Which finish level does GA-214 list for garage drywall in Barrhaven?

GA-214 lists Level 2 for garages. At that level, the tape is embedded in joint compound and wiped down, and there is one coat over the fasteners. The guide describes it as suitable for areas like garages and warehouse storage, or as a substrate for tile. It is an industry recommendation, not a Building Code or legal requirement.

For an attached garage, Ontario's Building Code (9.10.9.18) sets a different kind of rule: the wall and ceiling between the garage and the living space must form a continuous, sealed air barrier against gas and exhaust fumes, with all joints sealed and penetrations such as wiring, boxes and ducts sealed as well. We found no finish-level requirement in the Code for that wall. What matters is that the barrier is continuous and that any holes or gaps are patched and sealed. These are minimums for new work, and you should ask the City how they apply to your renovation.

A few things worth confirming with whoever does the work:

• Whether the quote covers taping and sealing all joints, not just finishing to a visual standard
• Whether penetrations for electrical boxes or any ductwork will be sealed as part of the job
• What board thickness is being used and whether it suits the framing spacing

Before the work starts, ask the contractor to show you exactly where they plan to seal the barrier and what they are using to do it.