How to Choose a Drywall Contractor
Licensing, self-performed crews, written estimates, and texture matching — what to ask before you hire, from a family-owned crew that's been doing this in San Antonio and Austin for 35+ years.
Start with five questions
Most drywall problems people run into after the fact — mismatched texture, cracks that come back, a job that drags on for weeks — trace back to something that was never asked before signing. Five questions cover most of it.
1. Is the crew licensed and insured?
Texas doesn't have a state-issued license specifically for drywall or general remodeling work, unlike trades such as electrical or plumbing. What actually matters is general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance, not just a verbal yes.
2. Do they self-perform the work, or subcontract it out?
A crew that frames, hangs, tapes, textures, and paints with their own people has one point of accountability for the whole job. Work that gets passed through two or three different subs has more room for a schedule slip or a rushed finish, and it's harder to pin down who's responsible when something goes wrong.
3. Will you get a written, itemized estimate?
A price texted to you or scribbled on a business card isn't a scope of work. A real estimate breaks out labor, material, and exactly what's included — patch size, texture match, paint, cleanup — so there's no argument later about what you paid for.
4. Can they show texture-matched work, not just demo photos?
Blending new texture into an existing wall or ceiling is the hardest part of a repair, and the easiest place for a contractor to cut corners. Ask to see photos of finished, texture-matched repairs — not just the framing or the hole they patched.
5. What's the warranty, and is it in writing?
Cracks and nail pops that come back within a few months are common with rushed patch jobs. Ask what's covered, for how long, and get it in writing before work starts.
Red flags to walk away from
Any one of these on its own isn't automatically disqualifying, but more than one together is a reason to keep looking:
- Full payment demanded upfront, before any work has started
- No local address, or a phone number that never gets answered
- Pressure to sign the same day to "lock in" a price
- No references or recent project photos to show you
- A bid dramatically lower than every other quote you got — corners are being cut somewhere
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed contractor to repair or install drywall in Texas?
Texas does not have a state-issued license specifically for drywall or general remodeling work, unlike trades such as electrical or plumbing. What matters most is general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask any contractor for a certificate of insurance before they start.
What's the difference between a contractor who self-performs and one who subcontracts drywall work?
A self-performing crew frames, hangs, tapes, textures, and paints with their own employees from start to finish, so one team is accountable for the whole job. When work is subcontracted out, you're often dealing with a different crew for framing, drywall, and paint, which adds handoff points where scheduling and quality can slip.
How much does drywall repair or installation typically cost?
Cost depends heavily on the size of the repair, the texture being matched, and whether paint is included, so it varies a lot job to job. A legitimate contractor should give you a written, itemized estimate rather than a rough verbal number. If one bid comes in far below every other quote, ask what's being left out.
Why is texture matching so important in a drywall repair?
Mismatched texture is the single most common sign of a rushed patch job. The drywall itself might be perfect, but if the texture doesn't blend into the surrounding wall or ceiling, the repair will always be visible. Ask to see photos of texture-matched work, not just demo or framing photos.
How long should a drywall repair or installation take?
A small patch repair can often be done in a single visit, plus a return trip for texture and paint once the mud has dried. A full room or a tenant finish-out can take days to weeks depending on scope. Ask for a written timeline up front so you know what to expect.
What red flags suggest I shouldn't hire a drywall contractor?
Be cautious of anyone who wants full payment before work starts, can't provide a local address or a phone number that gets answered, pressures you to sign the same day, or has no references or recent project photos to show you.
Should I get multiple estimates before hiring a drywall contractor?
Yes. Getting two or three written estimates lets you compare scope, not just price. One contractor might include texture matching and paint while another only quotes the patch itself, so comparing line items is the only way to know if a bid is actually a good deal.
Get a written estimate from a self-performing crew
Call or text 210-744-5376 or email abestdrywall@gmail.com. We serve San Antonio, Austin, and the surrounding Hill Country — self-performed work, written estimates, and a crew that's been doing this for 35+ years.
Call 210-744-5376