Can you repair your damaged drywall yourself? Should you call a professional? And how much will it cost?
Drywall is one of the most common materials used in construction, for several good reasons.There’s a good chance at least some of the interior walls and ceiling in your home are drywall.
Drywall does have some disadvantages, mainly that it can be damaged rather easily. And once it does, what would you do – do you need to call a professionaldrywall repaircrew, or is there a chance that you could handle the repairs yourself?
Which Route is Best for You to Take
Whether to attempt to handle the repairs yourself or hire professionals is mainly a matter of how much damage you’re looking at, and what your budget is:
- For minor damage: If the damage is minor than you shouldn’t have to pay much for a professional repair. Minor issues are also a lot simpler to handle by yourself, and shouldn’t take you any longer than a few hours to get finished.
- For bigger problems:A major damage to a drywall may not be something you want to handle yourself. It will definitely carry a heftier price tag, but a professional will save you a serious amount of time and frustration.
Think carefully about which way you want to go. If you have the budget but not the time to handle it yourself, then hiring professionals could be a no-brainer regardless of what the damage looks like.
However, if the damages are minor and you have the extra time to spare, than this might not be the hardest DIY job.
How Much Would Drywall Repair Cost?
This is one of those questions that really doesn’t have an easy answer. All drywall damage is unique, and the cost to repair drywall it is going to depend on how bad the damage is, how long it is going to take to get it fixed, and who handles the job.
For small drywall repairs, you could be looking to pay somewhere in the $200 to $300 range to get it fixed. If the problems are a little bigger, however, and you end up needing to call in the professionals, keep in mind that you could be paying the repair team anywhere from $60 to $90 an hour.
What Sorts of Drywall Damage are There?
Drywall can be damaged in all sorts of ways, including:
- Tiny holes can be knocked into your drywall when things like doorknobs, nails, or other small objects accidentally ram into it.
- Bigger holes can be the result of collisions with furniture, television sets, or other heavy items.
- Cracks, also known as stress cracks, can form in your drywall as the result of phenomena like earthquakes or your foundation beginning to settle.
- Mold or water damage can also contribute to drywall issues, with problems like pipes leaking, windows leaking, and more.
There are all kinds of things that can pose a threat to your drywall, so the chances that you’ll have to repair it sooner or later are quite high.
Drywall Problems You Could Handle Yourself
If you notice a smaller issue with your drywall that you think you could probably handle by yourself, without spending too much time and money on the project, then you’ll be happy to know the process isn’t that difficult.
As an added bonus, the amount of money you will need to spend on supplies is mercifully a lot less than you would be paying to a professional crew. The only caveat is that you’re going to be investing your own time into fixing the problem as opposed to hiring the professionals, but by fixing it yourself, you’ll not only learn a thing or two about repairing drywall, but you’ll also have a feeling of accomplishment.
For the most basic of drywall repair tools, you won’t be spending much more than $20 or maybe $30 depending on the stores you go to and the brands you choose. Your basic supplies for tackling this task should be items such as sandpaper, paint, and drywall mud.
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How Do You Fix it By Yourself?
So, you’ve got the supplies in hand to attempt to fix the problems with your drywall yourself, and you’re ready to get started. Assuming your issue is a smaller hole, the process to handle fixing it yourself would look something like this:
1. Apply a drywall patch to the area
Ensure the drywall patch is just slightly bigger than the hole you’re working on fixing.
2. Add some spackling compound
Using a putty knife, apply some spackling compound over and around the patch, skimming the edges as you go.
3. Let the drywall mud sit to dry
You want to let your drywall mud sit to dry for at least 24 hours before you move onto the next step.
4. Sand it down
With a mask and safety glasses on for face protection, sand the new patch in the drywall down until it is nice and smooth.
5. Utilize drop cloths
To catch drywall dust that could be falling on the floor, lay down some drop cloths to avoid having to pick up more of a mess than you bargained for.
When you’re finished with the rest of the repair process, apply some touch-up paint to the newly patched area to blend it back in with the rest of the wall, if you would like to.
When Do You Bring in the Professionals?
For large problems like bigger holes in your drywall, water damage, or repairs to drywall material in the ceiling, your best bet is going to be to call in a professional drywall repair crew to handle the job.
These types of jobs are a little more labor-intensive and time-consuming, which, of course, will equal more money you will be spending to get the job done. You’ll want to make sure you have enough money in your budget to handle these bigger jobs.
Luckily, though, most drywall repair teams will be happy to come over to your home, assess the damage to your drywall, and give you a free cost estimate for the job before any work begins on your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
For people who have never handled this sort of issue before (especially trying to do it by themselves), they might have all sorts of questions going through their minds about drywall repair. It can be a complicated topic, so it is only natural if some questions pop up in your mind. Check out some of these common questions about drywall repair to see if your question has been answered already:
How long should it take to fix the drywall?
This depends entirely on the severity and scope of the situation you are currently facing with your drywall. For smaller issues that can be easily taken care of, it could take as little time as a single day. For larger problems, however, it could take upwards of a month to fix the problem. This includes prep time for the job and the removal of debris when the job is done.
How many coats of drywall mud are actually needed?
If the cracks or holes are still visible after the first coat, or if the first coat didn’t quite offer the coverage you needed, you might need to perform a few more coats to get the area efficiently patched. Generally, you’ll be looking at one coat to fill in the spots and up to three more when taping is done.
Can I use a spackle instead of drywall mud?
You can, but you might not want to. You see, heavier spackle can be difficult to use efficiently when compared to regular drywall mud. This is because it tends to dry harder and be a bit more difficult to sand down comfortably. In comparison, drywall mud is much easier to apply and sand down later.
Do painters repair drywall?
You will get a better outcome from your paint application when you repair your cracked, dent, or holed drywall. The entire appearance and feel of your home interior can be enhanced by a smooth, quality paint application done by a professional painter.
Drywall repair keeps the element away where it ought to be, and painters do it better. You can imagine hiring a drywall repairer and later hire a painter to paint, as you cannot leave it without painting finishing. The good news is that painters are now expertise in drywall repairs.
Is a DIY approach or hiring someone to repair drywall a better option?
If you have access to the essential tools and equipment needed and are eager to do it yourself, you could definitely tackle the repair yourself. On the contrary, you may just hire a nearby drywall company or painter in order to save time and energy, also to get a better result from aesthetic look of your home after repair.
How much would a professional drywall repair cost?
When you opt for a professional drywall repairer to handle the job, you can easily predict the drywall initial installation cost which is at an average from $1.5 to 2.00 per sq-ft, and the replacement also cost right about the same amount excluding the cost associated with getting rid of damaged materials.
However, the magnitude and type of drywall problem will determine its cost of repair drywall. The price will be given based on the number of workers per hour and the necessary supplies.
What is the estimated time for drywall replacement?
Installation of drywall can take from a day up to four weeks plus the prep duration and debris clean up. The factors that determine this duration include framing requirements, level of finish, and project size.
Is damaged drywall recyclable after it has been removed?
Yes, in most cases. It might require you to do some findings of a recycling center in your area that will assist you with it, especially if it contains asbestos. However, drywall infested by mold cannot be recycled and should be properly disposed of by putting on gloves, goggles, and a respirator when removing it. Dispose of in a plastic bag that is nicely sealed and secure to further protect you.
Is repairing of drywall expensive?
In some cases, homeowners are faced with the repair of drywall rather than a complete wall. Experts suggest that you should prepare to pay between $50 and $75 for each hole you repair. This implies that the approximate overall cost to $150 to $225. There are some handymen and drywall contractors who consider the location of the holes as a factor before estimating the drywall repair cost.
What are the tools and supplies needed to handle the repair work myself?
All or some of the following tools will be needed:
- Electronic stud finder
- Flexible knives
- Pry bar
- Sanding sponge
- Drywall saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Hand sander
- Inside corner knife
- Ladder
- Level
Also, try and buy fresh drywall for patching, joint compound, drywall tape, drywall nails, and screws. You may also get spray-on elastic crack coating as it may come in handy.
You can also get full kits for drywall repair on the market, including patches that are available in various sizes and shapes to fit perfectly with your needs. Visit your nearest hardware store or any home center in your area.
Should I repair or replace my damaged drywall?
This depends on the type and magnitude of the damage. You can simply and quickly repair minor damage, such as a small crack on the wall. However, when the damage is too severe such as an infestation of mold or water damage, you may have no other alternative but to replace the drywall. You also need to make sure you properly clean the origin of the mold or completely drain the water from the surface before you apply new drywall.
It’s Patch Time!
Now that you know the basics of how you can repair small drywall issues yourself, how much it might cost on average whether you’re handling it yourself or calling in the pros, you’re ready to begin tackling the task of repairing the issues with your drywall. Whether you go DIY or call a repair team, you’ll be so glad when it’s finally repaired, and you don’t have to look at unsightly holes and cracks in the walls or ceilings anymore.
FAQs
How much do I charge for drywall repair? ›
Average Cost of Drywall Repair
Minor repairs that can be done by a handyman will cost an average of $60 to $90 per hour, or a drywall repair cost per square foot of $0.40-$0.80 which amounts to about $30 per sheet.
The type of damage will determine what drywall repair technique is needed. Small dents and dings can be smoothed over with spackle and paint. Water damaged or impact damaged drywall will be cut out and patched with new drywall segments. Repairs are then finished with light sanding and a fresh coat of matching paint.
How much does it cost to patch and paint a hole in the wall? ›According to experts, you can expect to pay $50 to $75 per hole for drywall repair. The price includes materials and labor. For some handymen or drywall contractors, the location of the holes may factor into the cost.
Do most painters do drywall repair? ›Some painting companies offer large drywall repair as a service that goes hand-in-hand with painting. If your walls need some significant repairs, let your paint pro know and talk about scheduling out the repairs so your walls are ready when it is time to paint.
How do you bid a drywall patch job? ›- Choose the right project. Before quoting a drywall project, you must know the best projects to bid for your company. ...
- Review bid documents or make a site visit. ...
- Perform a quantity takeoff. ...
- Price your materials and supplies. ...
- Estimate labor. ...
- Add overhead and profit. ...
- Write your proposal.
People typically charge about $1,800, or between $955 and $2,550 to hang drywall. Low-end jobs can run about $450 while high-end jobs reach $5,000 or more. That means you should charge between $1 and $3 per square foot for materials and labor for an average project.
Do painters fix walls before painting? ›After removing imperfections and filling in holes, the painter will sand all the walls to help achieve an even, smooth look. Depending on the condition of the walls, your painter might clean them after doing all of this.
Do I need to prime drywall repair before painting? ›Patched or Repaired Drywall
If these repairs are small, you do not need to purchase a primer but apply a light coat of your regular paint on those areas once the spackle or joint compound is dry. This process is called “spot priming.” If you already have primer, simply use a little primer on those patch areas.
By itself, the cost of painting the exterior of a building is generally a currently deductible repair expense because merely painting isn't an improvement under the capitalization rules.
How much is a paint job on a wall? ›The average cost to paint the interior of a home is $2.75 per square foot. If you include walls, trim, and ceilings the cost per square foot is $4.69. If repairs are needed before painting, you'll likely pay more. This assumes you hire a professional painter to do the job versus doing it yourself.
How much should I charge to paint a room? ›
...
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Room?
| Average Cost to Paint a Room | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $1,000 |
| Highest Cost | $1,600 |
| Lowest Cost | $600 |
Expect water damage ceiling repairs to cost between $45 and $55 per square foot, including everything needed for the job. Remember to add the cause of the water damage on top of this cost, such as: Plumbing repair costs: $175–$3,000. Roof replacement: $3.50–$5 per square foot.
How do professionals repair drywall? ›- Step 1: Cut Out a Piece of Drywall to Use as the Patch. ...
- Step 2: Trace the Patch Size Over the Hole. ...
- Step 3: Cut Out the Hole. ...
- Step 4: Attach Furring Strips Inside the Hole. ...
- Step 5: Attach the Patch to Furring Strips. ...
- Step 6: Apply Joint Tape to the Patch. ...
- Step 7: Apply Joint Compound.
A wall should look smooth and unified. It shouldn't show seams, or places where one sheet of drywall meets another. If it does show seams, it's a sign that the job was rushed or incomplete, or an inadequate job was done with drywall tape and/or drywall compound — a bad drywall mud job, in other words.
How long should a drywall repair take? ›The time it takes to fix the damage done to drywall depends on a variety of factors. Depending on the type of damage done, it can take around 15-20 minutes for the repair of small holes and a few hours for the repair of larger holes. If entire panels of drywall need to be replaced, then this could take an entire day.
What's the going rate to hang and finish drywall? ›The average cost to install drywall, including the finishing, taping, labor costs, and materials, is between $1.50 to $3 per square foot. This cost works out to around $60 to $90 per drywall panel.
How do you calculate drywall jobs? ›Calculate how many drywall sheets you will need by dividing the total square footage of area by 32 (if you're using 4-by-8 sheets) or by 48 (if you're using 4-by-12 sheets). If you want to get the cost, just multiply the total number of sheets by the price per sheet. Remember to add local taxes and delivery charges.
How do you quote drywall? ›Multiply drywall square footage by the going rate
Once you have determined the total sheet count, and thus the total square footage of drywall needed, you can multiply this by a contractor's square footage rate. The total drywall square footage numbers can be used to estimate both material and labor costs.
Taping and mudding drywall after it's hung can range from $0.40 to $0.70 per square foot, while sanding and priming costs between $0.10 and $0.50 per square foot. The cost to finish the drywall ranges from $0.50 to $1.15 per square foot.
How long does it take to drywall a 12x12 room? ›With drywall, it takes a fraction of the time. Two pros can typically cover a 12-by-16-foot room in about an hour. To work that fast takes practice and a few specialized tools.
Why don t professional painters wash walls before painting? ›
Professional Painters Usually Don't Wash Walls
For one reason, they're not in the business of washing—they're in the business of painting. Washing cuts into painting time, which cuts into their income, so don't expect your hired painter to wash down your walls unless you agree to pay them more for the service.
Before any paint hits a brush, professional painters will fill nail holes. They'll typically use some quick–dry spackling. They get a putty knife to push the spackle into the hole and then drag the knife over it to remove any excess and smooth the surface.
Why does drywall repair show through paint? ›The larger patches show through because of differences in the texture of the surrounding wall, which has had several coats of paint applied over the years. So you have roller texture and smooth drywall patches.
How many coats of primer on drywall patch? ›You will want to use 2-3 coats of primer to ensure there is a good bond between the new paint and the wall, and also to cover up any previous colors, especially if they are red, orange, or a strange outdated color.
Do professional painters use primer? ›Typically, contractors use a primer, then two coats of paint—the primer to seal the surface and improve paint adhesion and the paint to provide color and protection.
What happens if you don't seal drywall before painting? ›A: if you fail to prime your drywall before painting it, you will risk the paint peeling in humid or even worse conditions. This is why it's so important to prime your drywall before applying any paint coating.
What is considered a bad paint job? ›Visible stains and flaws throughout the paint because of poor wall preparation. Uneven and inconsistent colors – a common issue when only one coat of paint is used. Blotches and streaks caused by applying paint on a dirty or wet wall. Bubbles on the new coat of paint, which occur when the wall isn't allowed to dry ...
Is paint damage considered wear and tear? ›Some good examples of fair wear and tear are: Faded, chipped, or cracked paint.
Do professional painters make mistakes? ›Some clients ask for a perfect job from the painting company they are availing services from, but it is important to understand that it is entirely possible for them to make mistakes on the job as well, which is why you should always look for their reviews when looking to hire a painter.
How do painters calculate cost? ›Some contractors use a rough base rate of $1.50 or $2.00 per square foot, some multiply 4 to 6 times the paint cost, some estimate the time the job will take and add it to an estimate of materials—and some may simply offer the lowest price to outbid the competition.
Why are paint jobs so expensive? ›
Materials. Material costs have risen significantly over the past decade. This is in part due to VOC regulations, and also in the production costs of the paints themselves. Pearls, flips, glass, flakes all have become more common but that also adds a significant cost to the paint.
How much does it cost to paint a 12x12 ceiling? ›For a 12-by-12-foot room, the cost to paint a ceiling is $250 on average. You could sometimes pay as little as $150, but if your ceiling requires two coats of paint, you could pay as much as $350.
How do painters calculate square footage? ›To estimate the square footage, you multiply length x width. For example: If you are painting a bedroom, you should measure from corner to corner of a wall and then measure the height. So if your wall is 12 ft wide and 8 ft high, that wall is 96 square feet.
What is the labor cost to paint a bedroom? ›Answer: The average cost to paint a room in the U.S. can sometimes estimate between $2 and $6 per square foot. Total painting costs for a single room can range from $955 to $2,890, with a national average of $1,892 (BobVilla.com).
Does water-damaged drywall need to be replaced? ›Water Damage
A big question homeowners often ask is “does wet drywall always need to be replaced?” and the answer is almost always yes. Water stains, discoloration, bubbling, peeling paint,. and softened areas are all signs of water damage and are not nice to look at.
To cover water stains in drywall, begin by using a paint scraper to remove loose and peeling paint. Next, start sanding the wall with medium-grit sandpaper, and sand with progressively smaller grit until the surface is smooth. You can then prime and paint the surface of the drywall when it is free of imperfections.
Is taping necessary for drywall? ›All drywall seams need to have tape embedded in joint compound. The tape strengthens the joint, and the joint compound, or mud, is the adhesive that holds the tape in place.
Can handyman patch drywall? ›Handyman can patch the drywall, repair or replace exhaust fans, and even refer you to one of our Neighborly partners to repaint the room! Modern homes require much more than just drywall maintenance and repair.
Can you spackle over torn drywall? ›Use a putty knife to spread a thin layer of joint compound (drywall mud) over the area. More than just filling the torn area, drywall mud creates a new surface. As you continue to repair your torn drywall paper, make sure the joint compound extends roughly an inch or so past the edges of the tear.
What is the lifespan of drywall? ›Assuming normal conditions, gypsum panels and gypsum plaster have an expected service life well in excess of 50 years.
What does Level 5 drywall look like? ›
At a Level 5 finish, the drywall has a smooth, uniform surface that looks great under any intense lighting, harsh shadows or high-gloss paint, and your fasteners have essentially no chance of showing through the paint. It's the ultimate in drywall finishing.
How much is labor for drywall repair? ›In general, the national average for repairing drywall is about $50–$80 per square foot or $60–$100 per hour. The most relevant cost factor is the repair size, since larger holes require more materials and labor. Here are some other factors.
How many coats of paint does it take to repair drywall? ›If you simply prime the patches, you may be able to see the patches when you're done. Painting: Apply 2 coats of the desired paint, and you're done. If the patches were done properly (smooth and blended appropriately), after primer and two coats of paint you'll never know there was a patch there.
Is drywall repair expensive? ›Average Cost of Drywall Repair
Minor repairs that can be done by a handyman will cost an average of $60 to $90 per hour, or a drywall repair cost per square foot of $0.40-$0.80 which amounts to about $30 per sheet.
Cost To Finish Drywall per Square Foot
Labor costs are typically between $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. For all the materials, installation with labor costs, and finish, you should budget for $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Calculate how many drywall sheets you will need by dividing the total square footage of area by 32 (if you're using 4-by-8 sheets) or by 48 (if you're using 4-by-12 sheets). If you want to get the cost, just multiply the total number of sheets by the price per sheet. Remember to add local taxes and delivery charges.
How much should I charge per board to hang and finish drywall? ›The average cost to install drywall, including the finishing, taping, labor costs, and materials, is between $1.50 to $3 per square foot. This cost works out to around $60 to $90 per drywall panel.
How much does Level 3 drywall finish cost? ›You can expect to pay around $1.75-$2.25 per square foot for level 3 drywall.
How much does Level 5 drywall finish cost? ›Level 5 Drywall Cost
A level 5 finish can cost $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the labor rate. It's a highly labor-intensive process, and the material cost is only a small percentage of the overall price.
Any hole with a diameter greater than 6 to 8 inches is too large for taping or patching, so you'll need to follow the steps below explaining how to repair a large hole in the wall.
How big of a gap is acceptable in drywall? ›
Joints are too tight
Without enough space when this happens, you'll get cracks. Keep a 1/8-inch space between sheets during installation to keep this from happening. Using a guide can help make sure your sheets are properly spaced throughout the job.
Total time: 15-20 minutes for small holes and 1-2 hours for larger holes. Then up to 24 hours to allow joint compound/primer/paint to dry.
How much does it cost per square foot to paint drywall? ›Most professional painters charge $1.50-$3.50sq/ft for painting interior spaces. You can expect that price to go higher when you factor in specific add-ons like trim or walls.
How many square feet is a 4x8 sheet of drywall? ›A 4×8 sheet of drywall measures 32 square feet. To calculate the square footage, simply multiply the length (4 feet) by the width (8 feet). Thus, 4 * 8 = 32 square feet. How many sheets of drywall do I need for a 1500 square foot house?
What do you call someone who repairs drywall? ›Drywall installers are also called drywallers or hangers.
What's the difference between drywall compound and spackle? ›Joint compound (also known as “drywall mud” or simply “mud”) is comprised mainly of gypsum dust and can be bought in pre-mixed tubs, like spackle. A major difference between spackle and joint compound is the latter's frosting-like consistency, whereas spackle is thicker.