Free drywall estimate template

What goes in a drywall estimate?

The finish level

Levels 0 to 5 come from GA-214, the industry's finish standard. Level 4 suits flat and eggshell paint; Level 5, a skim coat over the whole surface, is for glossy paint or strong side light. Name one.

Board type and thickness

Moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and laundry rooms, and fire-rated Type X where code requires it, such as between an attached garage and the house.

Texture

Smooth, orange peel or knockdown. Matching an existing texture is its own job, so say whether you're matching or starting fresh.

Who paints

Finished drywall isn't painted drywall. Say whether priming and painting are yours, the painter's or the client's.

Ceiling height and access

High ceilings, stairwells and scaffolding take extra time. Note them so the client can see why the price is what it is.

Writing a drywall estimate that gets approved

• Measure room by room and convert to sheets, then count the corners and openings. A room full of corners and openings takes more tape and mud than open wall of the same area.
• Price small patches by size and count, not by the hour: 'three patches up to 6 in.' is easy for a homeowner to approve.
• Say how many days the job takes with drying time between coats. Clients plan around the dust.
• Note who takes off and puts back the outlet covers, switch plates and trim.

Questions

Do you price drywall by the sheet or by the square foot?

Both are common. Hanging is often priced per sheet or per square foot of board, and finishing per square foot of surface. Whichever you use, put the unit on each line so the client can see what the number counts.

What drywall finish level should the estimate say?

Level 4 for most painted walls and ceilings with flat or eggshell paint. Level 5 where the paint is glossy or light rakes across the wall, like long hallways and walls beside big windows. Level 3 under heavy texture, and Level 2 for garages and walls getting tile.

Does a drywall estimate include painting?

A drywall estimate covers painting only if it says so. Put priming and painting on their own lines, or write 'painting not included' in the notes.

When the job's done

Walk the finished work with a printable punch list before the invoice goes out.

• Drywall punch list
• Basement finishing punch list