
How Long Does It Take To Drywall a House?
By: ROS Team
Drywalling a house is a crucial phase in construction. It determines the final finishes and look of the interior. People often wonder how long it takes to complete this step. Several factors affect the timeline, such as project size and worker skills.
In this article, we’ll delve into the aspects that impact the duration of drywall installation and finishing. This will help you understand what to expect during this important stage of home construction.
Factors Affecting Drywall Installation Time

1) Size and Complexity of the Project:
Larger projects with more extensive wall and ceiling surfaces will naturally take longer to drywall than smaller projects. Complex designs, vaulted ceilings, and intricate architectural details can also add to the installation time.
2) Skill and Efficiency of the Work Crew:
The experience and skill level of the work crew play a significant role in determining how quickly the drywall can be installed. A skilled and efficient crew is likely to work more quickly and produce higher-quality results.
3) Number of Workers on the Crew:
The size of the work crew can impact installation time. A larger crew may be able to cover more area in a shorter time frame. However, the coordination and efficiency of the crew are equally important factors.
4) Accessibility of the Work Area:
The accessibility of the work area can affect installation time. If the work crew encounters obstacles or challenges in reaching certain areas, it may slow down the process.
5) Material Handling and Delivery:
Timely delivery of drywall materials is crucial for maintaining a steady workflow. Delays in material delivery can result in downtime for the construction crew, affecting the overall installation timeline.
6) Climate and Environmental Conditions:
Weather conditions can impact the drying times of joint compound and paint, especially in outdoor construction projects. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, or rain can extend drying times, affecting the overall timeline.
Average Drywall Installation Timeframes
While the exact time it takes to drywall a house depends on several factors, it typically ranges from six days to four weeks. Here’s the breakdown of the cost:
- Small House (1,000 sq ft): 6-10 days
- Medium House (1,500-2,000 sq ft): 1-2 weeks
- Large House (2,500 sq ft or more): 2-4 weeks
How Much Is the Cost to Drywall a House?
Drywalling a house can have varying costs depending on different factors. These include the size of the house, the layout’s complexity, the type of drywall used, the finish desired, and the labor rates in your area. As a general rule, the cost for drywall installation, including materials and labor, ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
New Construction Timeline After Drywall
The new construction timeline after drywall installation typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the project. This period encompasses several crucial phases that transform the interior of the home into a habitable space.

Electrical and Plumbing Rough-Ins:
After drywall installation, the electrical and plumbing rough-ins are typically performed. This involves running wiring and plumbing lines through the walls and ceilings before they are covered with insulation and drywall.
Timeline: This phase can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the electrical and plumbing systems.
Insulation Installation:
Following the completion of rough-ins, insulation is installed in the walls and ceilings. Insulation is crucial for energy efficiency and climate control within the house.
Timeline: Insulation installation can usually be completed within a week, depending on the size of the house.
Drywall Finishing:
After the rough-ins and insulation are in place, any necessary touch-ups or repairs to the drywall are addressed. This may include additional mudding and sanding to achieve a flawless surface.
Timeline: The drywall finishing phase may take a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the required finishing work.
Interior Trim and Millwork:
Once the walls are prepared, interior trim, baseboards, and any decorative millwork are installed. This stage adds aesthetic elements to the interior of the house.
Timeline: Installing interior trim and millwork can take a week or more, depending on the complexity of the design.
Cabinetry and Built-Ins:
If the project includes custom cabinetry or built-in features, this is the stage at which they are installed. This step is critical for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with specialized storage solutions.
Timeline: The installation of cabinetry and built-ins can vary widely, ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.
Flooring Installation:
Once the major interior components are in place, flooring installation takes center stage. This includes laying down materials such as hardwood, tile, carpet, or laminate.
Timeline: Flooring installation can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of the house and the type of flooring selected.
Interior Painting:
After the installation of flooring and other interior components, the final interior painting is typically performed. This includes painting walls, ceilings, and any other surfaces as needed.
Timeline: Interior painting can take a week or more, depending on the size of the house and the intricacy of the painting work.
Final Inspections and Touch-Ups:
Once all construction work is completed, final inspections are conducted to ensure that the building meets safety and building code requirements. Any necessary touch-ups or corrections are made during this phase.
Timeline: The duration of final inspections and touch-ups depends on the efficiency of the construction team and the complexity of any required corrections.
Exterior Landscaping and Final Touches:
The final phase of new construction involves exterior landscaping and the completion of any remaining exterior details. This includes adding finishing touches to the exterior, such as landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks.
Timeline: Exterior landscaping and final touches can take several weeks, depending on the scope of the landscaping project and any additional exterior features.
Can You Finish Drywall in One Day?
In most cases, you can finish a simple drywall project in one day, especially if it’s a small room without many complications. However, larger projects or ones with intricate designs typically take longer.
This is because you need to let each coat of drywall mud dry before applying the next one, and achieving a precise finish requires careful attention. Additionally, unexpected problems can arise, further lengthening the process.
How Much Drywall Can One Person Hang Per Day?
The number of drywall sheets that a person can hang in a day depends on various factors like sheet size, layout complexity, hanger’s experience, and available tools. As a rough estimate, an experienced hanger can hang around 20 to 30 sheets of 4′ x 8′ drywall, covering approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet in a day.
How Long Does It Take To Drywall a House: Final Thoughts
The time it takes to drywall a house is influenced by various factors, including the size of the project, the skill of the workers, and environmental conditions. While a small project may take a few weeks, larger and more complex endeavors can extend the timeline.
Related Article: Exploring Modern Drywall Texture Types