How much does drywall repair cost?

Drywall repair cost

Drywall repair costs $200 to $750 on average, depending on the amount of damage, type, and location. The cost to patch drywall holes is $50 to $400 per hole. Drywall ceiling repair costs $150 to $1,000. The average cost to fix drywall cracks is $100 to $400.

• Drywall repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot for small jobs and fixes.
• Drywall contractors charge minimum trip fees of $125 to $200.
• Drywall repair labor costs $40 to $100 per hour.

Average cost of drywall repair

The following table shows the average sheetrock repair cost for homeowners.

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Drywall repair cost per square foot

Drywall repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot for small fixes or $2 to $6 per square foot when replacing entire walls or ceilings. Most drywall contractors charge $50 to $400 per hole or crack instead, depending on the size, location, and damage.

Cost to patch drywall holes

Drywall hole repair costs $50 to $400 per patch, depending on the hole's size and location:

• Patching one small hole costs $50 to $150 or $200 to $650 for multiple holes.
• Fixing medium or large holes costs $200 to $400 per hole.
• Prices increase for drywall in difficult-to-access areas or with water damage.

Drywall ceiling repair cost

Drywall ceiling repair costs $150 to $400 on average, including labor and materials to fix holes or cracks. Replacing a sheetrock ceiling with extensive damage costs $400 to $1,000.

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Cost to repair drywall cracks

Repairing drywall cracks costs $100 to $400, depending on the crack's size and location.

• Repairing small hairline cracks up to 6" in length costs $100 to $250.
• Fixing medium-sized cracks from 6" to 24" in length costs $120 to $330.
• Repairing large stress cracks or corner cracks costs $150 to $400.

Drywall cracks larger than 1/8" wide, multiple small cracks, or recurring cracks may indicate underlying structural or foundation issues. Foundation repair costs $2,300 to $6,750, depending on the extent of the problem.

Cost to fix an entire drywall wall

Replacing drywall costs $2 to $6 per square foot or $150 to $650 for one entire wall in a 12' x 12' room. The wall repair cost includes removing the damaged drywall sheets, hauling away the debris, and installing and finishing new drywall.

Cost to repair drywall water damage

Repairing water damages in drywall ceilings and walls costs $200 to $500 for minor damage or $500 to $2,500 for major damage with roof leak repair. Fixing water damage typically requires other repairs before replacing the drywall:

• The cost to fix a leak is $150 to $850 on average, depending on the leak's location.
• Mold removal costs $15 to $30 per square foot. Small mold remediation jobs cost $500 to $1,500 while large jobs cost $3,000 to $6,000.
• Replacing attic insulation costs $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. Attic insulation should be replaced before repairing a water-damaged drywall ceiling.

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Sheetrock repair cost factors

The following factors affect sheetrock repair costs:

• Damage size and type – Small nail holes can be repaired easily, while large holes and ceiling damage require more skill, experience, and materials.
• Damage location – Repairing a drywall ceiling typically costs more than fixing a wall.
• Number of holes or cracks – Repairing multiple holes in one visit reduces the cost per hole.
• Texturing drywall costs $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot. Contractors may charge more to match the new drywall to the surrounding wall or ceiling if the texture is less common.

Drywall repair labor cost

Drywall repair labor costs $40 to $100 per hour, which makes up 65% to 75% of the total cost. Drywall labor rates vary depending on the size and type of damage, location, and accessibility.

• Drywall contractors charge $40 to $100 per hour with minimum trip fees of $125 to $200.
• Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour with a $75 to $200 minimum.

Drywall repair materials cost

Drywall and sheetrock prices are $10 to $20 per sheet, depending on the size, type, and thickness. Additional drywall repair supplies cost $10 to $80.

• For holes smaller than 3/4", a putty knife, spackle, and sandpaper will suffice.
• Small holes up to 6" in diameter can be repaired with a drywall patch kit.
• Larger holes and repairs typically require drywall sheets, mud, and tape.

Drywall tape repair cost

The average cost to repair loose or peeling drywall tape is $80 to $200, including labor and materials. Drywall tape may peel if the installer did not use enough joint compound or the mud dried too quickly before the tape was applied.

Drywall taping and mudding costs $0.35 to $1.10 per square foot when installing new drywall sheets. The new drywall requires sanding and finishing after taping.

Additional services or repairs

Drywall repair is often combined with other services or additional repairs:

• Removing a popcorn ceiling costs $1 to $2 per square foot and may reveal areas that need repair.
• Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot after drywall repairs are complete.
• Plumbers charge $125 to $350 for minor repairs and $500 to $800 for large repairs. Fix any leaks before repairing the drywall.
• Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour. An electrician may need to cut holes in the drywall to make electrical repairs or upgrades.
• Spray foam insulation costs $1.30 to $2.60 per square foot.
• Blown-in insulation costs $0.80 to $1.60 per square foot.

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DIY cost to repair drywall yourself

DIY drywall repair costs $10 to $50, depending on the repair size, type, and materials needed. Patching holes smaller than 6" and fixing hairline cracks are easy DIY projects. Repairing a large hole is time-consuming, requires specialized tools and supplies, and is better left to a professional.

• Fill holes smaller than 3/4" with plumber's putty.
• Patch holes up to 6" with a drywall repair kit.
• Fill short hairline cracks with joint compound.

Drywall repair kit cost

A DIY drywall repair kit costs $10 to $13 on average. Drywall repair kits include a ready-made mesh patch to cover a hole 3" to 6" in diameter.

Drywall repair process

Follow these steps to fix a hole in drywall or sheetrock:

1. Clean up the edges of the hole with a utility knife and scrape off any residue.
2. Sand the surface around the edges and wipe away any dust.
3. Fill or patch the hole:
   • For holes and dents smaller than 3/4", fill with painter's putty until it's level with the surrounding wall, then scrape off any excess putty and let the area dry.
   • For holes up to 6" in diameter, apply the adhesive side of a mesh patch to the wall and firmly press it into place, then spread spackle over the patch and let the area dry.
4. Sand the dry surface until smooth.
5. Paint the surface to blend it with the rest of the wall.

Holes larger than 6" in diameter must be patched with a new piece of drywall and typically require professional repair.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I hire a handyman or drywall repair contractor?

Hire a handyman to repair small cracks, fill nail holes, or patch holes less than 6" in diameter. Hire a drywall contractor to repair large cracks and holes, ceilings, or water damage.

Who can fix holes in walls?

A handyman can fix small holes in walls. Some painters also make minor drywall repairs. For large holes, hire a drywall contractor instead.

How long does drywall repair take?

Most drywall repairs take less than 1 day, depending on the repair size and type:

• Patching a small hole takes 1 to 2 hours.
• Fixing a large hole takes 2 to 5 hours.
• Replacing an entire wall takes 1 to 3 days, including taping, mudding, and finishing.

Large drywall repairs may require multiple visits because each coat of joint compound takes up to 12 hours to dry, and most finishing requires 2 to 3 coats.

What causes drywall damage?

Common causes of drywall damage include:

• Nail or screw holes
• Doorknobs or handles bumping the wall
• Scratches and dents from children or pets playing
• Leaks, water damage, and mold
• Rodents and pests
• Cracks from foundation settling or shifting
• Electrical or plumbing repairs or renovations

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Getting drywall repair cost estimates

When getting free estimates from drywall companies near you, be sure to:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare. Most drywall contractors offer free estimates.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Look for a drywall contractor who is a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
• Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Only pay for work completed.

Questions to ask drywall repair contractors

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Will you work on the project yourself or use a subcontractor?
• Do you provide a free estimate?
• Does the quote include finishing and painting the drywall?
• Does the quote include cleanup and debris disposal?
• What other costs should I expect?
• How long will the project take?
• Do you offer a warranty on your work?

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