What is a Drywall Contractor or Plasterer (Internal Linings)?

A Drywall Contractor or Plasterer is responsible for supplying and installing plasterboard (gyprock) and specialty boards inside your home. This includes walls, ceilings, wet areas, and feature bulkheads if needed. Their work creates the smooth, flat surfaces that are later painted, tiled, or finished.



Internal Linings are installed after insulation and rough-in are complete, but before painting and tiling.

What does a Drywall Contractor or Plasterer do?

Your contractor will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Supply plasterboard sheets, ceiling linings, and wet area boards (e.g., VillaBoard or Cemintel)
  • Fix plasterboard to frames and ceilings using screws or adhesives
  • Tape, set, and flush all joints for a seamless appearance
  • Sand surfaces ready for painting or tiling
  • Supply and install cornices or perform square-set finishes if specified


Some also install feature elements like raked ceilings, niches, or feature walls.

Tip: Finalise Lighting and Wet Area Details Before Sheeting

Lock in your lighting and service rough-in first — moving light points, pipes, or switches after plastering means expensive cutting and patching.


And double-check your wet areas — water-resistant boards must go behind showers, baths, and kitchen splashbacks to meet code.

What to look for in a Drywall Contractor or Plasterer

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Supply and install inclusions: fixing, setting, sanding
  • Type of plasterboard specified (standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, acoustic)
  • Clear mention of cornices or square-set (no cornice) finishing
  • Timeline that matches your construction program
  • Warranty on workmanship (cracking and joint failure)
  • Choose plasterers who regularly work on residential builds — attention to detail matters for high-quality homes.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Drywall Contractors or Plasterers, you’ll need:

  • Framed walls and ceilings ready with insulation installed
  • Rough-in for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical complete
  • Clear wall heights and ceiling details (raked ceilings, feature bulkheads)
  • Cornice style or square-set preference
  • Site address and access instructions
  • Target start date

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to prime plasterboard before painting?

    Yes — your painter will apply a sealer/undercoat to raw plasterboard before final coats.

  • Is moisture-resistant plasterboard mandatory in bathrooms?

    Yes — Australian Standards require it behind showers, baths, and any wet area tiling.


    Can I use acoustic plasterboard inside the home?

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.