Two drywall quotes in Manotick differ a lot, what should I compare?

When two quotes for the same room differ a lot, check first whether they describe the same work. Line them up item by item before you decide which is lower.

What to line up side by side

Start with the board: does each quote name the board thickness, and does it cover supply or labour only? A quote for hanging, taping and finishing covers different work from one for taping alone.

Then the finish level. The Gypsum Association's GA-214 guide describes six levels as an industry recommendation, not a Building Code rule. It lists Level 4 for flat paint and light textures, and Level 5, a thin skim coat over the entire surface, for gloss or dark paint and critical lighting. Ask each quote to name the finish level by number and the coats on flat joints, interior angles and fasteners.

Next, what each quote includes beyond the board and the finish:

• removal and disposal of old board, if any is coming down
• corner bead and trim accessories
• sanding between coats
• primer, in or out
• texture matching, where a surface has to blend with an existing one
• protection of floors and cleanup

Ask about the schedule too: how many visits the coats need, and who books the work around drying time.

On hiring, ask for their insurance details in writing, and whether they have WSIB coverage or are exempt. We do not check the contractors listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory, so these checks are yours.

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, read October 1, 2026; these are not Ottawa prices. If one quote sits well outside that range, ask the contractor to walk you through what is and is not included.

Before work starts, have a written contract that names the full scope, the finish level, the price and the start and completion dates.