We did the level 5 and it looks amazing. Make sure they do a true level 5. My advice would be to check the work of the dry waller because level 5 is definately more difficult and quality will show.

Level 4 is adequate for all but the worst lighting conditions.

Level 5 is needed when you are going to have semi-gloss walls or strong side lighting washing the wall.

It is a significant amount of work to skim all the surfaces (though USG is marketing a 'roll on and smooth' skim product now).

Thanks for the info!

I'm pretty comfortable that they will be able to do a level 5. They worked on a commercial project that had a level 5 finish with my husband (whos a structural engineer). It costs more to go to a Level 5 than it would light texture.

The architect wants flat paint on the walls. But, there is a lot of sunlight, especially in the great room.

Is level 5 going to look very 2011 in a few years? Is it going to be considered 'trendy'?

I think texture is going to date you more than a level 5 finish.

I've looked at houses for sale with ceiling and wall treatments from the past 100 years and especially since the 60s you can easily guess what the ceilings are going to look like by the time it was built, popcorn, swirls, other texture.

nice smooth walls and ceilings seem timeless to me.

but I'm in the northeast and that is more normal, compared to textured.

If you like the smooth level 5 texture, but your budget can't handle the labor costs, does anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper alternative for the same overall feeling? I have visions of craftsman style wall mouldings and smooth plaster in my head, but I have an orange peel budget. Ha!

"I have visions of craftsman style wall mouldings and smooth plaster in my head, but I have an orange peel budget. ":

Unless you have light washing the wall parallel to the surface level 4 should look fine.

You have to look very carefully to tell a level 4 from a level 5 with just roller stipple from painting the wall.

Lots iof light is not a problem, it is light washing the wall parallel to the surface.

One of the 'tricks' for high level finish is to is to hold a light so it is going across the wall.
This shows even the slightest bumps, humps, and hollows in the surface.

I use a 24 inch florescent drop light, then rotate it so only a narrow slot of light goes across the wall surface.