Drywalling your garage improves insulation, fire resistance, and aesthetics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of costs, factors, and ways to save.
Average Costs
- Cost per Sq. Ft. (Materials + Labor): $1.50–$3.50
- One-Car Garage: $360–$1,350
- Two-Car Garage: $540–$1,700
- Three-Car Garage: $1,050–$3,000
Cost Breakdown
1. Materials
- Drywall Panels: $10–$65 per 4x8 ft. panel
- Standard drywall: $10–$25/panel
- Fire-resistant or water-resistant drywall: $20–$65/panel
- Thickness:
- Standard (1/2 inch): ~$10–$25/panel
- Fire-resistant (5/8 inch): +$5–$10/panel
2. Labor
- Professional Installation: $1.20–$3 per sq. ft.
- Accounts for 15%–25% of total project cost.
3. Finishing
- DIY Materials:
- Joint compound: $10–$25 per bucket (covers 450 sq. ft.)
- Drywall tape: ~$5 per roll.
- Professional Finishing: $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft.
4. Texturing (Optional)
- Cost: $0.50–$2 per sq. ft.
- Spray texture: $0.50–$1 per sq. ft.
- Hand-applied texture: $1.50–$2 per sq. ft.
Additional Factors
Existing Garage Features
- Higher walls, odd shapes, windows, or multiple doors increase cutting and material costs.
Drywall Removal (if replacing)
- Cost: $0.30–$0.45 per sq. ft.
- Two-Car Garage: $100–$225
Location
- Costs vary by city:
- Los Angeles, CA: ~$2,200
- Austin, TX: ~$1,600
Repairs
- Average drywall repair costs: $300–$900
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
| DIY Costs | Pro Costs |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| $0.30–$2/sq. ft. for materials | $1.20–$3/sq. ft. for materials + labor |
| $75–$1,720 total (materials only) | $1,125–$3,000+ total for a pro-installed garage |
DIY Tips:
- Installing drywall is an intermediate-level project.
- Save 15%–25% by finishing drywall yourself.
Ways to Save Money
- DIY Installation: Save on labor by installing panels yourself.
- Skip Texture: If aesthetics are less important, leave the drywall untextured.
- Choose a Lighter Texture: Opt for spray textures over hand-applied ones.
- Use Thinner Drywall: Thinner sheets are cheaper but may sacrifice fire resistance.
- Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple contractors for the best deal.
Drywalling a garage is a cost-effective way to enhance its functionality and appearance. With careful planning and smart choices, you can tailor the project to your budget!
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