Drywall: compare quotes and prices

Which construction do you need?

A partition separates two spaces, whereas a lining sits in front of an existing wall. Ceiling and roof-slope linings also fall within dry construction. Each requires suitable framing and connections.

Start with the result you want: an additional bedroom with a door, for example, or a lining over an uneven wall. In a loft conversion, boarding is only part of the project. Insulation, airtightness and connections to the existing building need to be coordinated.

What does drywall cost in Switzerland?

One Swiss contractor publishes CHF 88–125/m² in 2026 for simple single-layer stud partitions, including materials but excluding VAT. This is an individual benchmark, not a national average; doors and painting need separate clarification.

A square-metre price is only comparable when the construction is specified consistently. Two quotes can show the same area but include different board layers, insulation, finishes or additional work. Short walls with several openings can involve more work per square metre than long, uninterrupted runs.

Ask for removal, disposal, floor protection, access equipment and VAT to be shown clearly. For a small repair, a minimum charge or fixed total may be more useful than a square-metre rate.

Measure the wall, not the floor

A clear estimate is enough to start. A partition 4.2 m long and 2.6 m high measures 10.92 m² on one face. This is neither the room’s floor area nor the total quantity of board across all layers on both sides.

Use that one-face measurement for your request and list openings separately. The quote should explain whether openings are deducted from the measured area. Record walls, ceilings and slopes separately so the contractor can work out material quantities for the proposed construction.

Sound insulation depends on the complete result

Separating a bedroom from a living room serves a different purpose from creating a visual screen. Explain which sounds are a problem and how the spaces will be used. That is more helpful than choosing a board thickness without a design.

Sound can also travel through adjoining floors, ceilings, doors and poorly sealed junctions. A wall system’s laboratory rating does not automatically guarantee the same performance in the finished building. If sound insulation matters, ask which junction details and door arrangement are included.

Mention wet areas and fire requirements early

A shower wall is exposed differently from a wall beside a washbasin. Describe the actual use of the area. Moisture-resistant board alone does not replace a suitable construction with the necessary waterproofing and connections.

The colour of a board does not establish fire performance. Where requirements apply, the complete construction, including openings and service penetrations, must meet them. Share any available plans or conditions rather than guessing a fire-resistance class yourself.

Check local requirements before changing a layout, a building’s use or a protected property. A lightweight, non-loadbearing wall does not automatically mean every alteration can proceed without further assessment.

Plan doors, furniture and services

A wall cabinet, heavy basin or sliding door needs different preparation from a small picture. Identify where heavy items will be attached. Depending on the load and construction, reinforcement or suitable support frames may be needed before the wall is closed.

Sockets, service routes and access hatches also belong in the plan. Check whether the drywall quote covers only the cut-outs or also coordination with other trades. Electrical and plumbing installation is not automatically included in the partition price.

Agree what finished means

Boarded, jointed, ready for decorating and fully painted are different stages of work. Choose the final result you want and ask the contractor to specify the surface quality and preparation needed to achieve it.

Gloss paint, smooth wallpaper and strong side lighting place different demands on a surface than a textured finish. Dry construction does not eliminate every drying period: joint compounds and coatings still need suitable conditions. Agree when the room must be ready for use, rather than only when board installation should finish.

Compare complete quotes

First check that each quote delivers the same result. A basic frame and boards cannot be compared directly with a partition including a door, sound insulation and finished paintwork.

• Dimensions and construction. Record area, height, thickness, boarding and insulation.
• Connections and openings. Clarify doors, penetrations, fixings and junctions with existing elements.
• Finished condition. Specify surface finish, painting, cleaning, disposal and exclusions.
• Working in an existing building. Agree access, protection, working hours and any necessary checks before disturbance.