“What is the real drywall a garage cost?” It is one of the most common questions we hear from Detroit-area homeowners inside CountBricks voice estimate sessions. While every project has its own fingerprint, smart budgeting starts with clear benchmarks. In this guide, CountBricks breaks down the numbers, the variables that shift them, and how our AI-powered platform eliminates guesswork for residential construction projects.
• 1-Car Garage (about 250–350 sq ft): $1,100 – $1,800 for hang, tape, mud, and light texture
• 2-Car Garage (about 400–600 sq ft): $1,900 – $3,400
• 3-Car Garage or Oversized Bay (700 sq ft+): $3,600 – $5,500+
These figures reflect mid-grade 1/2" drywall, standard 4-stage finishing to Level 4, and Detroit-area labor rates pulled directly into CountBricks real-time cost database at the moment of estimate creation. Material volatility or custom finish levels (for example, Level 5 skim coat) will nudge the totals higher.
1. Square Footage: Drywall is sold by the sheet and installed by the foot. The larger the garage, the more boards, screws, joint compound, and labor hours you need.
2. Ceiling Height: A 9- or 10-foot ceiling means additional board coursing and often requires scaffolding setup, increasing labor time.
3. Framing Complexity: Vaulted ceilings, boxed beams, or storage lofts add corner bead and cutting labor.
4. Insulation & Vapor Barrier: In cold-weather markets like Michigan, code may dictate an R-value upgrade or poly layer before boards can be hung, adding $0.30 – $0.70 per square foot.
5. Finish Level: A simple fire-taped garage for code compliance costs less than a paint-ready surface. Level 3 versus Level 5 finishing alone can swing totals by $0.50 – $1.25 per square foot.
Step 1 – Real-Time Dialogue
Homeowners speak naturally into the CountBricks mobile app or desktop mic. Our AI captures every dimension, framing detail, and finish requirement in seconds.
Step 2 – Instant Material Takeoff
The platform converts spoken data and blueprint uploads into an optimized sheet count, fastener list, joint compound gallons, and corner bead lengths.
Step 3 – Dynamic Cost Engine
CountBricks pulls today’s Detroit drywall board pricing, regional wage rates, and overhead factors from our continuously learning database. You see a live subtotal—no manual spreadsheet lag.
Step 4 – One-Click Quote & Invoice
Approve the scope and CountBricks automatically generates branded PDFs, payment schedules, and a material pick-list ready for your preferred supplier.
• Drywall sheets (48 @ $14.75) $708
• Screws, tape, corner bead $94
• Joint compound & texture $128
• Labor—hang & finish $1,680
• Clean-up & haul-away $85
Total Estimate $2,695
Because CountBricks itemizes every line, clients can immediately see how swapping to moisture-resistant board or reducing finish level affects the bottom line.
DIY Savings? Maybe. Hidden Costs? Definitely.
• Tool Rental: Lifts, taping tools, and texture hoppers can run $200+ per week
• Learning Curve: Expect 45–60 labor hours for an inexperienced DIYer on a 2-car garage
• Rework Risk: Seam ridges and screw pops will show under garage lighting, requiring extra sanding and materials
• Warranty: A CountBricks-backed install carries a workmanship guarantee; self-installed drywall does not
If your time is worth more than $15 per hour—or you value a flawless paint surface—partnering with a vetted CountBricks drywall crew usually wins.
• Bundle Projects: Hanging drywall in the house addition? Schedule garage boards on the same mobilization to reduce trip charges.
• Optimize Board Size: 12-foot sheets minimize seams on 24' walls and slash finishing labor.
• Target Finish Zones: Walls behind storage racks may only need a fire tape, while visible areas receive Level 4—CountBricks allows mix-and-match line items.
• Seasonal Ordering: Our AI flags lower commodity pricing windows so you can lock in board purchases before price surges.
CountBricks partners with leading construction lenders to embed soft credit-check financing options right inside your estimate. Choose 6-, 12-, or 18-month plans and start enjoying a brighter, insulated garage immediately.
• Voice-to-Estimate in under five minutes
• Live cost data—no stale spreadsheets
• Blueprint takeoffs processed by computer vision in minutes
• Integrated scheduling and e-signatures
• Local, background-checked drywall crews
Ready to reveal your garage’s full potential? Visit CountBricks.com/services or start a free voice estimate now.
In February, the Reynolds family used CountBricks to transform their 420 sq ft detached garage in Royal Oak. After a 4-minute voice intake, our AI generated a materials list of 37 standard sheets, two moisture-resistant boards for the back wall near the utility sink, and 450 screws. The system also suggested Level 4 finish on three walls and a simple fire tape behind future shelving—saving 11 labor hours.
1. Thursday 9 a.m. – Reynolds approve quote on CountBricks.com/portfolio
2. Thursday Noon – Supplier confirms same-day material drop
3. Friday 7 a.m. – CountBricks crew hangs boards; inspection passed by 4 p.m.
4. Saturday – Taping, mudding, and texture complete
5. Sunday Noon – Final walkthrough; garage ready for epoxy flooring
• Initial spoken budget goal: $3,000
• Final invoice: $2,420 – a 19% saving achieved by finish-level optimization and off-season board pricing flagged by CountBricks AI
• Schedule inspections in advance to avoid drying delays
• Request a hybrid finish level where storage obstructs most wall space
• Ask CountBricks to bundle attic insulation or lighting upgrades for bulk labor discounts
When the details matter and time is tight, CountBricks delivers speed, savings, and craftsmanship—all backed by data you can trust. Explore more success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio or book a consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation.
