Square & Level / Guides / Bidding a drywall job
How to bid a drywall job, step by step
Winning drywall work comes down to two things: counting the job correctly and pricing it so you still make money. Here is the process most drywall contractors follow, from the plans to the number you send.
1. Read the scope before you count
Start with the specs and the general notes. Find out which partition types, ceiling types and finish levels are in your scope, and what belongs to other trades. Insulation, ACT ceilings, door frames and fire caulking are often split between trades, so confirm before you price them.
2. Learn the partition schedule
The partition schedule (or wall type legend) tells you each wall's stud size and gauge, spacing, layers of board, board type and height. Every wall on the floor plan is tagged with one of these types. Your takeoff is organized by these types.
3. Measure walls by type and height
- Measure each wall type in linear feet, floor by floor.
- Note the height: to the ceiling, to the deck, or above the ceiling. Full-height walls use far more material.
- Count openings separately, but most estimators do not deduct small openings from board.
4. Measure ceilings and soffits
From the reflected ceiling plan, measure drywall ceilings, soffits and bulkheads in square feet. List ACT and grid separately if they are in your scope.
5. Convert to materials
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Wall LF × height | Wall SF per side, then sheets of board by type |
| Wall LF | Studs at the required spacing, plus top and bottom track |
| Board SF | Screws, tape, mud and corner bead |
| Ceiling SF | Board, framing or hangers, and finish |
Add a waste factor to each material line rather than to the total, so you can see it and adjust it.
6. Price labor by production
Labor is usually priced by production rate: square feet of board hung and finished per worker per day, adjusted for height, Level 5 finish and access. Lifts, scaffolding, cleanup and protection go on their own lines.
7. Add overhead, markup and exclusions
Add your overhead and profit, then write down what you assumed and what you excluded. A clear exclusions list protects your number when the GC compares bids.
Save the counting time
Steps 2 through 5 are where most of the hours go. Our drywall and framing takeoffs give you partitions by type and height, board by the sheet, ceilings and finish levels, ready for your labor and markup. See a sample drywall estimate.
Need a takeoff this week? Send your plans and get a fixed quote in 2 hours. Single-trade takeoffs are $99, full estimates $249–$499, and monthly plans start at $299 for 4 takeoffs.
Send your plansSee pricingCommon questions
How do you measure drywall for a bid?
Measure walls in linear feet by wall type and height from the partition schedule, multiply by height for square feet per side, then convert to sheets. Measure ceilings and soffits in square feet from the reflected ceiling plan.
Do you deduct openings from drywall?
Many estimators do not deduct small openings like doors, because the cutoffs become waste. Large openings such as storefronts are usually deducted.
How is drywall labor priced?
Usually by production rate, the square feet hung and finished per worker per day, adjusted for wall height, finish level and access.