Water-Damaged Drywall Replacement

A quote for water-damaged drywall should say which board comes out, how the cavity is dried before it is closed up, what replaces it, and the taping and finishing included. Find and stop the leak first: plumbing and roofing are other trades.

The City of Ottawa's 2026 Building Code Services FAQ on flood repairs says a building permit is not required for "Removal of drywall or other interior finish to permit drying of insulation." The same FAQ says a permit is required for "Removal and replacement of damaged insulation where the newly installed material is not like the original (ex: batt insulation to spray foam)" and for removing or replacing structural framing.

Whether putting back the same board needs a permit is not stated on the City's lists, so ask the City. Wet insulation behind the board is an insulation contractor's job (ottawainsulationcontractors.ca).

Health Canada says asbestos was used in some building materials before 1990, including drywall and spackling, and advises a professional test before renovating or remodelling. In a house built before 1990, test before anyone cuts or sands; a positive result is abatement work (ottawaabatement.com).

We found no published price range where two independent sources agree on the same unit, so no range is shown here.