Licensed, bonded & insured | CA License #1142022 | 20+ years of experience
Drywall Installation — Hanging & Taping
New drywall for remodels, garages, additions and ADUs — hung, taped and finished by one crew in the texture you choose.
Not sure what you need? Text us photos — we’ll recommend the right approach. Licensed, bonded & insured.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Background Checked,
CA B-2 #1142022
1-year craftsmanship warranty
Featured Project · San Jose
Smooth Walls Throughout — 2,800 Sq Ft Home + 2-Car Garage
Area
2,800 sq ft + 2-car garage
Location
San Jose, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Residential Remodel
SCOPE
Removal, Drywall, Texture, Paint
PROJECT overview
The walls in this San Jose home had a rough, uneven finish — visible seams, bumps and patches in every room. We brought 2,800 sq ft of walls and ceilings plus a 2-car garage to a smooth finish, then primed and painted. Floors and cabinets stayed fully protected the whole time.
Result
Smooth, clean walls in every room — and very happy homeowners.
View Full Project →
Framing
Partition Walls, Pony Walls & Framing Fixes
Need a new wall before the drywall installation starts? We build permanent non-load-bearing walls — partition walls, pony walls, closets and soffits — in wood or metal studs, then drywall and finish them to match the room.
Already framed? We check it first and straighten bowed studs or out-of-square corners, so the finished wall comes out flat.
Permanent walls for homeowners only — no load-bearing or structural work.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Our Drywall Installation Process
1. Framing Check
Before any drywall goes up, we check studs and corners and fix anything that would show through the finish.
2. Hang the Drywall
Sheets are cut and screwed tight to the framing — fire-rated Type X where code requires it, moisture-resistant board in baths and laundry rooms.
3. Tape & Finish the Joints
Every joint and corner is taped and coated in layers, then sanded so the seams disappear.
4. Texture & Prime
We apply the texture you chose — orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, sand or smooth — and prime the walls ready for paint.
5. Final Level 4 / Level 5 Finish
The project is completed with the finish that best matches your home and paint expectations.
6. Ready for Paint
You'll receive clean, paint-ready walls that are ready for the next stage of your renovation.
Finishing
Drywall Installation Finishes: Texture to Match Your Home
Once the drywall is hung and taped, we finish it the way you want — orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel or sand texture, or smooth walls finished to Level 4 or Level 5.
Matching an existing texture? Text us a close-up photo — we’ll match it on the new wall.
More work
GARAGE DRYWALL INSTALLATION & FINISHING
A full garage drywall installation completed from exposed framing to smooth, finished walls and ceilings. The project included drywall installation, taping, finishing, and surface preparation for a clean, durable result.
What we do
Drywall Installation, Texture & Paint — Done by One Crew
Framing done on your ADU, addition or garage? Remodeling a room? We take it from there: hang the drywall, tape and finish the joints, apply your texture — orange peel, knockdown, smooth or custom — then prime and paint. One crew, one schedule, no second contractor to chase.
Drywall finish levels, explained
Every drywall job is finished to a level from 0 to 5. The right one depends on the room, the texture and the paint:
- Level 0 — drywall hung, no tape or mud. Temporary or hidden areas.
- Level 1 — tape set in joint compound. Attics, above ceilings, service areas.
- Level 2 — one coat over tape and screws. Garages, storage rooms, walls behind tile.
- Level 3 — two coats. Walls that will get medium or heavy texture.
- Level 4 — three coats, sanded smooth. The standard for most homes with light texture or flat paint.
- Level 5 — full skim coat over the entire surface. Perfectly smooth walls for glossy paint, big windows and strong light.
Most homes need Level 3 or 4 with texture. We’ll recommend the right level for your project — and price it that way, not the most expensive one.
Best for
- Garage drywall & fire-rated walls
- Drywall for ADUs & home additions
- Drywall for room and whole-house remodels
- Rental turnovers & investment properties
- Drywall for new construction
- New walls, partitions & closets
PROJECT WALKTHROUGH
- Full drywall installation
- Level 5 finish
- Seamless joint finishing
- Paint-ready surfaces
- Clean jobsite upon completion
REAL PROJECT • SAN jose
Reviews
All reviews![]()
Yelp
ThumbtackPosted on Google![]()
Svetlana Korshakova1 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fresh Start rebuilt our living room in Campbell after a water leak — the ceiling and two walls. Sergei's crew replaced the drywall, matched the texture perfectly and left the house clean every day. The job was finished on schedule, and you can't tell there was ever any damage. Highly recommend.Posted on Google![]()
Cheng-Ru Ho57 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I could not be happier with the outstanding job that Sergei’s team did repairing and re-painting my walls of the whole house. We had several areas with noticeable drywall defects, cracks, unevenness and terrible patches with different colors all over the places. Sergei’s team prepped the surfaces meticulously, fixing every single imperfection until the walls were completely seamless. The painting quality is extraordinary. The edges and trim are sharp and clean, with beautiful, even coverage across every room. They helped me pick the perfect finish, and the final results completely transformed the space, making it look brand new. Beyond the incredible craftsmanship, the crew was a pleasure to work with. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently, and kept communication clear throughout the whole process. They also took great care to protect my furniture and floors, leaving the house completely spotless in the end of the project. The team is willing to come back few times to touch-up small defects found after the project until the client is satisfied. If you need professional, high-quality wall repair and painting, look no further. Their attention to detail, fair pricing, and top-notch service are unmatched. I will definitely hire them again for future projects! Sergei’s team definitely deserves 10 stars rating.+4Posted on Google![]()
Catherine Azevedo64 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a small project to frame in a non-load bearing wall in an upstairs bathroom, and over a stairwell. Sergie was absolutely fantastic! He and his assistant framed and drywalled the new wall. Everything looks seamless. Would highly recommend Sergie for any framing or drywall needs.+3Posted on Google![]()
Svetlana Riazanova112 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Huge shoutout to Sergei at Fresh Start Renovations. We needed some drywall repair done at our house in San Jose after getting some rewiring done, and he absolutely nailed it. He patched up all the holes so perfectly that you can't even tell anything was ever there. It was a massive amount of patching, but he was incredibly thorough and kept everything super clean. Highly recommend him!Posted on Google![]()
psgsereno198 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very happy with the work that was done. I was in need of some drywall repair and Sergei made the process very easy. I was given a rough estimate via text and made a appointment for a few days later. I had water damage to the ceiling above my shower. After Sergei was done it look like another ever happen. I recommend him for all all water damage repair and drywall repair. 5 stars across the board.Posted on Google![]()
Julia Riterman Yehov245 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sergey did a fantastic job restoring our master bathroom after some water damage. We needed everything done: new flooring, shower door installation, and painting all. The quality was top-notch. The best part is the cabinets -Instead of buying new ones, Sergey refinished the old ones white. The result is incredible! it looks like a factory finish, not a repaint. The bathroom looks modern and clean. 5 stars for the skill and professionalism.+6Posted on Yelp![]()
Michael D.364 days agoVerified
Sergei (Sam) responded promptly, came out the same day, quoted a fair price and got the job done quickly. I would definitely recommend for a variety of projects you might have around the house.Posted on Yelp![]()
Kevin L.389 days agoVerified
My wife was SURPRISED (all thanks to Sam.) I hired Sam to help with two things around the house that needed attention: (1) the dining room light: we bought a cheap LED light fixture a year ago that already broke, and after assessing that electricity was flowing but the fixture was no longer working, Sam went to Home Depot and with a few pictures back and forth helped me find a new lighting fixture that my wife loves! (2) the framing around the fireplace floor - we had a new facade placed in, but the framing was not done (leaving a gap between the floor and the fireplace tiling). Sam was very meticulous in his approach (made sure there were not any gaps that could possibly injure our 17-month old who plays in the living room), and delivered on the project. Sam's rate is on the higher side, but for me, it was worth it. Sam was responsive, kind, on-time, and was able to get the job done before my wife came home from a work conference. Thanks, Sam!Posted on Yelp![]()
Hilal J.510 days agoVerified
Sergei was very responsive and did a quality job. We had an issue come up in the middle of the project and he was very quick to accommodate.Posted on Thumbtack![]()
Raul C.950 days agoVerified
Sergei did a fantastic job. He was prompt, courteous & most of all honest. He explained the various options I had to complete the job & guided me to make the most economical decision. I'd highly recommend him.Posted on Google![]()
Lourdes Rojas1015 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have used his services in Woodside and Los Gatos and cannot stressed how awesome his services are. We recommend to our neighbors and business partners, to use Sergey for almost anything. He has helped move business offices and put together countless projects even in my home. If you want RELIABLE, FAST, PROFESSIONAL handy work. Please give him a call!!!Posted on Thumbtack![]()
J. C.1322 days agoVerified
I've hired Sam 3 times now for repairs of kitchen cabinets and drawers and I'd be glad to hire him again. He's very good at assessing problems and figuring out how to fix them. Our kitchen cabinets and drawers are 45 years old and tricky to repair because they're so old and worn out. Sam has been able to find ways to replace rusty, stuck hardware and install new drawer sliders when other people couldn't. He's also responsive, punctual, efficient, and pleasant to interact with. I definitely recommend SM Repair.
HOW IT WORKS
THREE STEPS, FROM FIRST PHOTO TO FINAL WALKTHROUGH
01 / TEXT PHOTOS
Send photos or plans
Most projects can be estimated from photos. When needed, we'll schedule an on-site walkthrough to confirm the scope.
02 / RECEIVE YOUR ESTIMATE
Clear pricing before work begins
You'll receive a realistic estimate with no hidden fees or surprise charges. If a site visit is needed, we'll schedule one before providing the final quote.
03 / INSTALL & FINISH
Same crew, start to finish
Once approved, we'll schedule your project and complete the drywall installation and finishing with the same crew—from the first sheet to the final walkthrough.
FAQ
What people usually ask
How do you determine when drywall is finished?
We follow the industry guidelines established in GA-214 (Gypsum Association) for Level 4 and Level 5 drywall finishes. Final surfaces are evaluated under normal lighting conditions after the compound has fully cured and the walls are ready for primer or paint.
Like all professional drywall contractors, we do not evaluate finishes using harsh side lighting, flashlights, or lights held directly against the wall. Extreme lighting can highlight minor surface variations that are not visible under normal everyday conditions and are not considered installation defects under industry standards.
If you have specific lighting conditions or premium finish requirements, we’re happy to discuss the appropriate finish level before work begins.
Do you inspect the framing before hanging drywall?
Yes — regardless of what the building inspector approved, we do our own walkthrough before drywall goes up. We flag anything that could affect the finish — an uneven corner, a slightly out-of-square wall — and show you what we found. From there, you decide: fix it now, or leave it as is.
What's the difference between Level 4 and Level 5?
Level 4 is the standard for most painted rooms — three coats of compound over joints and fasteners, sanded smooth. A Level 5 drywall finish adds a full skim coat across the entire surface, recommended for glossy paint, dark colors, or rooms with harsh side-lighting. The paint finish you choose matters just as much as the drywall level — flat paint is the most forgiving, while gloss and semi-gloss highlight every surface variation. We’ll factor in your paint choice when recommending a finish level.
Do you build new walls?
Yes — permanent non-load-bearing walls: partition walls, pony walls, closets and soffits, in wood or metal studs. We frame them, then handle the drywall installation and finish. No load-bearing or structural work.
Can you match my existing texture?
Yes. We match orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel and sand textures on new drywall. Text us a close-up photo of the existing wall and we’ll tell you how we’ll match it.
Which texture should I choose?
Most homes use one texture throughout — walls and ceilings — usually orange peel or knockdown, but we can do any other texture or a custom one. If you’re adding to existing rooms, we match what’s already there. Want a modern look or glossy paint? Go with a smooth Level 5 finish. We’ll help you decide before the drywall installation starts.
Start With a Few Photos
Text us photos of your project for a free online estimate. If the range works for you, we’ll schedule a walkthrough to lock in the number.