Patching and Plastering - Drywall finishing quote?

How do drywall contracters quote a job? Is it just by eyeballing the job? Or by square feet of drywall to finish? Or by linear feet of taped joint etc?

I have some guys coming to give me a quote, but have no idea whether the quote I'll be getting is fair.

I've removed a couple of walls and have roughed in the drywall where the walls were removed and boxed in new ceiling beam with drywall. Also removed some soffits above some kitchen cabinets.

I need finish work for:
50ft of inside corner (ceiling and beam)
50 ft of outside corner vertical
50 feet of flat ceiling joints
25 feet of flat wall joint joint
2 flat ceiling holes where light fixtures were removed

What's a rough estimate for finishing this much drywall?

Thanks

Large jobs are usually quoted by the board [each sheet of drywall] so much for hanging and x amount for finishing. Small jobs are estimated by looking at the job and figuring the time and materials needed.

Prices can vary greatly in different locales, so does the type of finish. Some areas the norm is to not do the best job and hide what they can with texture, other locales, the norm is slick finish with no texture. This can affect the hours needed and hourly rates will vary a lot in different regions.

Usually getting 3 estimates will give you a good idea of what the pricing should be. Once you decided on a contractor [or two] check their references before hiring!

Hi 3low, unfortunately I usually find finishers want the rock installed by pros, it makes their job easier. It also makes thier bid lower. Small jobs still usually require three visits with drying time in between. If you are doing it right now, they may be hungry. Wait another month and the price could double.

If you don't get a price you can live with, doing a very good job yourself only requires extra time, and some good advice from the board. Glad to help if you need.

As for your job, It will take him longer to set up and take down than to tape that much. Allow 2 hours per visit for 3 visits. The pros will tell me how crazy I am:). I bet the best estimate you get is $500 plus materials.

Bud

Hi 3low,
.......... I bet the best estimate you get is $500 plus materials.

Bud

I found a guy that likes small jobs to suppliment his fulltime drywalling job. He wants to work nights and weekends. He looked it over and said he'd do it for guess what? $500 including materials. Sounded like quite a bit to me, but I'm sure it'll be worth it to have a professional job. He came with good references so hired him on the spot.

Well, at least he included materials. Is he short and fat, my brother is out that way:).

Bud

Well worth the price. Finishing looks easy, but it's a bear.