Hang and finish unfinished garages and basements, including the fire-rated Type X board and firetaping the garage-to-house wall needs to pass inspection.
Finishing a garage or basement is one of the best-value square footage moves in a Bellingham home, but it comes with code that an inspector checks. The wall and ceiling between an attached garage and the living space is a fire separation, and it needs 5/8-inch Type X board and proper firetaping, taped and mudded joints with no gaps, to pass. We hang and finish these spaces to that standard, not around it, so your project clears inspection the first time.
Basements bring the other Bellingham factor: moisture. Below grade and against a foundation, we use moisture-resistant board where the humidity warrants it and keep the rock off direct contact with damp concrete. We coordinate with your insulation so the assembly is right before we cover it, hang the board, tape and finish to a Level 4, and texture or leave it smooth. The end result is a finished room or a clean, code-correct garage, primed-ready for the painter.
What it actually costs.
Garage & basement drywall $2.00 to $4.00 / sq ft of board
Fire-rating5/8" Type X and firetaping the garage-to-house wall add material and care
Insulation coordinationWe schedule around the insulation inspection before covering
MoistureBasements may need moisture-resistant board kept off damp concrete
AccessTight basements and low garages take more labor to hang
Our four-step process.
Free walkthrough & written quote
We measure the space, flag the fire-rated wall, and hand you a line-item quote.
Hang to inspection
We hang after framing and insulation pass, with 5/8" Type X on the garage-to-house separation.
Firetape, tape, mud
We firetape the rated assembly with no gaps, tape the rest, and run three coats of compound.
Finish & walkthrough
We sand to a Level 4, texture or leave smooth, and walk it with you before the painter arrives.
Why hire a real drywall crew.
Hang and finish for unfinished garages and basements
5/8" Type X and firetaping on the garage-to-house fire separation
Moisture-resistant board kept off damp concrete in basements
Coordinated with insulation to pass inspection
Finished to Level 4, primed-ready for paint
Frequently asked questions.
How much does garage or basement drywall cost in Bellingham?
It runs about $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot of board in 2026. Fire-rating the garage-to-house wall with 5/8" Type X, coordinating insulation, and access all drive the number. A typical garage or basement lands in the low to mid thousands; we give you a measured, line-item quote.
Does my garage wall need fire-rated drywall?
In Washington, the wall and ceiling between an attached garage and the living space is a fire separation and needs 5/8-inch Type X board with proper firetaping. Inspectors check it. We hang and finish that assembly to code so your project passes the first time.
Do you finish basements so I can paint?
Yes. We hang the right board for a below-grade space, coordinate with your insulation, tape and finish to a Level 4, and texture or leave it smooth. We hand off a flat, primed-ready surface so the painter can prime and go.
Ready for a free garage & basement drywall quote?
Tell us about your project, we'll reply within 15 minutes during business hours.
Garage and basement finishes happen all over Whatcom County, daylight basements in Sehome, garage conversions in Roosevelt, ADUs in Barkley. Pick your area for local notes: