Drywall repair typically costs homeowners anywhere between $75 and $880, with an estimated average repair bill of around $300. Small nail holes might only cost $50 each to patch, while extensive water damage could reach well past $1,500; pricing ultimately depends on damage size, type, severity of repair required and whether texture-matching services will also need to be provided.
Understanding how much does drywall repair costs will enable you to budget accurately and avoid contractor overcharges. Here, we’ll cover material costs, labor rates and factors that influence your final bill; as well as when to DIY and when to contact a professional.
Table of Contents
Factors That Affect the Cost of Drywall Repair
Understanding what factors determine how much drywall repair will cost can help you budget accurately and avoid surprises in costs.
Size of Damaged Area
Repair costs depend heavily on the area affected. A nail pop takes minutes to address, while larger jobs requiring sheetrock replacement necessitate new materials and require much more in terms of both labor and materials needed for repair. Contractors tend to charge by square footage, while small repairs typically get fixed rates from them.
Type of Damage
Water damage involves more than dented walls: moisture compromises drywall integrity and may necessitate mold inspection; structural cracks indicate foundation issues that need addressing prior to any cosmetic repair; each damage type requires different materials and expertise for repair.
Geographic Location
San Diego labor rates exceed national averages due to high living costs in our region; skilled tradespeople should expect to charge between $75-100 an hour in San Diego, while rural locations might offer rates 20-30% lower.
Texture Matching Requirements
Matching existing wall textures adds another level of difficulty, and expertise is required when trying to match orange peel, knockdown and popcorn textures precisely. Seamless walls may be easier and cheaper for repairs overall.
Access and Working Conditions
Ceiling repairs tend to cost more than wall repairs due to hard-to-reach areas requiring scaffolding or special equipment for access, furniture moving costs more, floor protection is more time-consuming, while emergency or after-hour repairs command rates 150-200% above regular pricing.
Find Out Hidden Issues
Repair projects often uncover more serious issues during repair efforts. Mold growth behind damaged drywall requires remediation; electrical and plumbing problems need fixing immediately before repairs; asbestos in older homes requires professional removal services – always budget 10-15% extra in case any unexpected discoveries come up during your home improvement project.
Average Cost of Drywall Repair Per Square Foot
Understanding square footage pricing helps to assess costs for larger repairs accurately. Most contractors utilize this technique when performing projects over 10 square feet in area.
Small Repairs (Under 4,000 Square Feet)
Repair costs typically fall within the $75-200 range for smaller jobs like minor dents, nail pops or doorknob holes that don’t exceed 4 square feet in area. Contractors generally charge a minimum service fee rather than charging per square foot, as materials typically cost under $20, with labor normally making up most of the total.
Medium Repairs (4-10 Square Feet)
Medium repairs typically range from $200-450 and involve multiple small holes or one larger damaged section; their installed cost per square foot ranges between $50 and $75 installed, taking between 2-4 hours with drying times between coats of joint compound application.
Large Repairs (10 Square Feet or larger)
Major repairs typically range in cost between $450-850 per square foot, and full panel replacement can become more economical at this size. Materials and labor should cost between $1.50-3.50 per square foot, while complex jobs involving texture matching could push costs beyond this threshold to reach between $5-6 per square foot.
Labor versus Materials Breakdown
Labor accounts for 60-70% of repair costs; professional handypersons charge between $75-100 an hour in San Diego. Materials needed for basic repairs typically range between $30-50. Professional-grade supplies tend to run higher but deliver superior results; purchasing your own supplies saves 15-20% but requires knowing exactly what is needed for that project.
Drywall Repair Cost by Type of Damage
Different damage types necessitate different approaches and costs associated with repair work.
Nail Pops and Screw Pops
cost $50-100 for multiple repairs.
Houses settle over time, leading fasteners to push through. Fixing nail pops involves resetting fasteners, applying joint compound, and repainting. Most contractors offer multiple nail pop repairs in one visit for only $10-15 of materials costs. DIY solutions may cost even less!
Small Holes (Under 3 Inches)
Cost: $75-150 per hole
Doorknob strikes and furniture collisions often create these. A DIY kit from your hardware store usually costs $8-12; professional repair ensures invisible results while taking 30-60 minutes plus drying time to complete.
Medium Holes (3-8 Inches)
Cost: $150-300 Per Hole
The patching process will typically involve applying multiple coats of drywall mud, reinforced mesh patches to repair areas affected, matching texture matching as closely as possible and final texture and paint application in two visits (one for patching, then the second visit for finishing touches such as painting).
Cost to Repair Large Holes (8 Inches or Larger) | $300-500 for Repair (Existing Holes Only)
When fixing large holes (over 8 Inches), cutting new sheetrock to size often proves necessary, which entails taking steps such as taking away damaged sections, installing the new sheetrock, taping seams, adding multiple coats of compound, sanding down seams, applying numerous coats of compound, sanding it all back down before painting over. Full panel replacement makes more sense depending on its severity. More extensive damage may require full panel replacement instead.
Crack Repair in Walls or Ceilings for $100-450:
Surface or Structure? for Surface Cracks/Chinks; Foundation Movement/Temperature Change/ Poor Initial Install Often the source is foundation movement/ temperature shift/ poor installation which results in cracks in walls/ceilings being filled without first investigating their cause which leads to repeated problems and more costlier repair solutions being sought without first understanding why there were cracks to begin with! Performing repairs without investigating their origin can only bring repeat issues later down the road.
Drywall Ceiling Repair
Cost: $250-800
Ceiling work tends to cost more due to its difficulty, since gravity works against you, and special tools and techniques may be required to complete it successfully. Water stains on ceilings often indicate roof leaks or plumbing issues, which should be fixed first before proceeding with cosmetic damage repair work.
Water Damage repair.
Water can seriously compromise drywall integrity and should be addressed quickly to restore it to proper functionality. Any affected sections must be completely removed, while moisture testing ensures all surrounding areas remain dry, before installing moisture-resistant drywall in bathrooms and kitchens to help avoid future issues. Repair of this nature typically includes multiple trades such as plumbers, drywall specialists and painters working together for the best results.
Damage Caused By Mold-Related Contamination
Cost: $800-2,500.
Mold remediation should always come before any repair, as health considerations dictate this important task. Extensive mold may need permits and inspection, while proper ventilation and moisture control measures help avoid future outbreaks of this condition. Never undertake this repair on your own without proper training and equipment!
Corner Bead Damage
Costs Range From $150-350.
Damaged corner beads need complete replacement as furniture and foot traffic damage them over time. Replacement includes cutting out damaged sections before installing the new bead and blending it seamlessly to hide all evidence of wear and tear.
Average Drywall Installation Cost
Cost to Install Drywall Replacement can sometimes prove more cost-effective; new drywall installations usually range between $1.50-3.50 per square foot of installed area.
Standard Drywall Sheets
A 4×8 sheet can range in price between $13-24, depending on its thickness; half-inch typically serves most applications, while five-eighths inch provides better sound dampening and fire resistance properties. Please get in touch with your supplier to get current quotes, as material costs change with time.
Moisture-resistant (green board) costs $15-30 per sheet for use in bathrooms and kitchens, while fireproof drywall costs $20-35 and must be used between units in multi-family buildings. Mold-resistant drywall offers long-term protection in humid environments at $18-32 per sheet.
Installation Labor Rates Professional installation typically runs between $40-70 an hour for hanging, tapering and mudding, adding another $40-60. Overall installation labor averages out to about $1-2 per square foot with an 8-foot ceiling room covering roughly 500 sq. feet in area requiring labor costs totaling $500-1 thousand alone for labor costs alone.
Replacement Cost of Drywall
Replacement Is Better Than Repair
Repair may not always be sufficient when damage covers over 30% of a wall surface or when water damage causes multiple patches on one area that need to be patched together; similarly, old or poor-condition drywall throughout a room justifies complete replacement, as this would result in patchy repairs requiring continuous patchwork fixes and additional patch repairs being needed in some places.
Removal and Disposal
Drywall removal costs range between $0.50-1.00 per square foot in San Diego. This figure includes labor as well as disposal fees, which typically run $75-150 per ton; typical rooms generate between 1-2 tons of debris that must be cleared away, so factoring in dumpster rental into multi-room projects costs another $300-500.
Complete Room Replacement Costs
A standard 12-by-12 bedroom can typically cost $1,500-$800 for complete wall replacement, including removal, new materials installation, finishing and painting costs. Larger or complex layouts increase these costs proportionately.
Old Drywall Removal Cost
Before undertaking a new installation of drywall, it can add significant costs to a project. Removal costs should also be factored into any estimate for project expenses.
Standard Removal
Standard removal costs between $0.50-1.00 per square foot for labor to remove debris in clean ways that minimize dust and damage to surrounding areas. Additional fees may be added for multi-story work or difficult access.
Hazardous Material Removal
Homes built before 1980 could contain asbestos in joint compound and texture, testing which costs $200-400 and professional removal costing from $1,500-3,500 per room; lead paint on walls necessitating special precautions requires similar removal costs and may present the same risks; never attempt hazardous material removal yourself!
Debris Disposal Options
Rent a dumpster for $300-500 for DIY projects; contractors generally include disposal costs within their quote. Recycling drywall reduces disposal fees in certain locations; San Diego Home Remodeling handles this aspect as part of our service to avoid hidden charges or hidden costs.
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.
