2026 Guide

How to Hire a Drywaller in Ontario

Drywall work looks simple but the difference between amateur and professional finishing is immediately visible. A bad tape job shows through every coat of paint for the life of the wall. Here is how to hire a drywaller who delivers clean results.

325
Drywallers
0%
Licensed
22%
WSIB Registered

Hiring Checklist

Verify liability insurance
Protects you if the contractor damages plumbing or electrical behind the walls during installation.
Check WSIB registration
Drywall work involves lifting, scaffolding, and dust. WSIB protects you from injury liability.
Ask about their finish level capabilities
Not all drywallers can deliver Level 4 or Level 5 finishes. Ask to see photos of completed work at your desired level.
Get a written quote with finish level specified
The difference between Level 3 and Level 5 can double the cost. Make sure it is in writing.
Ask about dust control
Professional drywallers use dustless sanding systems. Without them, dust gets into everything.
Verify they understand building permits
Basement finishes require permits. Your drywaller should know whether permits are needed.
Compare Trust Index scores on FinderHub
See insurance verification, review ratings, and past customer sentiment before hiring.

Red Flags to Watch For

Cannot explain finish levels

If they do not know the difference between Level 3 and Level 5, they are not a professional drywaller.

No photos of completed work

Drywall finishing is visual work. Any professional should have photos showing their quality.

Quotes without seeing the space

Accurate drywall quotes require measuring the space, checking ceiling height, and assessing access.

No dust control plan

Drywall dust is pervasive. If they do not mention dust containment, your entire home will be covered.

Wants to skip primer

Unprimed drywall shows every joint through paint. This is a sign of rushing.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

\u201cWhat finish level do you recommend for my project?\u201d

Good answer: They should explain the levels and recommend based on your paint choice and lighting conditions.

\u201cDo you use dustless sanding?\u201d

Good answer: Yes. Modern professional drywallers use vacuum-attached sanders to minimize dust.

\u201cHow many coats of mud do you apply?\u201d

Good answer: Minimum 3 coats for Level 4. Level 5 adds a full skim coat. Fewer coats means shortcuts.

\u201cWhat type of drywall will you use?\u201d

Good answer: They should specify regular, moisture-resistant, or fire-rated board based on the location.

\u201cDo you handle insulation and vapour barrier?\u201d

Good answer: Many drywallers offer this as part of basement finishing packages. If not, ensure coordination with another trade.

Licensing: No specific Ontario drywall licence required

Drywall is not a licensed trade in Ontario. This means quality varies significantly between contractors. Focus on verifying insurance, reviewing photos of past work, and checking multi-platform ratings on FinderHub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do drywallers need a licence in Ontario?

No. Drywall is not a compulsory or restricted trade. This makes checking insurance, references, and past work quality especially important.

What finish level do I need?

Level 3 for textured walls, Level 4 for standard painted walls, Level 5 for glossy paint or walls with strong raking light.

How long does drywall take?

A standard room takes 3–5 days including hanging, 2–3 coats of mud with drying time between each, and sanding.

Should I prime new drywall before painting?

Absolutely. PVA drywall primer seals the paper and mud to ensure even paint absorption. Skipping primer always shows.

Hiring a Drywaller by City

Get city-specific hiring advice:

TorontoOttawaMississaugaBramptonHamiltonLondonMarkhamVaughanKitchenerWindsorBarrieOakvilleBurlingtonOshawaGuelphCambridgeWhitbyRichmond HillAjaxMilton
Drywaller costs in Ontario →

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