How much does drywall repair cost?

Researching local drywall repair services is the first step in estimating the cost of drywall repair. Depending on where you’re located, the cost of hiring a contractor will vary. Additionally, prices will depend greatly on the type of damage. Water damage, cracks and holes will require a different level of service and materials.

The following guide offers cost information to help you understand how much you'll pay for wall and ceiling repairs.

When assessing the cost of drywall repair (and sheetrock repairs), there are several factors to consider. One consideration central to your cost will be the number of rooms you need to repair.

The more rooms that need repairing, the more you’ll spend in total. However, you actually save money per room. For example, in the chart below, you’ll see that the cost of fixing the drywall in two rooms is not double the cost of one. This is because there are labor costs associated with any visit from a contractor. Once you've paid for that initial trip fee, you'll spend less on each additional room. 

Based on room number alone, the following chart can help you estimate how much to expect to spend:

Drywall repair prices by number of rooms:

Other factors will also come into play, of course. For example, replacing fire-rated or fire-resistant drywall can be more costly than replacing traditional paper and gypsum drywall. 

And if you decide to patch up your wall yourself, you'll have to factor in material costs, such as purchasing a premixed drywall compound, a putty knife and other key tools. 

Here are some drywall repair price estimates from several companies. Examples include estimates for ceiling repairs, patching a hole or crack, and replacing your wall: 

The cost to fill in dents or nail holes in your drywall starts as low as $75. Small repairs usually involve patching small holes with spackling paste and then simply painting over the area. Fixing large holes often require new drywall installation and will likely require a pro's help.

As any homeowner knows, the costs associated with all home repairs will vary dramatically based on the project's specifications and needs. For example:

Damage size and type.

Drywall consists of panels, lined up alongside one another and usually adhered together with a joint compound — also known as drywall mud — or joint tape. Often sold in 4-by-8 or 4-by-12-foot sheets, it can be repaired by replacing whole components or by patching holes. 

Because drywall consists of multiple sheets, how much you'll pay to fix it will vary depending on the type of damage its sustained. For example, if you created holes in your wall by hanging up a picture, it won’t cost much to patch them up. Conversely, if large cracks or large holes require you to invest in a new piece of drywall, your costs will be higher.

Another factor to consider is the amount of labor required to patch the drywall holes, fix the cracks or repair the plasterboard. Labor costs will be influenced by a few key items, including:

• The cost of labor in your area
• The severity of the damage
• Extra work that needs to be done
• Flat rate fees for coming to your house

On an hourly basis, professionals' rates start at $75 per hour for repairs and texturing. But because labor costs can vary greatly from contractor to contractor, the best way to get an accurate price is by requesting free estimates from several local drywall repair professionals.

Materials.

Whether you hire a professional or decide to do it yourself, the materials needed will contribute to your project’s total cost. When estimating your costs, consider how much you'll spend on the following:

• Screws
• Joint compound or drywall mud
• Putty knife
• Utility knife
• Spackle
• Patch pieces
• Sanding tools

For DIY projects, you can simply visit a local hardware store to get the materials you need. If it’s a small project, a putty knife and spackling paste will probably be all you need. For larger projects, you might invest in screws, patches and compounds. 

If you opt to hire a professional, the costs for materials will be rolled up into your total bill. However, it’s worth asking how much the materials will cost when you're getting a price quote.

Additional repairs.

The amount you spend will also fluctuate based on additional repairs needed. For example, when water damage causes cracks or other issues in your ceiling, you might need to consult with a plumber or roofer to figure out if you also need to fix any leaks. You might need to factor in costs for water remediation services. 

And if you discover a mold problem, you'll also want to chat with a mold remediation expert to find out how much those services will cost you.

Here's a quick list of signs that indicate you might need repair services:

• Water damage. If you’ve had flooding or leaking, it’s important to replace wet drywall. Left unattended, it can lead to mold, health problems and costly cleanup.
• Patch job. Overzealous nail holes or larger holes from accidents can all be easily fixed with drywall repair.
• Roof leaks. Water damage on your ceiling due to a roof leak can be easily remedied with drywall repair. Just be sure to have the roof repaired if roof leaks are an ongoing issue
• Remove popcorn ceiling. Drywall repair pros can re-texture your ceiling to get rid of that outdated popcorn look.
• Ceiling patch. Holes in the ceiling happen — either from repair work or due to accidents. A drywall contractor can repair or replace damaged ceiling drywall.

If you’re worried about going over your budget, rest assured knowing there are a few ways you can save money. Consider the following before you begin repairs: 

DIY small, simple fixes. If possible, investing in a small patch kit and doing the work yourself can help lower costs. However, if you’re uncomfortable or inexperienced with doing this yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to a specialist. 

Schedule your repairs at once. You might save money if you schedule your repairs at once instead of spacing them out one by one. Remember that the cost per room decreases with the more rooms you have.

Shop around for drywall repair pros. One of the best ways to ensure that you get a fair price is to ask for free estimates from multiple professionals near you. This will allow you to make an educated decision on who to hire.

When faced with a repair project, most homeowners will wonder if they should tackle the task themselves in classic DIY mode, or if they should hire a professional to take the job on instead. 

The answer depends a lot on what work needs to be done and your skill level. The following chart helps outline when you might be able to handle a project yourself and when you should call in a pro.

Keep in mind that even minor issues and holes can be time-consuming — especially if you have many. Not only will you need to purchase the right materials — such as a putty knife, drywall patch, paper tape, screws and spackle — but you’ll also need to finish the job by painting over the area. In the case of a textured wall or ceiling repairs, it becomes even more complicated as you want to ensure the area matches the rest of the surface. 

Also, professionals are highly skilled and experienced — they know what mistakes to avoid to help ensure your wall will hold up. While hiring a professional might cost you more upfront, in many situations, it can save you money in the long run.

When cracks form or a mistake leads to the need for patching, you are left with two options: invest in repairs or replace the entire section of the damaged area. In many cases, sheetrock repair is all you need to solve the problem. 

But in some situations, tearing out the old material and replacing it is the best way to go. Here are some signs you might need installation services:

• Extensive water damage 
• Visible bulging, bumps or crumbling
• Collapsed wall
• Rot
• Smoke or fire damage
• Mold damage

If you’re unsure if you should replace or repair your wall, contact a pro near you and ask if they can give you a consultation.

To save you money on future repairs, take a few preventative measures. For example: 

Be careful when nailing into your walls. Figure out if you have any walls or ceilings made out of plaster. Plaster walls are more durable and better for hanging items than drywall.

Invest in routine roof maintenance. If there are any holes in your roof, fix them immediately to prevent leaks. This will help prevent water damage.

Always tackle flood and water damage immediately. According to FEMA, a water damaged drywall should be removed right away. This will help prevent the spread of mold and mildew throughout your home.

Hiring a professional can help ensure that your wall is fixed quickly and effectively. Before choosing a pro, consider the following:

Explore all your options. A quick search for repair or installation services will lead you to several handymen, construction contractors, specialists and more. Because drywall is a part of many different home projects, you’ll find that you have many options.

Check for licenses and credentials. After you choose a professional, double-check that they have the appropriate licensure and credentials in your state. You can utilize Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring guide to find links to state government websites.

Read reviews. Take the time to read reviews people have left about their contractor’s work. This can help ensure you only hire a pro with a proven track record of success. 

Ask for free estimates. Before you hire a professional, ask for a free estimate from at least three of them. You can also ask other questions upfront, such as how long the process will take and how many similar projects the contractor has completed.

If cracks, holes and water damage have you concerned, it might be time to bring in an expert. Fortunately, finding a top-rated professional is simple. Quickly search an entire database of local drywall professionals near you by using Thumbtack, and start requesting free quotes today.