Finishing

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Drywall finishing is rated from level 0 to level 5. What follows are the finishing ratings and their typical costs.

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• Level 0. A level 0 finish job means the drywall is screwed into the studs: No mudding or taping has been done. This service costs between $0.30 and $0.80 per square foot.

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• Level 1. Level 1 includes mudding and taping the seams and costs between $0.70 and $1.50 per square foot for labor. Level 1 is not a complete finish and is common for attics and basements.

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• Level 2. Level 2 adds a skim coat of joint compound. This finish is not usually suitable for a living space, but it’s more complete than a level 1 finish. Level 2 finishing costs $0.80 to $1.75 per square foot.

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• Level 3. Level 3 adds a complete coat of joint compound and sanding. This finish costs $0.90 to $2.50 per square foot.

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• Level 4. Level 4 results in the drywall that is smoothed, sanded, and primed, but it may have surface imperfections. This finish is a good base for tiling or wallpaper but is also suitable simply for painting. Level 4 finishing costs between $1 and $3 per square foot.

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• Level 5. A level 5 drywall finish includes a full, smooth coat of joint compound over the entire wall along with primer that has been sanded. The drywall is ready for even glossy paint, as there are almost no imperfections. Level 5 finishing costs $1.15 to $3.50 per square foot.​​