You have holes in your walls from removed fixtures. Cracks appeared after settling. Water damage left ugly stains. Moving furniture punched through drywall. These eyesores make your home look neglected. How much does drywall repair cost, and should you DIY or hire a pro?
Professional drywall repair services restore walls and ceilings perfectly, match existing texture seamlessly, fix structural issues properly, prevent future problems, complete work quickly (hours vs. days), include painting for finished look, and deliver invisible repairs that look like new. But with costs ranging from $75 to $1,500+, knowing when to DIY vs. hire help is crucial.
This comprehensive guide shows you everything you need to know about drywall repair services. You'll learn what different repairs cost, when to DIY vs. hire pros, how to prevent common problems, what to look for in contractors, and where to find reliable professionals who deliver invisible repairs at fair prices.
🔨 Drywall Repair Services & Costs
🔍 Small Hole Repair
$75-150
Fix nail holes, small dents, minor damage.
- Nail/screw holes: $50-100
- Doorknob holes: $75-150
- Small dents: $75-125
- Size: Under 2 inches
- Includes: Patch, sand, prime
- Time: 1-2 hours
🕳️ Medium Hole Repair
$150-300
Fix fist-sized holes and damage.
- 2-6 inch holes: $150-250
- Multiple small holes: $200-400
- Includes: Patch, tape, mud, sand, prime
- Method: California patch or backing
- Time: 2-4 hours
- May need: 2 visits for drying
🚪 Large Hole Repair
$300-600
Fix large holes and extensive damage.
- 6-12 inch holes: $300-500
- 12+ inch holes: $500-800
- Includes: New drywall, tape, mud, texture
- Method: Cut out, install new piece
- Time: 4-8 hours
- Visits: 2-3 for drying/sanding
📐 Crack Repair
$100-300
Fix cracks in walls and ceilings.
- Small cracks: $100-200
- Large cracks: $200-400
- Structural cracks: $400-1,000+
- Includes: Tape, mud, sand, prime
- May need: Structural assessment
- Time: 2-4 hours
💧 Water Damage Repair
$300-1,500+
Fix water-damaged drywall.
- Small area: $300-600
- Medium area: $600-1,200
- Large area: $1,200-3,000+
- Includes: Remove damaged, replace, texture
- Must fix: Water source first
- Time: 1-3 days
🏠 Ceiling Repair
$200-800
Fix ceiling holes, cracks, sagging.
- Small repairs: $200-400
- Large repairs: $400-800
- Sagging ceiling: $600-1,500
- Includes: Repair, texture match
- Difficulty: Overhead work harder
- Time: 4-8 hours
🎨 Texture Matching
$100-400
Match existing wall texture.
- Smooth finish: $100-200
- Orange peel: $150-300
- Knockdown: $200-350
- Popcorn: $250-500
- Critical: Seamless appearance
- Skill required: High
🖌️ Repair + Painting
$150-600
Complete repair with painting.
- Small repair + paint: $150-300
- Medium repair + paint: $300-500
- Large repair + paint: $500-800
- Includes: Repair, prime, paint
- Best option: Finished look
- Time: Add 1-2 hours
💰 Understanding Drywall Repair Costs
Cost by Damage Size
| Damage Size | Repair Cost | Time Required | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Holes | $50-100 | 30 minutes | Easy |
| Small (under 2") | $75-150 | 1-2 hours | Easy |
| Medium (2-6") | $150-300 | 2-4 hours | Moderate |
| Large (6-12") | $300-600 | 4-8 hours | Difficult |
| Very Large (12"+) | $500-1,000+ | 8-16 hours | Very Difficult |
Factors That Affect Repair Costs
- Damage size: Larger holes cost more
- Number of repairs: Multiple holes get discounts
- Location: Ceilings cost 20-30% more (overhead work)
- Texture matching: Complex textures add $100-300
- Painting: Adds $50-200 per repair
- Water damage: Requires more extensive work
- Accessibility: High ceilings, tight spaces cost more
- Structural issues: May need additional repairs
- Location: Urban areas 20-30% more expensive
- Urgency: Same-day service costs 50-100% more
💡 Why Local Platforms Save You Money
On zero-fee platforms like GigNGo, you connect directly with local drywall contractors without middleman markups:
- No franchise fees: Large companies add 30-50% overhead
- No platform commissions: Contractors don't pay 15-30% fees
- Direct pricing: Negotiate fair rates for your repairs
- Experienced professionals: Skilled drywall specialists
- Real reviews: See feedback from actual local customers
- Same-day available: Often faster response
- Better for contractors: They keep 100% of earnings
- Bundle discounts: Multiple repairs save more
Average savings: 30-50% compared to large companies, while contractors earn more. Everyone wins.
🔧 DIY vs. Hire a Professional
DIY Drywall Repair When:
- Small holes (under 2 inches)
- Nail/screw holes only
- You have basic tools (putty knife, spackle)
- No texture matching needed
- Budget is very tight ($20-50 materials)
- You have time to wait for drying
- Not in visible high-traffic area
Hire Professional When:
- Holes larger than 2 inches
- Ceiling repairs (difficult overhead work)
- Texture matching required
- Water damage (may have hidden issues)
- Multiple repairs needed
- Structural cracks (need assessment)
- Want invisible, perfect results
- Time is valuable (done in hours vs. days)
💡 Pro Tips for Drywall Repairs
Save Money on Drywall Repairs
- Use local platforms: Save 30-50% vs. large companies
- Bundle repairs: Fix all holes at once for discount
- DIY small holes: Under 2 inches is easy
- Skip painting: Do it yourself after repair
- Flexible scheduling: Avoid emergency rates
- Get multiple quotes: Compare 2-3 estimates
- Buy materials: If contractor agrees (save markup)
- Do prep work: Move furniture, protect floors
- Off-season: Winter often has better rates
- Prevent damage: Use wall anchors, bumpers
Common Drywall Problems & Causes
- Nail pops: House settling, temperature changes
- Cracks: Foundation settling, structural movement
- Holes: Accidents, removed fixtures, doorknobs
- Water damage: Leaks, floods, high humidity
- Sagging ceiling: Water damage, age, poor installation
- Dents: Furniture, moving, impacts
- Tape separation: Poor installation, moisture
- Texture damage: Scraping, impacts, repairs
Prevent Future Drywall Damage
- Use wall anchors: For heavy items, not just nails
- Install door stops: Prevent doorknob holes
- Corner guards: Protect high-traffic corners
- Fix leaks promptly: Water damage spreads fast
- Control humidity: Prevents warping, mold
- Furniture bumpers: Protect walls from impacts
- Proper ventilation: Bathrooms, kitchens
- Address settling: Fix foundation issues
- Quality installation: Use pros for new drywall
- Regular inspection: Catch small problems early
⚠️ When Drywall Damage Indicates Bigger Problems
- Recurring cracks: May indicate foundation issues
- Water stains: Active leak needs immediate attention
- Sagging ceiling: Structural problem, safety hazard
- Mold/mildew: Moisture problem, health hazard
- Large horizontal cracks: Possible structural failure
- Bulging walls: Water damage or structural issue
Don't just patch these—get professional assessment to address root cause.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall repair cost?
Drywall repair costs $75-500 per repair or $50-90 per hour. Small holes: $75-150. Medium holes: $150-300. Large holes: $300-600. Ceiling repair: $200-800. Water damage: $300-1,500+. Factors: damage size, location, number of repairs, painting. Includes: patching, sanding, priming. On local platforms like GigNGo, find drywall contractors 30-50% cheaper than large companies.
Can I repair drywall myself?
YES for small repairs, hire pro for larger. DIY appropriate for: nail holes, small holes under 2 inches, no texture matching needed, you have time. Cost: $20-50 in materials. Time: 2-4 hours plus drying. Hire professional for: holes over 2 inches, ceiling repairs, texture matching, water damage, multiple repairs, want perfect results. Professional benefits: done in hours, invisible repair, includes texture/paint, warranty. Most people: DIY nail holes, hire pro for anything larger.
How long does drywall repair take?
Drywall repair takes 1-8 hours depending on size. Small holes: 1-2 hours. Medium holes: 2-4 hours. Large holes: 4-8 hours. Multiple repairs: add 1-2 hours each. Drying time: 2-24 hours between coats. Total timeline: 1-3 days with drying. Factors: damage size, number of repairs, texture complexity, painting. Professional advantage: knows how to minimize drying time, works efficiently. DIY takes 2-3x longer due to learning curve and waiting for materials to dry between coats.
What causes cracks in drywall?
Drywall cracks caused by: house settling (most common, normal), foundation issues (serious, needs assessment), temperature/humidity changes (expansion/contraction), poor installation (improper taping), structural movement (load-bearing walls), water damage (weakens drywall), age (materials deteriorate). Small hairline cracks: usually normal settling, easy fix. Large cracks: may indicate structural problem, get professional assessment. Recurring cracks: definitely structural issue, don't just patch. Prevention: control humidity, address foundation issues, proper installation techniques.
How do you fix a hole in drywall?
Fix drywall holes by size. Small (under 2"): fill with spackle, sand smooth, prime, paint. Medium (2-6"): use patch kit or California patch (drywall piece with mesh), apply joint compound, sand, texture, paint. Large (6"+): cut square around hole, install backing, screw in new drywall piece, tape seams, apply 2-3 coats compound, sand smooth, texture match, prime, paint. Key steps: clean edges, proper backing, multiple thin coats (not one thick), sand between coats, match texture. Professional advantage: perfect texture matching, invisible repair, done quickly.
Should I repair or replace damaged drywall?
Repair if: damage localized (small area), structural sound, no mold, cost-effective. Replace if: extensive water damage, mold present, large areas damaged (over 50% of wall), structural damage, sagging, multiple repairs needed. Cost comparison: repair $75-500, replace entire wall $300-1,000+. Water damage: often requires replacement (hidden damage, mold risk). Professional can assess: check behind wall, test for mold, evaluate structural integrity. Most cases: repair is sufficient and much cheaper than replacement.
How much does it cost to repair water-damaged drywall?
Water-damaged drywall repair costs $300-1,500+ depending on extent. Small area (under 4 sq ft): $300-600. Medium area (4-10 sq ft): $600-1,200. Large area (10+ sq ft): $1,200-3,000+. Includes: remove damaged drywall, dry area, treat for mold, install new drywall, tape, mud, texture, paint. Must fix water source first or damage returns. May need: mold remediation ($500-3,000 extra), structural repairs. Insurance may cover: check policy for water damage coverage. Don't delay: water damage spreads, mold grows in 24-48 hours.
How do you match drywall texture?
Match drywall texture by: identify existing texture (smooth, orange peel, knockdown, popcorn), practice on cardboard first, use same technique and tools, apply at same thickness, timing is critical (when to knockdown). Common textures: Smooth (hardest, requires skill), Orange peel (spray texture, moderate), Knockdown (trowel after spray, popular), Popcorn (spray, outdated). DIY challenges: hard to match exactly, requires practice, special tools needed. Professional advantage: experience matching textures, has all tools, invisible repair. Most people: hire pro for texture matching, very noticeable if done wrong.
Do I need to paint after drywall repair?
YES, painting required for finished look. Process: repair drywall, prime repaired area (seals, prevents flashing), paint repaired area, often need to paint entire wall (color matching difficult). Why paint whole wall: new paint won't match faded paint exactly, patch will show as different shade, lighting affects color. Options: patch only ($50-100 extra), whole wall ($100-300), whole room ($200-600). Professional packages: often include painting in quote, know how to blend paint, have sprayers for texture. DIY option: do painting yourself after repair to save money.
How do I find a reliable drywall contractor near me?
Find reliable drywall contractors by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo, getting 2-3 detailed quotes, asking for before/after photos, checking references, verifying insurance. Look for: 20+ positive reviews, experience with your repair type, clear pricing, professional communication, warranty offered, proper tools/materials. Avoid: extremely low prices (poor quality), no references, vague estimates, pressure tactics. Local platforms connect you directly with experienced contractors without middleman fees, saving 30-50% compared to large companies while ensuring quality, professional repairs with warranties.
Find Drywall Repair Services Near You
Connect with experienced local drywall contractors. Compare quotes, check reviews, and save 30-50% compared to large companies.
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🎬 Final Thoughts
Professional drywall repair services restore your walls and ceilings to perfect condition with invisible repairs. By understanding costs, knowing when to DIY vs. hire help, and using local platforms to find experienced contractors, you can get quality repairs without overpaying.
✅ Quick Recap: Drywall Repair
Typical Costs:
- Small holes: $75-150
- Medium holes: $150-300
- Large holes: $300-600
- Water damage: $300-1,500+
- Save 30-50% using local platforms
DIY vs. Pro:
- DIY: Small holes under 2 inches
- Hire Pro: Anything larger, ceilings, texture matching
- Professional: Invisible repairs, done in hours
Best Practices:
- Bundle multiple repairs for discounts
- Fix water damage immediately
- Use wall anchors to prevent future damage
- Get quotes from 2-3 contractors
- Address structural issues, don't just patch
Whether you have small nail holes or extensive water damage, finding the right experienced contractor makes all the difference. Take time to compare quotes, check reviews, and choose professionals who deliver invisible repairs with proper techniques and warranties.
Need drywall repair? Post your needs on GigNGo and connect with experienced local drywall contractors who deliver quality repairs at fair prices.