Does a smooth Level 5 finish raise a drywall quote in Westboro?

A Level 5 finish does cost more than lower finish levels, and published Ontario contractor prices for hanging, taping and finishing new board run about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot of board area. Published price pages agree only that a Level 5 skim costs more than a standard finish; we found no separate range for the skim itself.

The Gypsum Association's GA-214 guide describes Level 5 as Level 4 work, which itself calls for two extra coats on flat joints, one on interior angles, and three coats on fasteners and accessories, plus a thin skim coat applied over the entire surface afterward. That skim coat is what separates Level 5 from everything below it. The guide lists Level 5 for gloss or sheen paints and dark paints, and for conditions the guide calls critical lighting. It is an industry recommendation, not a Building Code requirement.

A few things affect how much the finish level moves the price on any given job: the total board area, ceiling height, whether texture matching is involved anywhere in the room, and whether primer and paint are included in the quote or priced separately. The guide notes that Level 4 is not recommended for non-flat or dark paints, and refers to Level 5, so choose the paint before you choose the finish level.

When you compare quotes, ask each one to state the finish level by number, the number of coats on joints and fasteners, whether the skim coat covers the full surface or only problem areas, and whether primer is included.

The one thing to have in writing before work starts is the finish level number, the scope of the skim coat, and whether primer is part of the price, all confirmed in the written agreement.