Drywall Installation in Washington, DC — Costs $2,567 to $20,539

What does drywall installation cost in Washington? Average $7,702, ranging $2,567–$20,539. Labor runs $56.18/hr locally — 71% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Washington, DC Market

+71% vs national

Labor Rate

$56.18/hr

Material Index

147

Avg Permit Cost

$2,983

Median Home Price

$630,092

As one of the largest metros in District of Columbia, Washington has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 71% above the national average, Washington is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $630,092, this drywall installation represents just 1.2% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$2,567

National: $1,500

Mid-Range

$7,702

National: $4,500

High End

$20,539

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$5

National: $3

Duration: 2-5 days
DIY: Medium
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 50%

Drywall Installation Cost Calculator for Washington

Adjusted for Washington's labor rate ($56.18/hr) and material costs (index 147).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Washington

$7,702

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Washington market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (60%)$4,621

At Washington's average rate of $56.18/hr (87% above national avg)

Materials (40%)$3,081

Material cost index 147 (47% above national baseline of 100)

Drywall Installation vs. Home Value in Washington

MetricWashingtonNational Avg
Drywall Installation (Mid-Range)$7,702$4,500
Median Home Price$630,092$350,000
Project as % of Home Value1.2%1.3%
Estimated ROI50%50%
Median Household Income$103,074$75,000

What Affects the Price in Washington

  • 1Local labor rates ($56.18/hr in Washington)
  • 2Material cost index (147 vs national 100)
  • 3Square footage
  • 4Ceiling vs wall
  • 5Drywall thickness
  • 6Tape and finish quality

Popular Upgrades

  • 5/8" fire-rated drywall
  • Moisture-resistant for bathrooms
  • Soundproofing drywall

Planning a Drywall Installation in Washington

A drywall installation typically doesn't require a permit in Washington, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 2-5 days to complete.

A drywall installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Washington, skilled contractors charge an average of $56.18/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $103,074, many Washington residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $7,702 represents 7% of the typical household's annual income.

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