Estimate for replacing existing plaster wall with drywall

[Nam Hoang]

Hi, I'm trying to get a ballpark estimate for replacing plaster walls with new drywall in a 1200 sq ft house.  1st floor is open layout, so one big room with kitchen and living area.  2nd floor has 3 small bedrooms and 1 full bathroom.  What rule of thumb can I use for estimating this cost?  Thanks!

[Jay M.]

There are two costs here.  Removal and replacement.  I don't have any numbers for removal but in my area it is about $1.35 psf for installing / taping / finishing / priming only drywall.  We use the rough formula of 3.9 x floor area.  Add more for excessive amounts of interior walls or add / subtract according to wall height.  So......1200 x 3.9 = 4680 sf x $1.35 =  $6318.  This is MY AREA....your's could be cheaper.