Will the walls be smooth or textured? If smooth I would definitely get Level 4 at a minimum.

In Canada we have what is referred to Level 5 in the US I would never do anything but smooth what ever # they call that where you are . I also like that same finish on ceiliungs and IMO worth the extra money alwys to do that too.

@ C R

Here is a great article talking about drywall and levels.

Level 0 to Level 5 Drywall Finishes Explained by Lee Wallender

My guess is that you know the answer to your question, you are sort of hoping your friends at dinner were wrong. They are not. Go higher if you can, you will love the look. It's too bad your GC or builder, reno guy didn't explain all of this to begin with.

I would want a smooth finish and definitely think it is worth it. We used to live in the northeast where smooth walls were standard. When we moved to CA, our Spanish style house had textured walls. It worked with the style of the house, but a real pain to paint and patch. Also impossible to add wallpaper to that type of finish, without first having the wall skim coated to a smooth finish.

We built in a new state that has a slight texture as the normal finish, but we made sure to specify completely smooth finishes for our walls and ceilings. Well worth the extra cost!

Smooth walls would be my preference, and no lower than a level 4 finish. Level 5 is even better.

I’m in the se and four in the default, five is the upgrade. Are you sure you are only getting level three?

I agree with Charles.