Calgary Drywall Doctor is a drywall contractor serving Lakeview in SW Calgary. Lakeview sits on the north shore of the Glenmore Reservoir, south of Glenmore Trail, and most of its homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s. They are solid bungalows, bi-levels and split-levels on good lots, and they are being renovated hard right now. That means stipple ceilings coming down, kitchen walls coming out, and basements that were finished in wood panelling finally getting proper drywall. We have done a lot of that work in Lakeview. We know what to test for in a ceiling of this age, how to match a 1970s texture, and how to tie new board into old so the renovation does not show. Written quote first, dust control throughout.
What We Tend to Find in Lakeview Homes
Homes of this era share a short list of drywall issues. Here is what we see in Lakeview week after week.
- Stipple and popcorn ceilings. Nearly universal in 1960s and 1970s Calgary homes. Textures applied before about 1990 may contain asbestos, so we ask for a lab test before anyone scrapes or sands. If it is clear, removal is straightforward. If not, a licensed abatement contractor takes it down and we finish the ceiling after.
- Texture mismatches from past repairs. Fifty years of plumbers, electricians and handymen leave patches that do not match. We spray test patches until the new section blends with the old.
- Wall removals. Opening a closed 1960s kitchen into the dining room is the most common Lakeview renovation. The drywall side is tying new board into old ceilings and walls at different thicknesses.
- Basements finished in the 1970s. Panelling, drop ceilings and thin board. Many owners strip it all and start over. We moisture-check the foundation first, since efflorescence and damp corners are common in basements this age.
- Cracks at the ceiling line and corners. Dry winter air and Chinook swings keep working at joints that were taped half a century ago.
- Water stains. Hail-damaged roofs and old bathroom leaks leave brown rings on ceilings. We cut out the soft board rather than paint over it.
Two things that are specific to this area. First, some of the lower-lying Lakeview lots can have damp basements, and the old finishes hide it. We meter the walls and slab and tell you if dampness needs to be handled before drywall goes up. Second, homes of this era often have wider ceiling joist spacing in some rooms, so when we re-board a ceiling we use 5/8" board or ceiling board rated for that span, so it does not sag between the joists the way thin board can.
Drywall Services in Lakeview
We offer every service on this site in Lakeview. The most relevant:
Ceiling Repair is our busiest category here. Popcorn Ceiling Removal takes a tested stipple ceiling down to flat and ready for paint. If you prefer a lighter modern texture instead, Ceiling Texture Application covers knockdown and orange-peel.
Drywall Repair covers cracks, holes and old patches. Texture Matching is the page to read if a past repair stands out, and Water Damage Drywall Repair handles stained or soft ceilings after a leak.
Drywall Installation and Renovation Drywall cover kitchen openings, additions and the main-floor remodels Lakeview is known for.
Basement Drywall replaces 1970s panelling with properly boarded and finished walls, mould-resistant board where it helps, and fire-rated board around the furnace.
Drywall Finishing covers Level 4 and Level 5 work when the whole main floor is being redone.
Not sure if your ceiling is stipple or knockdown, or whether it has ever been tested? Send a close-up photo. We can usually tell you what it is and what the next step should be.
We also serve Altadore and Killarney north of Glenmore Trail and Oakridge across the reservoir. See our SW Calgary page for the full list.
How a Lakeview Drywall Job Goes
A ceiling job in a 1960s home is the most common Lakeview call, so here is how that goes.
- Test first. If the ceiling was textured before 1990 and has not been tested, we ask for a lab sample before quoting removal. It is a small cost and it protects everyone in the house.
- Written scope. Removal or cover, finish level, whether the walls are included, and the schedule. Everything itemized.
- Full containment. Floors and furniture covered, zip walls on doorways, HEPA vacuums running. Ceiling work is messy and we plan for it.
- Scrape or re-board. Sound ceilings get scraped and skimmed. Ceilings in rough shape get a new layer of 1/2" or 5/8" board over the old.
- Tape, finish, inspect. Three coats, sanded, checked under raking light. Flat and prime-ready, or textured to your choice.
- Walkthrough. We clean up and go through the work with you. A written workmanship warranty covers it.
Wall removals and basements follow the same steps, with a site visit and moisture check before the quote.
Why Lakeview Homeowners Call Calgary Drywall Doctor
We have been a Calgary drywall contractor since 2004 and have completed 500+ projects, a good share of them in 1960s and 1970s homes like the ones in Lakeview. We know what to test, what to scrape, and how to match a texture that has been on the ceiling since before we were in business. We are licensed, WCB-covered and insured. Quotes are free, written and itemized. We keep the dust contained and the finish checked under raking light, and we back the work with a written workmanship warranty. For a Lakeview ceiling, renovation or basement, call 587-417-5252.
Lakeview is a quiet, settled community and we work accordingly. Set hours, a clean truck, deliveries planned so we are not blocking a neighbour's driveway, and the work area sealed off so the rest of the house stays usable. If you have a painter lined up, we coordinate the handoff and leave the ceiling or walls prime-ready on the day we promised.
Lakeview is part of our SW Calgary service area. See all the neighbourhoods and services we cover on the SW Calgary drywall contractor page.