Should a drywall quote in Riverside South say whether primer and paint are in?

Yes. A drywall quote should say in writing whether primer and paint are included, and if they are not, that the job ends at sanded board. Without that line, two quotes for the same room can carry the same total and cover different work.

What the quote should spell out

Start with the finish level. The Gypsum Association's GA-214 guide describes six levels as an industry recommendation, not a Building Code rule. The guide lists Level 4 for flat paints and light textures and Level 5, which adds a thin skim coat over the whole surface, for gloss or sheen paints, dark paints and critical lighting. A quote that names the level tells you how many coats of compound go on the joints and fasteners and whether a skim coat is in the price. A quote that says only "tape and finish" leaves that open.

Beyond the level, ask the quote to state:

• whether primer is included
• whether paint is included, and if so how many coats
• whether sanding between coats and a final sand are included
• whether texture matching is needed anywhere, and whether it is priced in

Published Toronto and Ontario contractor prices for hanging, taping and finishing new board run about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot of board. That range does not say whether primer and paint sit inside it, and we found too few published figures to give a separate range for them, so the written quote is where that number appears for your job. Choosing a paint colour or sheen is a painting question, covered by ottawapaintcontractors.com.

Get the warranty terms in writing as well: what is covered, for how long, and whether they transfer to a buyer.

When two quotes are on the table, ask each contractor which finish level they priced and whether primer and paint are in or out, so you are comparing the same scope.