We built a custom home in Oakville and specified Level 5 smooth drywall throughout — main floor, all bedrooms, hallways, the works. Everyone asked if it was worth the premium. Here’s our honest answer.
What Level 5 means:
Full skim coat over the entire surface after taping and coating. The skim coat fills all paper texture and creates a truly smooth surface. When finished paint goes on, the wall looks like it’s been finished with a trowel, not a roller.
Cost premium:
Our drywall contractor quoted:
- Level 4 throughout (4,800 sq ft total wall area): $38,400
- Level 5 throughout: $52,200
- Premium: $13,800
We did Level 5 on main floor and primary bedroom (2,800 sq ft) and Level 4 on secondary bedrooms and basement (2,000 sq ft).
- Blended cost: $45,600 — premium of $7,200 over all Level 4
The result:
Under raking light (low-angle sun through windows, or a lamp near the wall), Level 4 walls in the secondary bedrooms show tape lines and minor screw dimples through the paint. The Level 5 walls are completely smooth — zero visual texture.
Was it worth it?
On the main floor, yes without question — this is what people see. Primary bedroom, yes. Secondary bedrooms, probably would have done Level 4 knowing what I know now.
One important note: Level 5 is ONLY worth it if you use flat or near-flat paint (eggshell maximum). We made the mistake of using pearl finish in one hallway — the sheen actually highlights any imperfection that slipped through. The paint selection matters as much as the finish level.