Large cracks in walls or ceilings can indicate structural issues. These cracks are harder to fix, and patching them may only provide a temporary solution.
Mold grows in damp environments and can harm your health. Replacing the affected drywall is necessary if you notice mold or a musty smell.
Minor issues, like small holes or cracks, can be patched. However, for severe damage, such as water damage or mold, replacement is the better choice to prevent future problems.
Saving Money on Replacing Drywall
Drywall replacement can be costly, but there are ways to save.
- First, decide whether to do it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional. DIY saves on labor but requires time and skill. Professionals are more expensive but deliver quicker, better results, especially for larger jobs.
- Get multiple quotes from contractors to ensure you get the best deal. Make sure the quotes cover all costs, including materials and labor.
- Lastly, consider a partial replacement if only part of the wall is damaged. Replacing just the affected area can save you money.
FAQs
The time it takes to replace drywall depends on room size, project complexity, and DIY or expert services. For a small room like a bedroom, removing old drywall, installing new panels, and finishing the surface usually takes 1 to 2 days.
It can take several days to a week for larger areas or more complex projects, such as replacing drywall in a whole house or rooms with high ceilings. More work involves cutting drywall to fit, applying joint compound, and sanding for a smooth finish.
Drying time for joint compounds can add an extra day or two to the project. Professionals may finish faster, but the total time still depends on the size and complexity of the job.
