Drywall repair costs between $75 and $800 for most homeowners, with the average repair running about $300. Small nail holes might cost just $50 to patch, while extensive water damage can push costs over $1,500. The final price depends on damage size, type, and whether you need matching texture work.
Understanding how much does drywall repair costs helps you budget accurately and avoid contractor overcharges. We’ll cover material costs, labor rates, and the factors that drive your final bill. You’ll also learn when to DIY and when to call a professional.
Table of Contents
Factors That Affect the Cost of Drywall Repair
Several key factors determine what you’ll pay for drywall repair. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise costs.
Size of the Damaged Area
The repair area directly impacts cost. A small nail pop takes minutes to fix. A large hole requiring new sheetrock means more materials and labor. Contractors often charge by square footage for bigger jobs, while small repairs get flat rates.
Type of Damage
Water damage costs more than a simple dent. Moisture compromises drywall integrity and often requires mold inspection. Structural cracks suggest foundation issues that need addressing before any cosmetic repair. Each damage type needs different materials and expertise.
Geographic Location
San Diego labor rates run higher than national averages. The cost of living here affects what drywall contractors charge. Expect to pay $75-100 per hour for skilled tradespeople in our area. Rural areas might see rates 20-30% lower.
Texture Matching Requirements
Matching existing wall texture adds complexity. Orange peel, knockdown, and popcorn textures require specific skills. Perfect texture matching can add $100-200 to your repair cost. Smooth walls are easier and cheaper to patch.
Access and Working Conditions
Ceiling repairs cost more than wall repairs. Hard-to-reach areas require scaffolding or specialized equipment. Furniture moving and floor protection add time. Emergency or after-hours repairs command premium rates of 150-200% above standard pricing.
Hidden Issues
Sometimes repairs reveal bigger problems. Mold behind damaged drywall requires remediation. Electrical or plumbing issues need fixing first. Asbestos in older homes demands certified removal. Always budget 10-15% extra for unexpected discoveries.
Average Cost of Drywall Repair Per Square Foot
Understanding square footage pricing helps you estimate costs for larger repairs. Most contractors use this method for jobs over 10 square feet.
Small Repairs (Under 4 Square Feet)
Small repairs typically run $75-200 total. This covers minor dents, nail pops, or doorknob holes. At this size, contractors often charge a minimum service fee rather than calculating by square foot. Materials cost less than $20, with labor making up most of the bill.
Medium Repairs (4-10 Square Feet)
Medium repairs range from $200-450. This includes multiple small holes or one larger damaged section. Cost per square foot runs $50-75 installed. These repairs take 2-4 hours including drying time between coats of joint compound.
Large Repairs (Over 10 Square Feet)
Large repairs cost $450-850 or more. Full panel replacement becomes more economical at this size. Expect to pay $1.50-3.50 per square foot for materials and labor. Complex jobs with texture matching can push costs to $5-6 per square foot.
Labor vs. Materials Breakdown
Labor accounts for 60-70% of repair costs. A skilled handyman charges $75-100 per hour in San Diego. Materials for basic repairs cost $30-50. Professional-grade supplies run higher but deliver better results. Buying your own materials saves 15-20% but requires knowing exactly what you need.
Drywall Repair Cost by Type of Damage
Different damage types require different repair approaches and costs.
Nail Pops and Screw Pops
Cost: $50-100 for multiple repairs
Houses settle over time, causing fasteners to push through. Fixing nail pops involves resetting the fastener, applying joint compound, and repainting. Most contractors fix multiple nail pops in one visit. DIY costs just $10-15 in materials.
Small Holes (Under 3 Inches)
Cost: $75-150 per hole
Doorknob impacts and furniture collisions create these. A drywall patch kit from the hardware store costs $8-12. Professional repair ensures invisible results. The process takes 30-60 minutes plus drying time.
Medium Holes (3-8 Inches)
Cost: $150-300 per hole
These require backing material and multiple layers of drywall mud. Mesh patches reinforce the repair area. Matching texture becomes critical at this size. Expect two visits—one for patching and one for final texture and paint.
Large Holes (Over 8 Inches)
Cost: $300-500
Large holes need new drywall cut to size. This involves removing damaged sections, installing new sheetrock, taping seams, applying multiple coats of compound, sanding, and painting. Full panel replacement often makes more sense for extensive damage.
Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Cost: $100-450
Surface cracks need simple filling. Structural cracks require investigating the cause first. Foundation movement, temperature changes, or poor initial installation cause most cracks. Repair without addressing the source leads to recurring problems.
Drywall Ceiling Repair
Cost: $250-800
Ceiling work costs more due to difficulty. Gravity works against you, requiring special equipment and techniques. Water stains on ceilings often indicate roof leaks or upstairs plumbing issues. Fix the source before repairing cosmetic damage.
Water Damage Repair
Cost: $550-1,600
Water compromises drywall integrity. Affected sections must be removed completely. Moisture testing ensures surrounding areas are dry. Installing moisture-resistant drywall in bathrooms and kitchens prevents future issues. This repair often involves multiple trades—plumbers, drywall specialists, and painters.
Mold-Related Damage
Cost: $800-2,500
Mold requires certified remediation before drywall repair. Health concerns make this a priority repair. Extensive mold might need permits and inspection. Proper ventilation and moisture control prevent recurrence. This is one repair you never DIY without proper training and equipment.
Corner Bead Damage
Cost: $150-350
Damaged corner beads need complete replacement. The metal or vinyl strip protecting outside corners takes abuse from furniture and foot traffic. Replacement involves cutting out the damaged section, installing new bead, and blending it seamlessly.
Average Drywall Installation Cost
Sometimes replacement beats repair. New drywall installation costs $1.50-3.50 per square foot installed.
Standard Drywall Sheets
A 4×8 sheet costs $13-24 depending on thickness. Half-inch thickness suits most applications. Five-eighths inch provides better sound dampening and fire resistance. Drywall prices fluctuate with material costs, so get current quotes.
Specialty Drywall Options
Moisture-resistant (green board) costs $15-30 per sheet. Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Fire-rated drywall runs $20-35 per sheet. Required in garages and between units in multi-family buildings. Mold-resistant drywall costs $18-32 per sheet and offers long-term protection in humid environments.
Installation Labor Rates
Professional installation runs $40-70 per hour for the hanging process. Taping and mudding add another $40-60 per hour. Total installation labor averages $1-2 per square foot. A 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings has roughly 500 square feet of surface area costing $500-1,000 in labor alone.
Replacement Cost of Drywall
Full panel replacement makes sense for extensive damage. This involves removing old drywall, installing new sheets, finishing, and painting.
When Replacement Beats Repair
Replace when damage covers more than 30% of a wall. Water damage often requires replacement. Multiple repairs in one area look patchy. Old drywall in poor condition throughout a room justifies complete replacement.
Removal and Disposal
Removing old drywall costs $0.50-1.00 per square foot. This includes labor and disposal fees. San Diego disposal fees run $75-150 per ton. A typical room generates 1-2 tons of debris. Factor in dumpster rental at $300-500 for multi-room projects.
Complete Room Replacement Costs
A standard 12×12 bedroom costs $1,500-2,800 for complete drywall replacement. This includes removal, new materials, installation, finishing, and painting. Larger rooms or complex layouts increase costs proportionally.
Old Drywall Removal Cost
Removing old drywall before new installation adds to project costs.
Basic Removal
Standard removal runs $0.50-1.00 per square foot. This covers labor to remove, bag, and haul debris. Clean removal minimizes dust and damage to surrounding areas. Expect extra charges for multi-story work or difficult access.
Hazardous Material Removal
Homes built before 1980 might contain asbestos in joint compound or texture. Testing costs $200-400. Certified asbestos removal runs $1,500-3,500 for a single room. Lead paint on drywall requires similar precautions. Never attempt hazardous material removal yourself.
Debris Disposal Options
Rent a dumpster for $300-500 for DIY projects. Contractors include disposal in their quotes. Recycling drywall reduces disposal fees in some areas. San Diego Home Remodeling handles all disposal as part of our service, eliminating hidden fees.
Materials Needed for Drywall Repair
Understanding material costs helps you budget and prevents overpaying.
Essential Supplies
- Joint compound: $8-15 per gallon (covers 100-150 square feet)
- Drywall tape: $5-10 per roll (paper or mesh)
- Sandpaper and sanding sponges: $6-12
- Putty knife set: $15-30 for quality tools
- Primer: $15-25 per quart
- Matching paint: $25-45 per gallon
- Drywall screws: $6-10 per pound
Optional but Helpful
- Corner bead: $3-8 per 8-foot section
- Wallboard screw gun: $40-120 (Kobalt drywall screw gun offers good value at $50-70)
- Drywall saw: $8-15
- Utility knife: $6-12
- Texture spray gun: $30-100
Quality Matters
Cheap joint compound cracks and shrinks more. Professional-grade products cost 20-30% more but perform better. Premium paint covers better and lasts longer. Invest in quality for visible areas and high-traffic spaces.
How To Save Money on Drywall Repair
Smart planning reduces costs without sacrificing quality.
DIY Small Repairs
Handle nail pops and small holes yourself. A basic patch kit costs $10-15. Watch tutorial videos before starting. Practice on inconspicuous areas first. Know your limits—bad DIY repairs cost more to fix.
Bundle Multiple Repairs
Combine several small fixes into one service call. Contractors charge minimum fees for each visit. Fixing five nail pops at once costs less than five separate visits. Create a list of all needed repairs before calling.
Shop Around for Quotes
Get three estimates before committing. Prices vary 30-50% between contractors. Verify licenses and insurance. Check references and online reviews. The lowest bid isn’t always the best value.
Prevent Future Damage
Install door stops to prevent doorknob holes. Address water leaks immediately. Monitor humidity levels in bathrooms. Fix foundation issues before they crack walls. Prevention costs less than repeated repairs.
Time Your Repairs Strategically
Off-season rates (November through February) run 10-20% lower. Contractors offer discounts when work slows. Avoid emergency rates by addressing small problems before they worsen. Schedule non-urgent repairs during slower periods.
Buy Materials Yourself
Purchase supplies before the contractor arrives. This saves their markup of 15-25%. Get exact specifications first. Wrong materials waste money. Works best for simple repairs where needs are clear.
Consider Partial DIY
Handle demolition and painting yourself. Hire professionals for hanging, taping, and texturing. This hybrid approach cuts labor costs by 30-40%. Requires coordination and clear scope definition.
When To Call a Drywall Repair Professional
Some situations demand professional expertise.
Complex Repairs
Large holes, ceiling damage, or structural cracks need professional assessment. Texture matching requires specific skills and equipment. Corner repairs involve precise measurements and cuts. Professionals deliver invisible results that maintain home value.
Water and Mold Issues
Never DIY water damage without proper moisture testing. Mold remediation requires certification. Hidden damage often lurks behind visible problems. Professionals identify and address underlying causes, preventing recurring issues.
Time and Tool Constraints
Drywall repair takes time and specialized tools. Renting equipment costs add up quickly. Your time has value calculate opportunity cost. Professionals complete in hours what takes DIYers days.
High-Visibility Areas
Living rooms, entryways, and master bedrooms demand perfect results. Amateur repairs show under certain lighting. Professionals match texture and paint seamlessly. Poor DIY work hurts resale value.
Warranty and Insurance
Professional repairs come with warranties. Insurance claims often require licensed contractor documentation. Permits for extensive work need professional involvement. Protect your investment with proper documentation.
San Diego Home Remodeling Advantage
Our handyman services in San Diego cover all repair types. We provide detailed estimates with no hidden fees. Licensed, insured professionals ensure quality results. We handle everything from small nail pops to complete room restoration. Our work meets San Diego building codes and carries a satisfaction guarantee.
Insurance Coverage for Drywall Repairs
Understanding insurance helps manage costs.
What’s Typically Covered
Sudden water damage from burst pipes usually qualifies. Storm damage and fire damage receive coverage. Vandalism and vehicle impacts qualify under most policies. Review your specific policy for coverage details.
What’s Not Covered
Normal wear and tear doesn’t qualify. Gradual water damage from slow leaks gets denied. Poor maintenance and settling issues fall on homeowners. Cosmetic repairs without structural damage rarely qualify.
Filing Claims Effectively
Document damage with photos and videos. Get professional assessment quickly. Keep repair estimates and invoices. File claims promptly delays complicate approval. Consider deductibles before filing small claims. Multiple claims increase premiums, so evaluate cost-benefit carefully.
Timeline Expectations for Drywall Repairs
Knowing how long repairs take helps planning.
Small Repairs (1-2 Hours)
Nail pops and minor holes finish in one visit. The joint compound needs 24 hours to dry. Painting happens during a second visit. The total timeline spans 2-3 days with drying time.
Medium Repairs (3-6 Hours)
Larger holes need multiple compound coats. Each coat requires 12-24 hours drying time. Texture matching adds another day. Complete repair takes 4-7 days from start to finish.
Large Repairs or Replacement (1-5 Days)
Removing old drywall takes 1-2 days. New installation requires another day. Taping and mudding need 2-3 days with drying time. Final texture and paint add 1-2 days. Total project spans 1-2 weeks.
Weather and Humidity Impact
High humidity slows drying. Cold temperatures extend curing time. Plan repairs during dry weather when possible. HVAC systems help control indoor conditions and speed projects.
Red Flags When Hiring Contractors
Protect yourself from bad contractors and inflated pricing.
Warning Signs
- Requests for large upfront payments (over 30%)
- No written contract or vague scope of work
- Pressure tactics or limited-time offers
- Unlicensed or uninsured operation
- No references or examples of past work
- Significantly lower bids than competitors (50%+ below average)
- Cash-only payment requirements
Verify Credentials
Check California Contractors State License Board. Confirm active insurance coverage. Review Better Business Bureau ratings. Read recent online reviews across multiple platforms. Ask for local references and actually call them.
Get Everything in Writing
Detailed scope of work prevents disputes. Fixed pricing beats time-and-materials for predictable costs. Payment schedules tied to completion milestones protect both parties. Warranty terms should be explicit and documented.
Conclusion
Drywall repair costs vary widely based on damage type, size, and location. Most San Diego homeowners pay $150-500 for typical repairs. Water damage and extensive work push costs higher. DIY handles small fixes, but professionals deliver superior results for complex jobs.
Addressing damage promptly, small problems become expensive repairs when ignored. Get multiple quotes and verify contractor credentials. Budget 10-15% extra for unexpected issues. Quality repairs maintain home value and prevent recurring problems.
San Diego Home Remodeling provides transparent pricing and expert repairs. We handle everything from minor fixes to complete room restoration. Contact us for a detailed estimate on your specific project.
FAQs
How much does drywall repair cost for a small hole?
Small holes under 3 inches cost $75-150 professionally. DIY repair using a patch kit runs $10-15 in materials. Professional repair ensures invisible results and typically takes 1-2 hours plus drying time before painting.
What factors increase drywall repair price most?
Water damage, mold, and texture matching drive costs highest. Ceiling repairs cost 30-50% more than walls. Emergency or after-hours service adds 50-100% premiums. Multiple small repairs cost less than several separate visits.
Can I fix drywall myself or should I hire a professional?
Fix nail pops and tiny holes yourself with patch kits. Hire professionals for holes over 3 inches, water damage, ceiling repairs, or texture matching. Amateur repairs in visible areas often look patchy. Poor DIY work costs more to fix later.
How long does drywall repair take to complete?
Small repairs take 1-2 hours plus 24-hour drying time. Medium repairs need 2-3 visits over 4-7 days. Large repairs or replacement take 1-2 weeks including all drying time. Weather and humidity affect timelines.
Does homeowners insurance cover drywall repair?
Insurance covers sudden damage from burst pipes, storms, or accidents. It excludes normal wear, gradual damage, and poor maintenance. Document damage immediately and get professional estimates. Consider your deductible before filing small claims.
What's the difference between repair and replacement cost?
Repair patches existing drywall for $75-500 typically. Replacement removes old drywall and installs new sheets for $1.50-3.50 per square foot. Replace when damage exceeds 30% of the wall or involves water damage throughout.
How much does water damage drywall repair cost?
Water damage repair runs $550-1,600 depending on extent. This includes removing damaged sections, moisture testing, and installing water-resistant drywall. Mold remediation adds $800-1,500. Always fix the water source first to prevent recurrence.
