Any idea how much it will cost us to frame out a wall?

[grace0418]

We want to wall off part of our lower level. The wall would have to be 9'x8' with a notch in the top corner to allow for a duct and a 36" door opening. We don't want to do it ourselves because we want the drywall and taping to look really good, but would like to have an idea what someone might charge us for it so we know if the quotes are way off-base. Can you all help? I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

[Longhorn]

1. My husband says probably close to $1500.

This is assuming the wall is taped and floated, painted, and trimmed with a cased door opening. A door would add at least $200. He's also assuming you find a handyman or contractor who specializes in small jobs. My husband said he'd charge $2000 but he specializes in large, high-end remodels so he'd have to charge that much to make it worthwhile. Good luck! :hi:

[grace0418]

2. Thanks! We would actually do the painting and the doorway wouldn't need to be cased

because we're going to install a sliding door (we already have the door in mind). We would probably want baseboards to match the rest of the room though. So if it comes in between $1000-$1500, I shouldn't be too surprised?

Please thank your husband for me. This is a big help. :hi:

[Longhorn]

3. You're very welcome!

That sounds like the ballpark but we're in Austin and don't know how prices compare in Chicago. Let us know when you get the estimates. It's best if you can ask around and get referrals from friends who are happy with the work they had done. Good luck! :hi:

[Ghost in the Machine]

4. If I lived closer, I'd do it for $200 labor plus materials cost...

This is a simple job you should consider doing yourself, though. I wouldn't even worry about taping the joints on the drywall, just skim them with joint compound. This is a 2 day job at most, and thats because you want to let the joint compound cure overnight before you sand & finish it

Materials: (assuming the wall is 8 foot tall & 9 foot long & that you have basic materials: hammer, saw, tape measure, tri-square)

12 - 2"x4"x8' - less than $3 each (1 should be treated if you have a concrete floor)
4 - 4'x 8'x 1/2" sheets drywall - check local prices - about $10 each
2lbs - 16p nails - $10
2lbs - drywall screws - $8 - $10
1lb - Cut Nails (if you have a concrete floor)
1gal - joint compound $10
1 - putty knife - $3
1 - razor knife - $3
1 - 4' T-Square - (for straight cuts on drywall) $20(?)
2 - 8' baseboards

With your paint & door, you're still looking at less than $500 in materials...

I worked construction for over 20 years... I know a little bit about this kind of stuff...

:hi:

[grace0418]

5. Thanks! That helps. I'm willing to do a lot of things myself but this one is

not something I want to mess with in our little place. When we have a house with a driveway or garage or basement where we can work and make a mess, maybe. Man, I wish you lived closer, you definitely sound like you know what you're doing. :hi:

And thanks for that comprehensive list. It should help me keep an eye on whoever we hire. We've had a couple guys who were less than honest about stuff because they thought we didn't know what we were doing or weren't paying attention.