Drywall bidding requires understanding of metal framing, gypsum board systems, and finish level requirements. This guide helps drywall contractors win profitable commercial projects.
Understanding Drywall Bid Documents
Architectural Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Floor plans
- Reflected ceiling plans
- Interior elevations
- Wall sections
- Partition schedules
Information to Extract
- Wall types and locations
- Ceiling types and heights
- Finish levels
- Fire ratings
- Acoustic requirements
Specifications
Division 09 Sections
- 09 22 00 - Supports for Plaster and Gypsum Board
- 09 29 00 - Gypsum Board
- 09 51 00 - Acoustical Ceilings
Critical Details
- Assembly types
- Fire ratings
- STC ratings
- Finish levels
- Manufacturer requirements
Drywall System Types
Wall Assemblies
Standard Types
- Single layer on metal studs
- Double layer for fire rating
- Shaft wall systems
- Sound isolation walls
- Area separation walls
Specifications
- Stud size and gauge
- Stud spacing
- Board thickness
- Number of layers
- Fire rating
Ceiling Systems
Types
- Direct-applied
- Suspended drywall
- Soffit framing
- Radius ceilings
- Multi-level
Considerations
- Height
- Access requirements
- Fire ratings
- Acoustic requirements
Specialty Applications
Types
- Moisture-resistant board
- Abuse-resistant board
- Impact-resistant board
- Lead-lined board
- Curved surfaces
Quantity Takeoff
Metal Framing
Components
- Studs (LF)
- Track (LF)
- Headers
- Bracing
- Hardware
Calculations
- Wall linear feet × wall height ÷ stud spacing
- Add waste factor (5-10%)
- Include blocking and bracing
Gypsum Board
Area Calculation
- Calculate gross wall area
- Calculate ceiling area
- Account for multiple layers
- Add waste factor (8-12%)
Don't Forget
- Reveals and returns
- Inside soffits
- Column wraps
- Bulkheads
Accessories
Items
- Corner bead
- J-bead
- Control joints
- Tape and compound
- Fasteners
- Acoustic sealant
Finish Levels
Standard Levels
Level 0
- No finishing required
- Used in plenums, concealed areas
Level 1
- Tape embedded in compound
- Fire-rated assemblies in plenums
Level 2
- Tape and one coat
- Tile substrate, concealed areas
Level 3
- Tape and two coats
- Textured finishes, wallcovering
Level 4
- Tape and three coats
- Flat paints, light textures
Level 5
- Level 4 plus skim coat
- Critical lighting, gloss paints
Pricing Impact
Labor Factors
- Level 3: baseline
- Level 4: +15-20%
- Level 5: +40-50%
Pricing Components
Materials
Major Items
- Metal studs and track
- Gypsum board
- Joint compound
- Tape and accessories
- Fasteners
- Fire caulk/sealant
Quote Management
- Volume pricing
- Lead times
- Delivery scheduling
- Price validity
Labor
Production Rates
- Framing: 200-400 SF/day per person
- Hanging: 800-1200 SF/day per person
- Finishing: varies by level
Factors Affecting Production
- Ceiling height
- Assembly complexity
- Finish level
- Access conditions
- Multi-trade coordination
Equipment
Common Items
- Lifts and scaffolding
- Screw guns
- Taping tools
- Stilts
- Material handling
Common Bidding Mistakes
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Backing for accessories
- Fire caulking
- Corner guards
- Reveals at door frames
- Patch and repair
- Protection of work
Labor Underestimation
Watch For
- High ceilings
- Complex geometry
- Occupied spaces
- Premium finishes
- Coordination time
Specification Oversights
Check Carefully
- Finish levels
- Fire ratings
- Acoustic requirements
- Moisture resistance
- Impact resistance
Fire-Rated Assemblies
Understanding Ratings
Common Ratings
- 1-hour
- 2-hour
- 3-hour
Requirements
- Specific assemblies
- Proper materials
- Installation methods
- Inspection requirements
Pricing Factors
Additional Costs
- Multiple layers
- Fire caulking
- Inspection time
- Documentation
Acoustic Assemblies
STC Ratings
Requirements
- Assembly specifications
- Sealing requirements
- Penetration treatment
- Testing requirements
Cost Factors
Additional Items
- Resilient channels
- Insulation
- Acoustic sealant
- Special board types
Working With GCs
Coordination
Key Interfaces
- MEP rough-in
- Ceiling grid
- Door frames
- Millwork
- Painting
Schedule
- Frame before MEP
- Hang after MEP inspection
- Finish before painting
- Protect during trades
Subcontract Issues
Review Carefully
- Protection responsibility
- Patch and repair scope
- Fire caulking scope
- Quality standards
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Drywall mechanics
- Tapers
- Laborers
Compliance
- Correct rates
- Certified payroll
- Fringe benefits
Documentation
Submittals
- Product data
- Assembly listings
- Installer qualifications
- Fire rating documentation
Technology in Drywall Bidding
Estimating Software
Options
- ProEst
- PlanSwift
- StackCT
- Drywall estimating apps
Features
- Digital takeoff
- Assembly databases
- Labor calculations
- Report generation
Digital Tools
Applications
- BIM coordination
- Material ordering
- Layout assistance
- Documentation
Production Management
Workflow
Sequence
- Layout
- Metal framing
- Board hanging
- Taping (coats)
- Sanding
- Touch-up
Coordination
- Coordinate with MEP
- Schedule inspections
- Plan material delivery
- Manage crews
Quality Control
Checkpoints
- Framing inspection
- Fire-rated assembly verification
- Finish quality review
- Final inspection
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Quality reputation
- Schedule reliability
- Workforce availability
- Safety record
Value Engineering
Options
- Assembly alternatives
- Finish level review
- Material substitutions
- Phasing options
Conclusion
Successful drywall bidding requires accurate takeoffs, proper assembly identification, and realistic labor estimates. Measure carefully. Identify finish levels correctly. Include all accessories. Account for coordination time.
The drywall contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with quality installation and reliable scheduling.
ConstructionBids.ai helps drywall contractors find commercial opportunities and track bid deadlines for office, healthcare, education, and retail projects.
