Drywall jobs can go smooth, or they can go sideways fast. One minute you’re fixing up your space — next thing, you’ve got uneven seams, dust everywhere, and a contractor that won’t pick up the phone. We’ve all heard the stories. Some of us have lived them.
Have you ever paid for a “quick fix” that turned into weeks of stress?
Does that seam on your living room wall still catch the light the wrong way?
Here’s what you should actually know before hiring a drywall contractor in DC — especially if you want it done right the first time.
Table of Contents
- Not All Contractors Are Drywallers
- Ask About Dust Control and Cleanup
- Know the Right Drywall for the Right Room
- Understand Pricing in DC
- Confirm They Serve Your Exact Neighborhood
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
1. Not All Contractors Are Drywallers
There’s drywall… and then there’s drywall that holds up, blends in, and disappears behind fresh paint like it was always part of the room. Not everyone gets that right.
One time I walked into a home in Brookland — the paint was decent, but the drywall underneath? You could see every seam at sunset. That’s not just bad craftsmanship. That’s someone who wasn’t a drywaller.
Ask yourself:
Did they show up with references — or just a price?
Do they specialize in drywall or treat it like a side hustle?
2. Ask About Dust Control and Cleanup
Drywall sanding isn’t just messy — it gets in your vents, your laptop keyboard, your coffee mug two rooms away. A real drywall crew knows this. They seal doors with plastic, use HEPA vacs, and clean up every night like they’re living there.
If they don’t mention cleanup? That’s your sign to pause.
When I had a room done last winter, I walked in and thought someone had thrown baby powder on the floor. They never taped anything off. I still find dust in the closet.
Do they treat your home like a job site or like someone’s home?
Have they told you what cleanup even looks like?
3. Know the Right Drywall for the Right Room
Drywall isn’t one-type-fits-all. Bathrooms need mold resistance. Garages need fire ratings. Basement walls need to breathe — or you’ll be calling someone for mildew next summer.
If your contractor doesn’t ask what the room is used for, they’re not thinking long-term. They’re just thinking “done.”
Have they recommended materials or just listed prices?
Did they talk about moisture, sound, or fire — or skip all that?
4. Understand Pricing in DC
In DC, you’re looking at $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on finish and complexity. That’s not random. That’s standard. What matters is the breakdown.
If you’ve ever had someone give you a number and shrug when you ask why — yeah, that’s not a pro. Ask for details: labor, materials, taping level (yes, that’s a thing), and cleanup.
Did they explain where your money is going?
Did it feel like a deal — or a shortcut?
5. Confirm Drywall Contractors Serve Your Exact Neighborhood
People love to say “we serve all of DC.” But when they hear you’re in Anacostia or Fort Totten, their energy changes. Suddenly, they’re booked up or “can’t get parking.”
If they’ve really worked citywide, they’ll say where. They’ll have stories. They’ll name streets. If they dodge the question, that’s your answer.
Have they done jobs near you, or just said ‘the DMV’? Lol
Did you feel reassured — or brushed off?
Final Thoughts
Drywall is what makes a room feel finished — and bad drywall is what makes it feel off. Don’t rush this. Ask real questions. Trust your gut. Look past the quote.
Have you ever trusted the wrong contractor?
What would you ask differently next time?
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