Ask the Drywall Contractor for an Estimate

Schedule a time with your potential drywall contractor to evaluate the scope of work involved and provide a written estimate. The contractor should be willing to travel to see the project at no cost to you. They should also be able to follow up with a written estimate showing the full scope of work involved.

Inquire About Skill Level and Experience

In addition to the amount of time worked in the drywall trade, your potential contractor should have extensive experience in most or all of the following areas of drywall expertise:

• Framing
• Drywall Hanging
• Drywall Taping
• Sanding
• Dust Removal
• Water Damage Repair
• Interior Trim Installations

Ask your potential drywall contractor about each of these areas of service. This information will help to give you a good idea of their range of experience in the trade. If they have worked in the drywall business long enough, they will likely have worked in each of the scopes outlined above.

Ask For References

Most drywall contractors with ample years of experience will be able to provide the names and contact information of customers they have worked with in the past who can furnish good references and vouch for their workmanship, timeliness, cleanliness, and ability to deliver finished projects within the established timeline.

Contacting at least two previous customers should help to give a better sense of the contractor’s abilities and workmanship. Ask detailed questions about the project(s) the drywall contractor worked on. Each customer should be willing to share their work experience with the contractor. If you have difficulty connecting with a particular contact on the list, move on to the next one on your list of potentials.

Read the Reviews

Online reviews left on reliable third-party platforms (like Google) can provide a good glimpse into the craftsmanship, reliability, value, and quality of work you can expect. Reviews can also give you a good idea of the grade of customer service you can expect from the drywall contractor.

Request Licensing and Insurance Credentials

Your potential drywall contractor should be able to provide documentation showing their valid, current license to do work in the state in which they are operating their business. They should also be able to provide their work insurance information. Be sure to ask for this documentation. Once provided, keep it in a safe place for future reference. With a good drywall contractor, you will likely not need to use it. However, having documentation does provide added assurance.

Ask for a Written Contract

Once you have followed all the actions above and are ready to hire, request a contract outlining the full scope of work to be provided and the agreed-upon cost. A written contract will help provide peace of mind during the project.

Remember that the contract must be signed by both parties (you and your drywall contractor) to be valid. A copy showing the signatures of both parties should be provided to you before project start.

Let the Work Begin

Once you have selected a qualified contractor, you are ready to hand the project over to the drywall professional, with the assurance that you have done your due diligence and properly vetted your hire.