Division 09: Gypsum board and metal framing
Drywall estimating services organized by wall type
Send your plans, wall types and ceiling plans. Get partitions, studs, track, board, ceilings and soffits measured by type and height, priced with the rates you approve.
Fixed price in 2 business hours. Pay only after you accept.
- Fixed price before any work starts
- Plan review is free
- You pay only after you accept the price and delivery date
- Single-trade estimates in 48 hours
- Your rates, your final number
Spanish version: Español
- Partition type A85 LF
- Partition type B, sound rated1Callout 1: 53 LF around the conference room and restroom53 LF
- Exterior wall furring2Callout 2: 182 LF along every exterior wall, corner marked182 LF
- Gypsum board ceilings417 SF
- Framed openings20 EA
Quick answer
Drywall estimating services from Bidmere turn architectural plans into a measured takeoff and cost summary for drywall, framing and interior contractors. You get partitions by wall type and height, metal studs and track by gauge, board by layer, ceilings, soffits and openings, priced at your rates. Estimates are priced from $195 and are ready in 48 hours.
What a drywall and framing estimate includes
You get a drywall number built wall type by wall type, so your estimator can check any line. Every quantity cites its sheet and revision.
You send
- Floor plans with partition tags and the wall type legend
- Reflected ceiling plans, building sections and wall sections
- Specification sections for gypsum board assemblies and metal framing
- Life safety plans showing rated walls
- Addenda, and your labor and material rates
You get back
- Partition length by wall type and height
- Metal studs and track by gauge, depth and spacing
- Gypsum board area by layer, type and side
- Ceilings, soffits and bulkheads, framed and boarded
- Openings, corners, control joints and head-of-wall conditions
- A cost summary with labor and material split
- A question log of conflicts and scope splits
Delivery is an Excel estimate with live formulas, color-coded marked-up PDF plans, and a written list of assumptions, exclusions and open questions.
What a drywall takeoff measures, by CSI section
A drywall takeoff starts with the wall type legend, then measures each tag on the plan. Most of the work falls into these MasterFormat sections.
| Scope item | Typical CSI section | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board assemblies | 09 21 16 | LF by wall type |
| Non-structural metal framing | 09 22 16 | LF of stud and track |
| Gypsum ceiling suspension | 09 22 26 | SF |
| Gypsum board by type | 09 29 00 | SF |
| Cold-formed metal framing, if in scope | 05 40 00 | LF, often delegated design |
| Acoustic insulation in partitions | 09 81 00 | SF |
| Exterior sheathing, if in scope | 06 16 00 | SF |
Board area is wall length times height, per side and per layer. Openings are deducted by a stated rule, such as openings over a set size.
Metal stud framing takeoff: gauge, depth, spacing and height
For a quick check before a full estimate, try the free stud framing calculator.
A metal stud framing takeoff is only as good as its heights and gauges. Those two numbers change both material and labor.
- Heights. Partitions may stop at the ceiling, a set distance above it, or run to the deck. The takeoff uses the height on the wall type or section and cites it.
- Gauge and depth. Studs come in depths such as 2-1/2, 3-5/8 and 6 inches, and in gauges from light 25 gauge to heavier 20, 18 and 16 gauge. Tall walls often need heavier studs.
- Spacing. Usually 16 or 24 inches on center, per the wall type.
- Head of wall. Deflection track or slip track at the deck is measured separately.
- Backing and bracing. Kickers and bracing for walls that stop short of the deck.
If the wall type does not state a gauge for a tall wall, it goes on the question log. Stud engineering stays with the design team.
Board types and finish levels that change the drywall estimate
Two walls of the same length can price very differently. The board type and finish level are why.
- Board type. Standard, Type X fire rated, moisture and mold resistant, abuse resistant and shaft liner.
- Layers. Rated walls often need two layers on one or both sides.
- Finish level. Gypsum board finishes run from Level 0 to Level 5, as defined in Gypsum Association GA-214. Level 4 is common for painted walls. Level 5 adds a skim coat for critical lighting.
- Corners and trim. Corner bead, J-bead, reveals and control joints by linear foot.
The takeoff splits board by type and layer, and finish by level, so each one is priced on its own line.
Drywall plan conflicts that cause bid misses
Drywall bids are usually lost on wall types and heights, not on miscounted linear feet. These are the conflicts the question log flags most:
- A wall tag on the plan does not match the wall type legend.
- Partition height on the wall type differs from the building section.
- A wall is rated on the life safety plan but not on the wall type.
- Ceiling heights on the reflected ceiling plan differ from the sections.
- The spec calls for Level 5 finish in areas the plans do not identify.
- Soffits and bulkheads appear on the reflected ceiling plan with no detail.
- Shaft walls are shown, but the assembly is not specified.
Each item cites the sheets involved, so your team can send an RFI or qualify the bid.
Scope gaps between drywall and adjacent trades
Items at the edges of the drywall scope lose bids. Check each of these before bid day:
- Blocking and backing for casework, grab bars, TVs and wall-hung fixtures: drywall or carpentry?
- Insulation in partitions and exterior walls: drywall or insulation subcontractor?
- Firestopping at rated wall penetrations: each trade or one firestopping sub?
- Acoustic sealant at sound-rated walls.
- Access panels. Furnished by MEP trades, installed by drywall.
- Door frames. Hollow metal frames set in stud walls by drywall or by the door installer?
- Exterior framing and sheathing behind the building envelope.
- Acoustical ceilings if the same sub carries them.
- Final cleanup and debris removal.
Have plans for this scope? Send them over. Fixed quote within 2 business hours. Plan review is free, and you pay only after you accept.
Get a fixed quoteDrywall estimating services vs a calculator or software
A drywall calculator gives sheets for one room. A commercial drywall estimator measures every wall type, height, layer and condition, then ties them to a bid.
Drywall takeoff software helps an estimator you already have. A drywall estimating company supplies the estimator hours. That suits bid weeks with too many jobs, or large projects with many wall types. For wood framing, see lumber takeoffs. Also see the estimating software vs service guide.
What the drywall estimate does not include
The estimate measures and prices assemblies as drawn. Design and field work stay with others.
- Framing design, stud engineering or deflection calculations
- Code review of rated assemblies
- Shop drawings for cold-formed framing
- Site visits and field measurement of existing walls
- Signing or submitting your bid
Drywall cost per square foot, estimating software and templates
Drywall estimating software and calculators measure. A drywall or framing estimator still decides what the numbers mean.
Tools contractors commonly use:
- STACK drywall software measures walls and ceilings with openings excluded and applies material assemblies.
- On-Screen Takeoff from ConstructConnect measures lengths, areas and counts, and lists drywall among its trades.
- PlanSwift is framing takeoff software that also covers drywall. It calculates framing materials from sill plate to ridge board.
What software does not do:
- Match wall tags to the partition schedule
- Check rated walls against the listed assembly
- Catch deflection heads and heights to deck
- Split scope with ceilings, insulation and doors
A drywall estimate template works for small jobs. The free construction estimate template fits drywall if each wall type gets its own row. Enter board in SF by side and layer, studs and track in LF by gauge, and put hang and finish rates in the labor column.
For a quick drywall takeoff calculator, the free drywall calculator turns wall and ceiling sizes into sheets and a cost per square foot at your rates.
Drywall cost per square foot and framing cost per square foot have no honest single figure. They move with board type, layers, finish level, wall height, stud gauge and spacing. For building-level benchmarks, see construction cost per square foot.
Sample takeoff
What a takeoff looks like
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Sheet and basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A: 3-5/8 in. 20 ga studs at 16 in., 1 layer each side, to 6 in. above ceiling, 10 ft | 1,480 | LF | A-101, A-102, legend A-601 |
| Type B: Type A with batts, to deck, 14 ft | 620 | LF | A-101, A-102, sound rated |
| Type C: 1-hr rated, Type X, to deck, 14 ft | 410 | LF | Life safety G-101 |
| Shaft wall, 2-hr, 2 in. C-H stud | 96 | LF | A-102, stair and elevator |
| Gypsum board, 5/8 in. Type X | 45,860 | SF | All types, per side and layer |
| Deflection track at deck | 1,030 | LF | Types B and C |
| Gypsum ceilings, suspended | 3,240 | SF | RCP A-201, A-202 |
| Soffits and bulkheads | 380 | LF | RCP A-201, see question 6 |
| Level 5 finish | 1,120 | SF | Lobby walls, spec 09 29 00 |
| Framed openings | 64 | EA | Door schedule A-801 |
Fictional example: part of a drywall and framing takeoff for an invented two-story office interior. Not a customer project.
Before you send plans
Common questions about handing off the work
Will labor and material be split?
Yes, if you want them split. Each wall type shows labor and material on separate lines at the rates you approve.
What if heights are unclear?
The affected wall tags are listed with sheet references. You supply a clarification or approve a stated assumption.
Who owns the final drywall bid?
Your team reviews, sets markup, signs and submits. Bidmere does not sign or submit bids.
Drywall and framing takeoff and estimate pricing
Drywall and framing takeoffs from Bidmere start at $149, and single-trade drywall and framing estimates at $195. The fixed quote for your job usually lands in these ranges:
| Job size | Takeoff only (quantities) | Single-trade estimate (quantities and pricing) |
|---|---|---|
| Small job: up to 10,000 SF | $149 to $295 | $195 to $395 |
| Mid-size job: 10,000 to 50,000 SF | $295 to $695 | $395 to $895 |
| Large job: over 50,000 SF, or several buildings | From $695 | From $895 |
Single-trade estimates are ready in 48 hours. Rush (24 hours) adds 30%. 25% off your first estimate. Every job gets a fixed quote within 2 business hours, and you pay only after you accept. Every estimate is delivered as an Excel estimate with live formulas, color-coded marked-up PDF plans, and a written list of assumptions, exclusions and open questions. See pricing for the full price list and scope conditions.
Monthly estimating plans
Bid every week? Put your drywall estimating on a monthly plan
If your team bids every week, a monthly plan is simpler than ordering one estimate at a time. You send bids as they come in, and each one is measured and priced the same way.
- Starter: $1,395 per month for up to 6 bids
- Pro: $2,595 per month for up to 12 bids
- Scale: $4,795 per month for up to 25 bids
Each plan uses your rates, your cost codes and your proposal format, so your numbers stay consistent from bid to bid. See monthly outsourced estimating plans for what each plan covers.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much do drywall estimating services cost?
Bidmere single-trade drywall estimates are priced from $195 for a qualifying project, with 25% off your first estimate. The fixed price depends on floor area, wall type count, sheet count and deadline. You get it within 2 business hours after a free plan review, and you pay only after you accept. See pricing.
How long does a drywall estimate take?
A qualifying single-trade drywall estimate is ready in 48 hours from your accepted quote and complete documents. Larger buildings with many wall types get a delivery date in the fixed quote. Rush: 24-hour rush for 30% more, subject to capacity. Tell us your bid date when you request a quote.
What do I need to send for a drywall takeoff?
Send floor plans with partition tags, the wall type legend, reflected ceiling plans, building and wall sections, life safety plans, Division 09 specs and all addenda. Add your labor and material rates for a priced estimate. To get a quote, a short description and a plans link are enough.
What does a metal stud framing takeoff include?
It lists studs and track by gauge, depth and spacing for each wall type, with heights taken from the wall types and sections. Deflection track, bracing, headers and ceiling framing are measured as separate lines. Gauges for tall walls that the documents do not state go on the question log.
Who sets the rates in a drywall estimate?
You do. The estimate uses the labor and material rates you approve, and labor and material can be shown separately for each wall type. Bidmere never changes your markup or final bid number. Your team reviews the estimate, signs the bid and submits it.
Do you check that wall assemblies meet the fire rating?
No. Assemblies are measured as drawn and specified. Rating conflicts that appear between the wall types, life safety plan and specs are listed on the question log for your team and the design team to resolve. Code review of rated assemblies is not part of the estimate.
Can I order a drywall takeoff only?
Yes. A drywall takeoff lists partitions by wall type and height, studs and track by gauge, board by layer and type, ceilings and soffits, and openings, corners and joints, with no pricing applied. Takeoffs are priced from $149; see quantity takeoff services.
Do you estimate wood framing too?
Wood framing is measured as a lumber takeoff: studs, plates, headers, sheathing and engineered members by size and length. It uses the same approach of quantities tied to sheet and revision. See lumber takeoff services for what that includes, or ask in your quote request.
What is drywall cost per square foot on a commercial job?
It varies too much for one honest number. Board type, layers, finish level, wall height, stud gauge and access all change it. Bidmere does not publish a figure. The free drywall calculator gives a drywall cost per square foot from your own board price and hang and finish rates. A bid needs every wall type measured and priced at your rates.
Can Bidmere work as our outside framing estimator?
Yes, from documents. Metal stud framing is measured by gauge, depth, spacing and height, with track, headers and bracing listed. Wood framing is measured as a lumber takeoff. You get a fixed quote within 2 business hours, single-trade estimates take 48 hours, and you pay only after you accept. Your team sets the final number.
Get a fixed quote
Share the project basics. You get a fixed price and delivery date within 2 business hours. Plan review is free, and you pay only after you accept.