Expert Drywall Installers
Attic Solutions provides professional drywall installation and repair services throughout the East Bay Area. When you hire us for insulation services, rodent proofing, or attic access installation, you get a full-service contractor who handles the drywall work too. No need to coordinate between multiple contractors or wait weeks for someone else to close up your walls and ceilings.
Call (510) 500-5007 for a free estimate on your drywall project.
When You Need
Drywall Installation or Repair
After Attic Access Installation
Installing a new attic access hatch requires cutting into your ceiling drywall. We frame the opening, install the access panel, and finish the ceiling drywall to match your existing texture.
Following Insulation Work
Wall insulation projects often require removing sections of drywall to access wall cavities. After installing blown-in or spray foam insulation, we patch and finish the drywall so your walls look like nothing was touched.
Rodent Damage Repair
Rodents sometimes chew through drywall to access wall cavities or attic spaces. After we seal entry points and remove contaminated insulation, we replace damaged drywall sections and restore your walls.
Water Damage From Attic Leaks
Ceiling water stains and sagging drywall often indicate attic moisture problems. We address the source (roof leaks, condensation, poor ventilation), then replace water-damaged ceiling sections.
Duct Work Installation
When we install or repair air ducts, wall and ceiling access points may be necessary. We handle all drywall patching and finishing after duct work is complete.
Storage Platform Installation
Adding attic storage platforms sometimes requires reinforcing ceiling joists and patching access points. We complete all drywall finishing to match your existing ceilings.
Our Drywall
Installation Process
We start with a free on-site estimate to assess your drywall needs. During this visit, we:
- Measure the work area
- Identify any structural issues (water damage, mold, framing problems)
- Determine the best drywall type for your situation
- Provide an upfront, written estimate with no hidden fees
Proper preparation prevents callbacks and warranty issues. We:
- Protect your floors, furniture, and belongings with drop cloths
- Set up dust barriers to contain drywall dust
- Remove damaged or old drywall sections
- Address any insulation, moisture, or structural issues before hanging new drywall
- Inspect framing and add blocking or support as needed
We install drywall sheets using proper techniques:
- Secure drywall to studs or ceiling joists with appropriate spacing
- Stagger seams to prevent cracking
- Use moisture-resistant drywall (green board or purple board) in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity areas
- Cut precise openings for electrical boxes, switches, and fixtures
- Make sure all edges land on solid framing
This multi-step process creates smooth, invisible seams:
- Apply joint tape to all seams and corners
- First coat of joint compound covers tape and screw holes
- Second coat feathers edges wider for a smooth transition
- Third coat (if needed for higher finish levels) creates a nearly invisible surface
- Sand between coats for a professional finish
- Smooth finish (Level 5)
- Orange peel texture
- Knockdown texture
- Skip trowel
- Popcorn ceiling texture (where needed for patches)
Drywall creates dust. We take cleanup seriously:
- HEPA vacuum all surfaces
- Remove all debris and materials from your property
- Wipe down surfaces in the work area
- Final walkthrough to address any concerns
Your walls and ceilings are ready for primer and paint. We also offer painting services if you’d like us to complete the entire job.
Drywall Repair vs. Full Installation
Small Repairs (Patching)
- Holes smaller than 6 inches
- Minor cracks from settling
- Nail pops or screw pops
- Small areas of texture damage
Process:
We cut out the damaged section, install a backing patch, apply new drywall, tape and mud the seams, and match the existing texture. Small patches typically take a few hours and cost significantly less than full replacement.
Cost-effective when:
Damage is isolated to one or two small areas and the surrounding drywall is in good condition.
Section Replacement
Best for:
- Water damage affecting large areas
- Multiple holes or cracks in the same wall section
- Damage extending to wall edges or corners
- Areas where tape is separating along long seams
Process:
We remove drywall from stud to stud or from floor to ceiling so seams land on solid framing. This approach prevents visible patch lines and creates a stronger repair.
Cost-effective when:
Damage covers more than 25% of a wall section or when multiple small patches would be visible.
Full Wall or Ceiling Replacement
Best for:
- Extensive water damage or mold growth
- Walls being opened for insulation installation
- Severely damaged plaster being converted to drywall
- Entire room remodels
Process:
Complete removal of old material, new drywall installation on all walls or ceilings in the room, and finishing to your preferred leve
Cost-effective when:
The entire surface needs work anyway, or when wall insulation upgrades justify opening the walls.
Working With Plaster Walls
Many older East Bay homes have plaster walls instead of drywall. We work with both materials and can:
- Repair plaster cracks and holes
- Skim coat damaged plaster for a smooth finish
- Remove failing plaster and replace with drywall
- Match plaster texture when patching
Plaster repair requires different techniques than drywall. Make sure your contractor has experience with both materials.
Drywall Finishing
Levels Explained
The drywall industry recognizes five finishing levels. The level you choose affects both appearance and cost:
| Finish Level | Description | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Tape embedded in joint compound, no sanding | Behind walls (not visible), commercial warehouses | Lowest |
| Level 2 | One coat of compound over tape, tool marks acceptable | Garages, attic storage areas, surfaces that will be tiled | Low |
| Level 3 | Two coats of compound, sanded smooth | Walls that will receive heavy texture, areas with low lighting | Moderate |
| Level 4 | Three coats, smooth finish, ready for paint/wallpaper | Most residential walls and ceilings, standard finish | Standard |
| Level 5 | Skim coat over entire surface, glass-smooth finish | High-end homes, surfaces with critical lighting (large windows, track lighting), flat or semi-gloss paint | Highest |
For most residential projects, Level 4 is the standard. It provides a smooth, professional appearance suitable for typical paint and lighting conditions.
Level 5 becomes necessary when:
- Using flat paint (shows every imperfection)
- Strong directional lighting will graze walls (large windows, track lights)
- You want a high-end, flawless appearance
We’ll recommend the appropriate finish level during your estimate based on your room’s lighting and intended paint finish.
Why Choose Attic Solutions for Drywall Work
One Contractor, Complete Service
When we remove old insulation, seal rodent entry points, or install attic access, we complete all related drywall work. You avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple contractors and waiting for the next available drywall company.
Experienced in Older Bay Area Homes
We’ve worked on hundreds of East Bay properties built between the 1920s and today. Whether your home has plaster walls, unusual framing, or vintage materials, we’ve seen it before and know how to work with it.
No Upselling
We recommend only the work your home needs. If a small patch will solve the problem, we won’t push for full wall replacement. Our estimates are honest, detailed, and include all costs upfront.
Proper Preparation
Drywall is the visible finish, but proper preparation makes the difference between a repair that lasts and one that fails in six months. We address moisture issues, add blocking where needed, and won’t close up walls until underlying problems are solved.
Texture Matching Skills
Matching existing wall texture is part craft, part experience. Our installers have practiced enough to replicate the orange peel, knockdown, and skip trowel textures common in Bay Area homes.
Licensed and Insured
As a California licensed contractor, we carry proper insurance coverage for your protection. You can verify our license status and check our 179+ five-star Yelp reviews before hiring us.
Family-Owned Since 2010
Owner Nir Wolfovich has built Attic Solutions on reputation and referrals. We treat your home like our own and stand behind our work.
Drywall Installation FAQ
Drywall costs depend on project size, finish level, and prep work required. Small patches start around $150-300. Full room installations range from $800-2,500 depending on square footage and ceiling height. We provide free written estimates with all costs itemized.
Yes, we handle repairs of all sizes. Small nail holes, doorknob dents, and holes from removing fixtures are quick fixes that often take just a few hours. Call us for same-day or next-day service on minor repairs.
In most cases, yes. We’ve worked with the common textures found in East Bay homes (orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, smooth). Matching vintage or hand-applied textures may require test samples. We’ll let you know during the estimate if we can achieve an exact match.
Small patches: a few hours to one day. Single room drywall: 2-3 days (hanging, taping, mudding, sanding). Multiple rooms: 5-7 days. Drying time between coats affects the schedule, and humid weather can extend timelines.
Yes, we remove popcorn texture and install smooth drywall ceilings. Important: popcorn installed before 1980 may contain asbestos. We recommend asbestos testing before removal. If asbestos is present, we’ll refer you to a certified abatement contractor.
Green board is moisture-resistant drywall designed for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It resists mold growth better than standard drywall. Purple board (also called mold-resistant drywall) offers even better moisture protection. We recommend the appropriate type based on your room’s humidity levels.
Sometimes. If your plaster is in decent condition but you want a smooth modern finish, we can install 1/4-inch drywall over existing plaster. This approach saves demo costs and mess. However, severely damaged or failing plaster should be removed entirely.
We offer painting services as an add-on to drywall work. If you prefer to paint yourself, we’ll prep surfaces properly (primer-ready finish). Let us know your preference during the estimate.
During your free estimate, we’ll assess damage extent. General rule: if damage covers less than 25% of a wall and surrounding drywall is sound, patching makes sense. Extensive damage, water issues, or mold growth usually requires section or full replacement.
Yes. Attic Solutions is a California licensed contractor with full liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. We’re happy to provide proof of insurance before starting work.
Service Areas
Attic Solutions provides drywall installation and repair throughout the East Bay and broader Bay Area:
Primary Service Areas:
- Oakland
- Lafayette
- Walnut Creek
- Concord
- Berkeley
- Alameda
- San Leandro
- Hayward
- Fremont
- Pleasant Hill
- Martinez
We Also Serve:
- San Ramon
- Danville
- Dublin
- Livermore
- Castro Valley
- Union City
- Newark
- Orinda
- Moraga
Not sure if we serve your area? Call (510) 500-5007 to check availability.
