Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about drywall and remodeling in Northern Utah — from a family-owned crew with 70+ years of combined experience.
Drywall Services
More detail on our drywall services page.
How much does drywall installation cost in Salt Lake City?
It depends on the square footage of board, ceiling height, finish level (Level 4 vs. Level 5), texture, and access. Hanging, taping, and texturing are all included in our price, and we break each item out on a written, line-item estimate. Call (801) 791-9053 or use the contact form for a free written estimate.
What is the difference between a Level 4 and Level 5 drywall finish?
A Level 4 finish includes taped joints, three coats of compound over seams and screws, and texture — the standard for most homes. A Level 5 finish adds a full skim coat across the whole surface for a glass-smooth wall, ideal for gloss paint, smooth modern designs, and walls hit by raking light.
How long does it take to drywall a room?
A typical single room takes about 3–5 days from hanging to a paint-ready finish. Hanging is usually one day, then each of the three compound coats needs time to dry before sanding, followed by texture. Drying time depends on Utah's humidity and the season.
Do you match existing drywall texture?
Yes. Texture matching is one of our specialties. We hand-match orange peel, knockdown, skip-trowel, Santa Fe, and hand-troweled textures so new drywall blends seamlessly into your existing walls and ceilings.
Do you handle both new construction and remodels?
Absolutely. We hang and finish drywall for new construction, additions, basement finishes, and remodels throughout Salt Lake City and Northern Utah, and we coordinate around other trades to keep your project on schedule.
Repairs & Patching
More detail on our repairs & patching page.
How much does drywall repair cost in Salt Lake City?
It depends on the size of the damage, the texture to match, and whether painting is included. Simple hole patches are the smallest jobs; water-damage cutouts with re-taping and texture matching take more work. Bundling several repairs into one visit keeps the cost down. Call (801) 791-9053 or use the contact form for a free written estimate.
Can you fix water-damaged drywall?
Yes. Once the leak is fixed and the area is dry, we cut out the damaged board, replace it, re-tape, and hand-match the texture so the ceiling or wall looks like new. We can also coordinate the timing so repairs happen after the moisture source is resolved.
How fast can you repair my drywall?
It depends on the size of the repair. Many small patches are completed in a single visit, while larger cutouts may need a return trip for drying time between compound coats.
Will the repair be noticeable after painting?
No — that's the whole point. We hand-match the surrounding texture and prime the patch so paint absorbs evenly. On walls where lighting could reveal a sheen difference, we recommend painting corner-to-corner so the repair disappears entirely.
Do you repair cracks that keep coming back?
Yes. Recurring cracks usually mean the original joint wasn't properly taped or the home is still settling. We re-tape the joint with mesh or paper tape and multiple compound coats so the repair holds instead of reopening.
Finish Carpentry
More detail on our finish carpentry page.
What does finish carpentry include?
Finish carpentry covers the visible woodwork in a home: crown molding, baseboards, door and window casings, wainscoting, chair rails, coffered ceilings, built-in shelving, mantels, and custom millwork. It's the detail work that gives a room a polished, custom look.
How much does crown molding cost to install in Salt Lake City?
Crown molding is typically priced per linear foot installed, with the total depending on ceiling height, profile complexity, and the number of corners. A single room is an affordable upgrade, while whole-home crown is quoted as a package. We provide free, itemized estimates.
Can you match the existing trim in my older home?
Yes. We routinely match trim profiles in older Salt Lake City homes, sourcing or milling stock to blend new work with original baseboards and casings so additions and repairs look seamless.
Do you build custom built-ins and accent walls?
Absolutely. We build custom shelving, entertainment built-ins, window seats, board-and-batten and wainscoting accent walls, and other millwork designed to fit your space and style.
Will the trim hold up in Utah's dry climate?
Yes. We select stable materials, acclimate wood before installation, and cope and fasten joints properly so trim stays tight despite Utah's low humidity, which can cause poorly installed wood to shrink and open at the seams.
Custom Entertainment Centers
More detail on our custom entertainment centers page.
How much does a custom entertainment center cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the unit, materials, and details like integrated lighting, glass doors, and trim integration. A simple media cabinet is an affordable upgrade, while a full floor-to-ceiling wall unit is a larger investment. We provide free design consultations and written estimates.
Can you build around my fireplace or an awkward wall?
Yes. We design built-ins around fireplaces, alcoves, sloped basement ceilings, and wide great-room walls, scribing to the space so the finished unit fits perfectly instead of leaving gaps.
Will my cables and electronics be hidden?
Yes. We build in concealed cable channels and ventilated compartments sized for your receiver, console, and sound bar, so wires stay out of sight and your electronics get the airflow they need.
What materials do you use?
We build with quality plywood and hardwood components rather than flimsy particle board, finished to match your home — painted shaker, stained wood, or modern slab doors — with soft-close hardware and optional LED lighting.
Can the built-in match my existing trim?
Absolutely. We can tie the unit into surrounding finish carpentry, matching your baseboard, crown, and casing so it reads as part of the architecture rather than a separate piece of furniture.
Remodels
More detail on our remodels page.
Do you handle the whole remodel or just part of it?
We manage the entire project as your single point of contact — demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, paint, and finish carpentry — coordinating every trade so you don't have to juggle separate contractors.
Do you pull permits for remodels?
Yes. For work that touches structure, wiring, or plumbing, we handle the required permits and inspections so the remodel meets code, passes inspection, and protects your home's value at resale.
How much does a remodel cost in Salt Lake City?
It depends heavily on scope and finishes — a bathroom refresh, a basement finish, and a full kitchen renovation are very different budgets. Cabinetry, tile, and whether walls are moved drive the cost more than square footage. We provide free, itemized written estimates.
Can you open up walls for an open-concept layout?
Yes. We open up walls between kitchens and living areas, installing properly engineered beams to carry the load when a wall is structural, so you get the open layout safely and to code.
How long does a typical remodel take?
Timelines vary with scope — a bathroom may take a couple of weeks while a basement finish or kitchen can run several weeks. We give you a realistic schedule up front and coordinate trades to keep the project on track.
Soundproofing
More detail on our soundproofing page.
Does soundproofing completely block all noise?
Soundproofing dramatically reduces noise transmission but rarely makes a room 100% silent. By combining added mass, decoupling, insulation, and air-sealing, we achieve a large, noticeable drop in the sound passing between rooms — enough for theaters, bedrooms, and offices to feel genuinely quiet.
What rooms benefit most from soundproofing?
Home theaters and media rooms, master bedrooms and nurseries, home offices, basement shared walls, music rooms, and bonus rooms over garages all benefit most. We assess where sound is actually traveling and treat those paths.
How much does soundproofing cost?
Cost depends on room size and how aggressive the treatment is. A basic upgrade with acoustic batts and an extra drywall layer is a moderate add-on, while a fully decoupled assembly costs more. Building it into an existing remodel while walls are open is the most economical time.
Can you soundproof a room that's already finished?
Yes, though it's most cost-effective when walls are open. For finished rooms, we can add a mass layer and dampening compound over existing drywall, treat the ceiling, and seal gaps to reduce noise without a full tear-out.
Do you soundproof both walls and ceilings?
Yes. For rooms below a noisy floor — like basement theaters or bedrooms under a living area — ceiling treatment with resilient channel and insulation is often the most important part of the job.
Ceiling Repair & Acoustic Ceilings
More detail on our ceiling repair & acoustic ceilings page.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost in Salt Lake City?
Popcorn ceiling removal is priced by square footage and includes scraping, skim-coating or re-texturing, and cleanup. A single room is an affordable project, while a whole home is quoted by total area. We provide free written estimates and handle all the dust containment.
Can you fix a water-stained ceiling?
Yes. Once the leak is resolved and the area is dry, we cut out the stained, damaged section, replace the drywall, re-tape, and hand-match the texture so the repair blends into the surrounding ceiling.
Why is my ceiling sagging?
Sagging usually means the wrong drywall thickness was used for the joist spacing, or there's been moisture exposure. We reinforce or replace the affected board with the correct material so the ceiling is flat and stays that way.
Do you install suspended (T-bar) ceilings?
Yes. We install and repair suspended ceiling systems for basements, offices, and retail spaces — including grid re-leveling and replacing stained or sagging tiles.
Will removing popcorn make a mess in my house?
We contain it. We mask and protect the room, control dust throughout the scrape and sand process, and clean up debris so you're not left living in a construction zone.
Do you do acoustic ceiling removal near me in Northern Utah?
Yes. Drywall Techs removes acoustic and popcorn ceilings for homes and businesses across Salt Lake City, Ogden, Layton, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, and the rest of Northern Utah, using dust containment and asbestos-safe practices, then refinishes the ceiling smooth or reinstalls acoustic material.
Is acoustic ceiling installation available near me?
Yes. Along with removal, Drywall Techs installs acoustic and suspended ceilings and acoustic drywall for soundproofing in theaters, bedrooms, and offices throughout Salt Lake City, Ogden, Layton, and surrounding Northern Utah communities. Call (801) 791-9053 for a free quote.
Demolition & Removal
More detail on our demolition & removal page.
Do you contain the dust during demolition?
Yes. We seal off the work area with plastic, protect floors and adjoining rooms, and run dust containment so the rest of your home stays livable while we work.
Do you haul away the debris?
Yes. Complete debris removal is part of the job. We separate and dispose of materials responsibly — recycling where possible — and leave the space cleared and swept, ready for the next phase.
Can you remove a wall safely?
Yes. We identify load-bearing walls and active wiring, plumbing, and ductwork before removal, and never take out structure without proper support in place, so demolition is done safely and to code.
How much does demolition cost?
Demolition is priced by the scope of removal and the volume of debris hauled away. A single wall or room is a small job; gutting a basement or whole floor is priced by size and disposal. Bundling demo with the build phase keeps costs down. Estimates are free.
How soon can demolition start?
We schedule demolition to minimize disruption and can often start quickly once the project scope is set. We sequence it cleanly into the build so your remodel can begin right after the space is cleared.
Basement Finishes
More detail on our basement finishes page.
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Salt Lake City?
It depends on the square footage, the layout, and the finishes. A simple open rec room is the most straightforward finish, while a multi-room suite with a full bath involves more work. Bathrooms, wet bars, egress windows, and upgraded flooring all move the number. Call (801) 791-9053 or use the contact form for a free written estimate.
Do I need an egress window in a basement bedroom?
Yes. Code requires a compliant egress window in any basement bedroom for safe escape and natural light. We add or enlarge egress windows as part of the project, which is both a safety requirement and a resale must.
How do you handle moisture in a finished basement?
We use proper vapor barriers and appropriate insulation strategies to keep walls dry through Utah's freeze-thaw cycles, and we address any existing moisture issues before framing so the finished space stays healthy and dry.
Can you add a bathroom or kitchenette to my basement?
Yes. We regularly add bathrooms, wet bars, and kitchenettes, coordinating the plumbing and electrical as part of our full project management so it's done to code and integrated cleanly into the layout.
How long does it take to finish a basement?
Most basement finishes take several weeks depending on size, the number of rooms, and whether a bathroom or kitchenette is included. We give you a realistic schedule up front and coordinate every trade to keep the project on track.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
More detail on our popcorn ceiling removal page.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost in Salt Lake City?
It depends on the ceiling area and height. Every job includes scraping, skim-coating, and a smooth or knockdown refinish; a single room is a small project, and a whole home is quoted by total square footage. Vaulted and two-story ceilings cost more because of scaffolding, and older ceilings need an asbestos test first. Call (801) 791-9053 or use the contact form for a free written estimate.
Does my ceiling contain asbestos, and can you remove it?
Acoustic ceilings installed before roughly 1980 may contain asbestos, which is hazardous when disturbed and must be lab-tested before any work begins. We do not perform asbestos abatement — if a test is positive, a certified asbestos abatement contractor must remove the material first, after which we refinish the ceiling. We never scrape an older ceiling without testing.
Will removing my popcorn ceiling make a mess?
We contain it. We mask walls, cover floors and furniture, and seal the work area with dust containment throughout the scrape and sand process. We clean up debris and leave the room ready to paint — not a construction zone.
Should I choose a smooth or knockdown finish after removal?
A smooth (Level 5) finish is the most modern look but shows every flaw under bright light, so it costs a bit more. A light knockdown finish reads clean and current while hiding minor imperfections at slightly lower cost. We help you decide based on your home's style, lighting, and budget.
Can you repair water stains and cracks while removing the popcorn?
Yes. Old popcorn ceilings often hide water stains, cracks, or sagging drywall. We repair those in the same visit as part of our [ceiling repair service](/services/ceiling-repair), then finish the whole ceiling smooth or knockdown so it looks like new.
How long does popcorn ceiling removal take?
A single room is usually a one-to-two-day job including scraping, skim-coating, and finishing. A full home typically takes several days depending on size, ceiling height, and how much repair is needed. We give you a realistic schedule up front.
General Questions
Do I need moisture resistant drywall in a bathroom?
Yes, bathroom walls and ceilings should use moisture resistant drywall, often called green board, since standard drywall can swell, warp, or grow mold in a humid room. Spots with direct water exposure, like inside a tub or shower surround, call for cement board or a similar waterproof backer instead. We help Layton area homeowners sort out the right material for each part of the room.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost per square foot?
We don't price popcorn ceiling removal by the square foot because the real cost drivers are ceiling size, texture thickness, how many coats of paint are on it, and whether a patch and retexture job follows the scrape. Older Layton area homes sometimes have textures that need extra care before removal. A quote tailored to your ceiling is the only accurate way to get a number.
Orange peel vs knockdown texture: which is better for walls?
Neither texture is universally better, it comes down to look and upkeep. Orange peel gives a subtler, finer finish that hides minor wall imperfections, while knockdown has a flatter, more casual look and tends to be easier to patch and blend in later. We help Northern Utah homeowners choose based on their walls and style preferences.
Does soundproof drywall actually work?
Yes, soundproof drywall works well when installed correctly. Acoustic drywall is denser and often layered with resilient channels or sound dampening compound, which reduces noise transfer between rooms. It won't make a room perfectly silent, but it noticeably cuts sound. We install soundproofing drywall for Layton homes and businesses that want quieter bedrooms, offices, or media rooms.
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Davis County Utah?
Basement finish costs vary based on the size of the space, how much framing and drywall work is needed, the ceiling type, and the level of trim and paint you want. Larger basements or custom built-ins add to the scope, while simpler layouts keep costs lower. The best way to get an accurate number for your Davis County home is a quote from our Layton team.
Do carpenters put up drywall?
Yes, many carpenters install drywall, and at Drywall Techs LLC we handle both finish carpentry and drywall installation under one roof. Drywall hanging involves measuring, cutting, and fastening sheets, while finish carpentry covers trim like crown molding and baseboards after the walls are finished. Having one crew handle both keeps a remodel in Layton or across Northern Utah moving smoothly.
Get a free quote or call (801) 791-9053.