Drywall installers send quotes before almost every job beyond a small patch, and clients often compare two or three bids. Homeowners look at total price and finish quality, while GCs compare price per square foot or per sheet. A clear quote prevents disputes over finish level, texture, and what happens when the board does not fit as expected.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
A written list of areas, with measurements, sets the baseline so added closets or rooms are clearly extra.
Fire-rated or moisture-resistant board, 5/8" versus 1/2", and 12-foot sheets all change cost and may be required by code.
State Level 3, 4, or 5 and the texture style, and note that paint is not included unless it is.
If the client buys board, you need to specify who handles delivery, stocking in rooms, and who pays for shortages or waste.
Note stairs, lift needs, power and heat, and whether framing, insulation, and electrical inspections must be complete before you start.
Finishing takes days. Give a timeline with realistic drying periods so clients do not expect completion in a day or two.
List items like framing repair, insulation, dust barrier setup, paint, and popcorn ceiling removal, and state how extra work is priced.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Hang drywall only (labor) | per sq ft | $0.50-1.00 |
| Hang and finish, Level 4 (labor and materials) | per sq ft | $2.00-3.75 |
| Hanging by the sheet (4x8 or 4x12, labor only) | per sheet | $15-40 |
| Ceiling drywall installation (add-on) | per sq ft | $0.25-0.75 |
| Texture application (knockdown, orange peel, skip trowel) | per sq ft | $0.50-1.50 |
| Small patch or hole repair | per patch | $75-250 |
| Water damage section replacement and finish | per hour | $50-90 |
| Minimum service call | flat fee | $150-300 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Calculate wall and ceiling area, subtract large openings, and count sheets with 10 to 15 percent waste. Quote from your own count, not a rough guess from the client.
Scraping popcorn ceilings, skim coating, and old wall repair vary a lot depending on condition and possible asbestos in older homes. Quote them as options and state that testing may be required.
Presenting Level 4 as the standard and Level 5 as an upgrade lets clients choose, and it explains why your bid may be higher than one that quietly uses a lower finish.
Board and compound prices change, so state that the quote is valid for 14 to 30 days and that prices may adjust after that.
Most drywall installers quote for free on standard jobs. For large or complicated projects, or repairs requiring extensive moisture or damage assessment, some charge a fee and credit it toward the job if hired.
Measure carefully and quote a fixed price for the defined scope. If conditions are unknown, such as hidden water damage behind walls, add a clause allowing price changes once discovered and approved in writing.
Only if you actually do it. Most drywall quotes end at primer-ready. Say so clearly, so clients do not assume the walls will be fully finished and painted.
A deposit of 25 to 50 percent is common for larger jobs, often to cover materials. Many installers collect it when the quote is accepted and schedule start dates only after it is received.
Use the Drywall Installer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Drywall Installer invoice template