How to Hire a Drywaller in Ontario
To hire a drywaller in Ontario, judge the work rather than a licence: drywall is a non-compulsory trade, so the Skilled Trades Ontario register cannot confirm a finisher. Ask for photos of finished walls, references and the finish level quoted, plus a current WSIB clearance certificate and liability insurance. In a home built before 1986, ask how they will handle joint compound that may contain asbestos before any old drywall comes down.
How Ontario drywallers compare on ProScore
ProScore lists 311 drywallers in Ontario, and has published a ProScore for 262 of them. 132 of those reach Trusted (70+) or higher. ProScore matched 81 of them (26%) to the WSIB register by business name. A business that is not matched may still be covered, so ask any drywaller you are considering for a current WSIB clearance certificate.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
Hiring Checklist
What Ontario's rules say
- If an estimate is part of your contract, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act bars the contractor from charging more than 10% above it unless you agree to new work or a new price and sign a change to the contract. Government of Ontario
- Ontario's labour ministry says asbestos can be found in buildings built in Canada, especially before 1986, and lists drywall compound among its most common sources. Before a project, section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires the owner — including the owner of a home who undertakes a project — to determine whether asbestos is present, list it, and make sure the contractor has that list before signing a contract. Government of Ontario
- Under O. Reg. 278/05, removing less than one square metre of drywall with asbestos-containing joint compound is a Type 1 operation and one square metre or more is Type 2, counted across the whole room even if the work is split into smaller jobs. Government of Ontario
- Drywall Finisher and Plasterer is a non-compulsory trade in Ontario, and people practising it do not appear on Skilled Trades Ontario's Public Register, so the register cannot confirm a drywaller. Skilled Trades Ontario
Red Flags to Watch For
Cannot explain finish levels
If they do not know the difference between Level 3 and Level 5, they are not a professional drywaller.
No photos of completed work
Drywall finishing is visual work. Any professional should have photos showing their quality.
Quotes without seeing the space
Accurate drywall quotes require measuring the space, checking ceiling height, and assessing access.
No dust control plan
Drywall dust is pervasive. If they do not mention dust containment, your entire home will be covered.
Wants to skip primer
Unprimed drywall shows every joint through paint. This is a sign of rushing.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“What finish level do you recommend for my project?”
“Do you use dustless sanding?”
“How many coats of mud do you apply?”
“What type of drywall will you use?”
“Do you handle insulation and vapour barrier?”
Licensing: No specific Ontario drywall licence required
Drywall is not a licensed trade in Ontario. This means quality varies significantly between contractors. Focus on verifying insurance, reviewing photos of past work, and checking multi-platform ratings on ProScore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do drywallers need a licence in Ontario?
No. Drywall is not a compulsory or restricted trade. This makes checking insurance, references, and past work quality especially important.
What finish level do I need?
Level 3 for textured walls, Level 4 for standard painted walls, Level 5 for glossy paint or walls with strong raking light.
How long does drywall take?
A standard room takes 3–5 days including hanging, 2–3 coats of mud with drying time between each, and sanding.
Should I prime new drywall before painting?
Absolutely. PVA drywall primer seals the paper and mud to ensure even paint absorption. Skipping primer always shows.
Compare drywallers in your city
Sources
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Asbestos in the workplace (Updated November 9, 2023). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, O. Reg. 278/05: Designated substance — asbestos. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Skilled Trades Ontario, Drywall Finisher and Plasterer (trade information). Accessed October 19, 2026.
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