Wed, Sep 10, 2025
Read in 8 minutes
Discover why hiring professional drywall contractors ensures better finishes, durability, and ROI. Learn costs, tips, and mistakes to avoid in 2025.
Drywall is everywhere, covering the walls and ceilings in almost every home, office, and retail space. On the surface, drywall installation might look like a straightforward job: screw in the boards, apply some tape and mud, sand it down, and you’re done.
But in reality, achieving smooth, seamless walls that stand the test of time is much harder than it seems. Small mistakes lead to visible seams, uneven surfaces, and even cracks that can ruin the look of a room. That’s where professional drywall installation makes all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll explore what drywalling actually involves, the benefits of hiring a drywall professional, common mistakes to avoid, and the average drywall installation costs in 2025. By the end, you’ll see why investing in quality workmanship pays off for years to come.
Drywalling isn’t just about attaching sheets of gypsum board to a wall. It’s a multi-stage process that requires planning, precision, and patience:
In short, drywalling is part art, part science. The eye can spot even the smallest bump or seam once a wall is painted, so finishing quality matters.
Hiring a professional for drywall work might feel like an extra cost, but in reality, it saves time, money, and stress in the long run. Here’s a deeper look at why it makes such a difference:
Professional drywallers understand the art of blending seams until they’re invisible. They know how many coats of joint compound are needed, how wide to feather each coat, and how to sand without leaving scratches. This level of drywall finishing quality is very hard for DIYers to achieve. A smooth finish not only makes your walls look great but also helps paint adhere evenly.
What might take a homeowner two weeks of nights and weekends can be done by a pro crew in just a few days. They work as a team, with one person hanging boards, another taping, and another sanding. Because they have the right tools, drywall lifts, taping tools, dustless sanders, they can work faster and cleaner. This efficiency reduces disruption in your home and gets you to the painting stage much quicker.
When drywall is poorly installed, issues like cracks, nail pops, and peeling tape appear within months. Professionals use correct fastening patterns, staggered seams, and proper mudding techniques to prevent these common problems. In other words, their work lasts longer, saving you repair costs.
Drywall isn’t one-size-fits-all. Professionals know when to use:
Drywalling can be physically demanding and hazardous. Professionals work with ladders, stilts, and heavy sheets of board daily. They also manage dust using specialized vacuums and sanding systems. By hiring pros, you reduce the risks of injury or long-term health issues caused by drywall dust.
When you sell your home, buyers notice the walls and ceilings immediately. Clean, smooth surfaces signal quality construction, while uneven walls or visible seams raise red flags. Professional drywall installation makes your home more appealing and can speed up the selling process.
While you may save on labor by doing it yourself, most DIY drywall jobs need fixing later. Professionals get it right the first time, which avoids double spending. In fact, real estate agents often say poorly finished drywall can decrease offers because it makes the whole home look “unfinished.”
Many homeowners try drywalling as a DIY project, only to find themselves frustrated when the results don’t look professional. Here’s a closer look at the most common mistakes and why they cause problems:
It’s easy to get carried away with sanding. Sand too much, and you create depressions that show through paint as shiny spots. Professionals sand just enough, using fine-grit sandpaper and even pressure, often with dust-free tools.
Drywall screws should sit just below the surface without tearing the paper. Beginners often drive screws too deep, breaking the paper face and weakening the hold. This leads to nail pops, where the fastener bulges out later. Pros use depth-setting screw guns to avoid this.
If all the joints line up vertically, you create a weak point that almost guarantees cracking. Professionals stagger seams so no four corners meet at the same spot, spreading stress across the wall.
Applying joint tape and compound is harder than it looks. Too little mud leaves bubbles under the tape. Too much mud creates ridges that need excessive sanding. Pros know how to apply thin, even layers and let each coat dry before adding the next.
New drywall is very porous. If you paint directly on it, the surface absorbs paint unevenly, leaving a blotchy finish. Professionals always apply primer, which seals the surface and ensures smooth, uniform color when painting.
Using regular drywall in high-moisture areas like bathrooms or basements is a recipe for mold and water damage. Green board, blue board, or cement board should be used instead. Pros understand these material differences.
Many homeowners try to finish drywall in one or two days. But mud needs time to dry between coats. Rushing leads to peeling tape, visible seams, and a rough texture. Professionals follow proper timelines, building up thin coats for a stronger, smoother finish.
Drywall sanding creates fine dust that spreads everywhere, coating furniture and entering HVAC systems. Pros set up plastic barriers, use vacuums, and clean as they go, protecting both your home and your health.
Drywalling costs vary depending on the size of the project, level of finish, and region. Here’s a breakdown of drywall installation costs in 2025:
Pro Tip: Labor is the biggest factor. Making up about 70% of the cost. Materials (drywall sheets, joint compound, corner beads) are relatively affordable. This means paying for skilled labor is really paying for the expertise that ensures long-lasting results.
If you’re based in the Vancouver area and thinking about drywalling as part of a larger renovation or new build, there are local companies that bring a professional touch. One example is Atwal Construction, a firm that manages everything from new homes and multi-family builds to basement finishing and tenant improvements. With in-house drywall trades, carpenters, and painters, they understand how quality drywall installation ties into the bigger picture of building a home that feels polished and durable.
It’s a reminder that drywalling isn’t just a step in construction, it’s part of the craftsmanship that shapes how your home looks and feels for years to come.
What’s the difference between Level 4 and Level 5 finishes?
How long does professional drywall installation take?
A pro crew can finish drywall for an entire house in 3–5 days. DIY projects often stretch into weeks.
Can I drywall over old plaster?
Yes, but professionals usually furr out walls or install directly over plaster to ensure evenness.
Do I need moisture-resistant drywall everywhere?
No, only in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Regular rooms are fine with standard drywall.
Is DIY drywall cheaper?
Only upfront. Mistakes usually mean hiring pros later to redo the work, which doubles the cost.
