Average Drywall Work Cost Per Square Foot: $1.50 to $3.50
The average cost to install drywall in Canada typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
On average, Canadians can expect to spend $2,000 – $10,000 for drywall installation or repair work, depending on the area and complexity of the project.
Drywall plays an important role in almost all Canadian houses and buildings. Be it a home improvement in your basement or a crack in your ceiling, or adding another addition, the job of drywall repair or installation is a common element in the task.
How much does drywall installation or repair cost? This guide simplifies what you will need to know, including material and labour costs, the cost difference in prices in different regions, repair costs, and additional costs that may be hidden, to take care of budgeting smartly and not be caught off-guard.
In construction, drywall is a panel made of calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum), usually pressed between two thick sheets of paper, used in the construction of walls and the ceilings of buildings. It is the current choice of building walls and ceilings because of reasons such as its low cost, flexibility and resistance to catching fire.
Drywall plays an essential role in:
The cost of drywall installation in Canada typically ranges between $2 and $4 per square foot, including both materials and labour. For a standard 12x12 room (144 square foot), expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,800 for complete installation.
There are several reasons why the end cost can vary, and they include:
The dry walls are either sold by size or by type. This would be what is to be anticipated:
The majority of the contractors of drywall charge:
Approximately 60-70 percent of the cost is associated with labour. Complicated plans or tall ceilings might need scaffolding or more working hours.
Taping, applying joint compound, sanding and priming belong to the stages of finishing drywall.
Fixing up a drywall can be very affordable compared to replacing it, and it all depends on the extent and nature of the damage. Fill holes, cracks, water damage, or separation of the joints- these are common drywall repairs.
Cost: $100 – $300
Cost: $250 – $500
Cost: $500 – $1,000+
Cost: $200 – $1,200 depending on height and damage
Bigger spaces' drywall installation or repair is more expensive, and you may enjoy discounts on bulk prices. Smaller repairs can seem cheaper by the square foot but have a bigger base rate since there are minimum service charges.
There is a possibility that fire code and specialty drywall needs may prove to be expensive for the commercial property.
There are wide fluctuations in labour prices in the various provinces of Canada:
Small door frames, vaulted ceilings, do not forget tight corners, or a tight stairwell, all can contribute to labour and time.
Most contractors include cleanup, but some may charge extra for hauling away debris, typically $100 – $300.
DIY Costs
Professional Installation
Unless you are a good DIY expert, a professional will make sure that everything is done to code, that not just smooth surfaces are installed, but that the whole process takes less time.
You must have a building permit in case you have a bigger renovation like wall movements as a whole, a change in layout, or remodelling load-bearing structure involving your drywall project as well. Such permits will make sure that your work complies with the local codes and safety regulations.
The price of the permit will differ according to your municipality. In smaller towns, you might pay as little as $100, while in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver, the cost can rise to $500 or more. Any major work should be checked with your local building department first to prevent getting fined or delaying work.
Insulation must be put in place in most applications where drywall is to be the last detail of construction, such as the walls of the exterior and basement areas. This assists in the improvement of energy efficiency, code compliance and year-round comfort prevailing inside it.
The cost for insulation typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, depending on the type of insulation used. Popular fibreglass batts, spray foam, and rigid foam boards are some of them. Still, it is an addition to your initial budget and costs you in the long term once you gain the advantages of insulation in terms of energy savings and home performance.
Drywall is a project which requires the completion of the electrical and plumbing rough-ins. In case you have to add outlets or relocate them, install new light fixtures or re-route some plumbing, these activities should be done beforehand by licensed people.
Costs for these modifications generally range from $150 to $500, depending on how much work is needed. An example would be that the movement of some outlets will prove to be more cost-effective than rerouting an entire bathroom wall and wiring or plumbing.
After the drywall is put in place, taped and smoothed, it will have to be painted. Having them painted is not often covered by a standard drywall quote unless you have a complete service contractor.
Professional painters typically charge between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot for interior painting. This is the cost of priming, two coats of paint and labour. Even though you are doing the job yourself, you will still need to purchase items such as rollers, brushes, paint trays and paint, which will cost you hundreds of dollars, at least.
Drywall is by far the most popular wall covering used on interior walls in Canada; however, it is not the only one. You can also have plywood, plaster and brick veneer depending on your designs and budget. They all have different costs and features.
Drywall: Cost-Effective and Versatile
Drywall is the most popular and the least expensive for residential interiors. It usually costs between $2 and $4 per square foot for professional installation, including materials and labour. It has a fast finish, paint, and repairability; thus, it is quite common in most living areas.
Plywood: Durable and Functional
Plywood can be used in utility rooms, garages, or any area that requires impact endurance. Although it is more resistant than drywall, it is not smooth-looking and is more difficult to paint. Installation costs generally range from $3 to $7 per square foot, depending on thickness and grade.
Plaster: Premium Appearance and Longevity
Applied extensively in older houses or at the higher end of renovations, plaster is a style with a lot of character. It is used by hand in coats and forms a smooth and tough surface. The process is more labour-intensive, and the cost reflects that, typically ranging from $6 to $10 per square foot.
Brick Veneer: Decorative and Expensive
A quality that enhances the use of brick veneer is in accent walls or rustic design. While it provides excellent visual appeal, it is one of the most expensive materials, with installation costs between $10 and $25 per square foot.
The cost of drywall installation in Canada ranges between $2 - $5 per square foot, depending on the region, purchase demands, and availability of contractors. This is how things can be expected to divide in the various regions of the country.
Ontario: High Demand in the Greater Toronto Area
In Toronto and the surrounding GTA, drywall installation rates typically range from $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot. This is caused by escalated living standards and an influx of other skilled businesses. The prices are also relatively low at a rate of about 10 to 15 percent in smaller Ontario towns like Windsor, Kingston, or Barrie.
British Columbia: Premium Pricing in Vancouver
Vancouver has some of the highest drywall installation costs in the country, usually between $2.75 and $5.00 per square foot. Factors like a huge demand for housing and the lack of available contractors are some of the reasons why the prices are high.
Alberta: Competitive Rates in Calgary and Edmonton
In Alberta, the installation costs of drywall are in the moderate range. Homeowners in Calgary or Edmonton typically pay between $2.00 and $3.50 per square foot. A balanced housing market and the high level of availability of trades manage to keep the prices relatively stable.
Quebec: Fair Pricing in Montreal
Montreal offers good value for drywall installation, with average rates between $2.25 and $3.75 per square foot. The city also has a good pool of skilled artists who ensure there is a competitive atmosphere, and the pricing is economical. As usual, one should ensure that there are written agreements and in case of bilingual contracts, one should get written agreements.
Atlantic Canada: Very easy and cheap Alternatives
In Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and other Atlantic provinces, drywall installation costs tend to be lower, typically ranging from $1.75 to $3.25 per square foot. The number of contractors working in these areas is low, especially in areas far off, so it may take a long time to get a contract or job. Waiting may take longer, especially in the high season of renovation.
Drywall repairs or installation is an essential investment that every homeowner or property manager in Canada needs. It doesn't matter whether you are patching a hole in the wall or completing a basement; familiarity with the cost factors- materials and labour cost, regional pricing, and finishing will enable you to design your budget better.
DIY incurs some outlay, but with adding value to your house, it is important to hire a qualified professional to produce a lasting, code-compliant drywall job.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.
