How much does drywall repair cost?
How much does drywall repair cost?
$300 – $1,500+ average repair cost
Average drywall repair cost
Drywall repair costs $300 to $500 to patch a small hole or $500 to $800+ to fix a larger area of damage requiring a new piece of drywall. Drywall ceiling repair costs $350 to $1,500+. The cost to fix drywall varies widely depending on the professional you hire and the size, location, and finish level of the repair.
| Repair type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Small holes (under 4 inches) | $300 – $500 |
| Large holes | $500 – $800+ |
| Drywall cracks | $350 – $1,000+ |
| Ceiling repairs | $350 – $1,500+ |
*Most contractors have a $350 to $650+ minimum job fee for drywall repairs.
How much does fixing a hole in the wall cost?
For small holes resulting from doorknobs, picture hangers, or furniture bumps, professional drywall patch prices range from $300 to $500 on average. These holes only need simple patching and sanding.
Larger holes that require more extensive work and expertise involving new drywall pieces, proper framing, and multiple compound coats cost $500 to $800 or more to repair, depending on the size and location.
Drywall crack repair cost
Drywall crack repair costs $350 to $1,000+, depending on the size and location. Small hairline cracks can be patched and sanded quickly, while larger cracks often require replacing and section of the drywall, increasing the labor and material costs. Most contractors charge less per crack when there are multiple cracks needing repair.
Some drywall cracks are a sign of more serious foundation issues. Always determine the cause of the crack before repairing it.
Drywall ceiling repair cost
Drywall ceiling repair costs $350 to $1,500 or more, depending on the size and extent of damage. The cost to patch a small ceiling crack will fall at the low end of this range, while repairs involving cutting and replacing sections of drywall fall at the high end.
Ceiling repairs often cost more than wall repairs due to the additional challenges and safety requirements of overhead work.
Drywall repair cost per square foot
Most contractors charge flat fees for minor drywall repairs because the set-up process and time required to complete a 1-square-foot repair versus a 6-square-foot repair is almost the same.
However, for larger repairs that extend to multiple rooms or involve replacing entire sheets of drywall, some professionals charge $3 to $8 per square foot for the materials and labor.
Drywall repair cost calculator
Several factors influence the total cost to repair drywall:
Region: Urban areas often have higher labor rates but more contractors, leading to more competitive pricing. Contractors in rural locations may charge additional travel fees for homes outside their standard service area.
Damage size and complexity: Small holes under 4 inches cost less to repair than large holes requiring new drywall installation and extensive finishing work.
Type of repair: Simple crack filling costs much less than water damage repairs that may require mold remediation, structural work, and complete section replacement.
Accessibility: Hard-to-reach locations like high ceilings, corners, or areas behind fixtures require specialized equipment and additional labor time.
Visibility: Most contractors spend more time on drywall repairs in highly visible areas to ensure an exact match to the surrounding texture and finish. For example, patching the drywall on a living room wall often takes longer than completing the same repair in a hidden area like the back of a closet or behind a washer.
Materials: Basic repairs need only joint compound and sandpaper, while extensive damage requires new drywall sheets, tape, screws, primer, and matching paint. Drywall sheet prices range from $10 to $20 per sheet, but professional contractors often get reduced bulk pricing.
Finish & paint: The drywall texture and finish level can significantly impact the time required to match the surrounding area and seamlessly blend the repair. Drywall contractors often add $125 or more for paint matching. The exact charge depends on your location and the amount of additional travel required.
Drywall labor cost
Labor makes up the largest portion of your drywall repair bill, often 50% to 70% or more of the total cost. Drywall labor rates range from $60 to $150 per hour on average, and repair times range anywhere from 1 hour to several days. Handypersons tend to charge less than specialized contractors.
For small drywall repairs, consider bundling the work with other repairs or services, as most contractors charge a minimum job fee of $350 to $650 or more for drywall repair.
Finishing costs
Drywall repairs often require additional services to achieve professional-looking results. Some contractors include these tasks in their initial drywall repair price, while others charge extra. Always confirm exactly what they include in their quote to avoid any surprises later.
The average cost to tape, mud, and finish drywall is $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Drywall texturing costs $0.80 to $2.00+ per square foot. Matching existing wall texture adds complexity and cost, especially with uncommon patterns.
Interior painting costs $2 to $8+ per square foot after the repairs are complete.
Additional costs
Drywall repair is frequently done alongside other services or additional repairs:
Foundation repair costs anywhere from $250 to patch a hairline crack to $12,000+ to address more serious issues.
Mold removal costs anywhere from $500 to $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage.
Replacing insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot installed on average.
Electricians charge $50 to $130+ per hour, with a minimum $100 to $200 service call fee. Electricians might cut holes in drywall when doing electrical repairs or upgrades.
Plumbers charge $45 to $150+ per hour. Always address leaks and water damage before repairing the drywall.
Removing a popcorn ceiling costs $1 to $6 per square foot and may uncover spots that need repair.
When to replace drywall vs. repair it
Sometimes replacing drywall makes more financial sense than extensive repairs. Repairs work best for isolated damage like small holes, minor cracks, or limited water damage. Consider replacement for extensive water damage, widespread cracking, or damage covering more than 60% of the wall area.
If foundation issues are causing recurring cracks in your drywall, consult a foundation specialist and address the root cause before any repair work.
Drywall repair FAQs
What causes drywall to crack?
Common causes of drywall cracking include:
House settling as new construction adjusts over the first few years
Expansion and contraction from temperature and humidity changes
Weak points due to improper installation
Foundation problems, structural shifting, or water damage
Who does drywall repair?
Several types of professionals handle drywall repairs. Handypeople work best for small holes, minor cracks, and simple patches, charging $50 to $80 per hour. Drywall contractors specialize in larger repairs, ceiling work, and complex damage, charging $60 to $100+ per hour. Some painters also handle minor drywall repairs as part of painting projects.
How long does drywall repair take?
Drywall repair time varies based on the damage. Small holes take 1 to 2 hours to patch. Larger holes often require 2 to 5 hours of active work. Extensive repairs may take 1 to 3 days due to the multiple coats of joint compound that require 12+ hours drying time between applications.
Can I repair drywall myself?
Some small drywall repairs can be DIY-friendly if you have the proper tools, patience, and if you know what caused the damage. Hire a professional for larger holes, damage with an unknown cause, ceiling damage, water damage, or structural cracks where a professional's knowledge and expertise helps prevent costly mistakes.
Getting estimates for drywall repair
When searching for drywall companies near you, remember to:
Contact at least three licensed contractors for in-person or visual estimates and get a detailed quote in writing before they start working.
Look for contractors who are active members of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Only hire a licensed, insured, bonded, company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Inquire about warranty terms for the completed work.
Avoid choosing the contractor with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Questions to ask a drywall contractor
Ask the following questions to help you select the best contractor and avoid unexpected costs or complications during your project:
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Do you provide free estimates?
What type of drywall and materials will you use for the repair?
How will you match the existing wall texture and paint?
What is included in your quoted price, and what costs extra?
Do you guarantee your work, and for how long?
Will you handle all necessary permits and inspections?
How do you protect surrounding areas during repair work?
How long will the project take from start to finish?
What happens if you discover additional damage while you're working?
Can you provide recent references from similar repair projects?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.