How to Find a Good Drywall Contractor: Hiring Tips and Questions to Ask
Depending on your state, your drywall contractor may need to be licensed
Most states require drywall contractors to have insurance and a license to work on residential properties. When hiring a drywall contractor, look for pros with at least five to 10 years of experience. It's also helpful to check their references and ask them specific questions about their prior work and your project. Here, find out everything you need to know to hire the right drywall contractor for your next project.
How to Find a Drywall Contractor
Finding the best drywall contractor for your project will save you time and money and provide the best results for your home. If you know friends and family who recently made some improvements to their houses, you can ask them for a recommendation. You can also search for drywall contractors near you and read their online reviews on Angi. If you’ve worked with other trustred contractors, they may also recommend a drywall pro.
Before Hiring a Drywall Contractor
Before hiring a drywall contractor, it's helpful to plan ahead to get the most accurate quotes and all your questions answered. While it may seem easy, hanging drywall is a difficult task that requires extra precision and care.
Plan Your Drywall Project for Accurate Quotes
While you can fix minor drywall damage yourself, you might be better off leaving more significant repairs to the pros. The average drywall repair costs around $600. Take some time to define what your drywall project will entail so your pro can provide an accurate estimate. For instance, consider how many square feet your drywall project will cover and the type of repairs needed so they can factor it into their quote.
Will your contractor need specialized experience, like application techniques, to achieve various textures? If you have your heart set on a sand swirl or slap brush texture, hire a pro with experience in these techniques.
Once you have a good handle on the ins and outs of your project, reach out to at least three pros for quotes. Casting a wide net will help you find the best value and get a better feel for the type of drywall contractor you want to work with.
Check Your Drywall Contractor's Qualifications and References
Make sure to check references for any prospective drywall contractor you chat with. Ask them for testimonials, read reviews from prior clients online, and speak directly with someone who has previously worked with the contractor. If you have the opportunity to see their work firsthand, take it.
In addition to checking references, you should ensure prospective contractors are licensed and insured. Insurance helps protect you and your home if something goes wrong during the drywall project, while licensing indicates that the contractor meets certain training requirements. For example, drywall installation contractors in California must have four years of experience and pass three exams before earning a license. Understand your state’s certification requirements before contracting with any pro.
Questions to Ask Your Drywall Contractor
Create a list of questions to ask prospective contractors. Use the following questions as a starting point, but try to include questions specific to your unique project as well.
Are you licensed and insured?
May I see proof of your license and insurance?
How long have you been in business?
What is your proposed timeline for the project, including start and end dates?
How will you clean up the project?
What is your payment model/schedule?
Will you be working with your own crew? Who will be the main point of contact?
Can you share references from former clients?
Do you offer any service guarantees?
Tips for Hiring a Drywall Contractor
You can apply a few tips to ensure a successful drywall project, such as interviewing multiple prospective drywall contractors, asking for background checks, and keeping project records from start to finish.
Interview Your Drywall Contractor
It's helpful to interview at least three potential drywall contractors before signing a contract. During this chat, pinpoint each contractor's communication, payment, and work styles to find the right fit (and the best value) for your project.
Check for Licenses
Depending on your state, your drywall contractor will be required to pass certain inspections and obtain a license to hand drywall in your area. You can use a state license contractor requirements search or contact your local city or county office.
Ask for a Background Check
When interviewing drywall contractors, ask for a background check. The background check will offer insight into the contractor's work history and experience. It should also include proof that they met the insurance and licensure requirements to practice in your area.
Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Drywall Contractor
Once you’ve identified the winning pro, it’s time to sign a work contract. Before signing, ensure you and your contractor agree on the following items to ensure no financial surprises down the line.
Down payment amount
Payment structure and schedule
Start and end dates
Any contingencies for the final payment
Keep Records of Your Drywall Project
It's always a good idea to keep records throughout your drywall project. Doing so can protect you if something doesn't go according to plan. We recommend you track the hours worked, progress each day, and whether they stick to your agreed-upon schedule. Whenever possible, write down and take photos of any potential issues so you can reference them if unexpected problems arise.
Look for Red Flags and Prepare to Troubleshoot
If you notice any red flags throughout the project, such as delays in project completion or application mistakes, document them. You should also reach out to the lead contact for the project to discuss any issues as soon as you notice them, which can prevent costly drywall problems down the road.
What Do Drywall Contractors Typically Charge?
On average, drywall installation costs $2,000, but it can vary greatly depending on your project. Drywall contractors will typically provide you a final project cost, which takes into account their hourly rate, room size, drywall type, thickness, and finish. Whether the job is for new drywall or a repair will greatly impact costs as well.
After Your Drywall Contractor Has Finished
After your drywall contractor finishes the project, take some time to inspect their work before making the final payment. Make sure every aspect of the project was completed to your satisfaction, and reach out to the project lead if you find any drywall issues or flaws that need fixing.
Once you're satisfied with the project, it's time to make your final payment. If you enjoyed working with your contractor and liked their work, consider leaving them a review so they can help other happy clients. Even better, volunteer as a reference they can call on for prospective clients.