Joe Meringolo offers expert advice in THE SPRUCE
Don't Get Caught Off-Guard—This Is How Much Drywall Repair Really Costs
By TIMOTHY DALE Published on 01/25/25
LINK: https://www.thespruce.com/drywall-repair-cost-8777313
Drywall is affordable and easy to work with, but its lightweight composition leaves it vulnerable to physical damage caused by scratches, gouges, or sudden impacts, leaving behind unsightly holes and cracks. Thankfully, repairing drywall is one of the most common DIYs, though some may still prefer to have the work handled by a pro.
Hiring a contractor to repair drywall costs between $200 to $550, with an average rate of about $350,1 depending on the size of the project.
MEET THE EXPERT
Joe Meringolo is the owner and operator of JSM Project Management, and has over 25 years of experience in the construction and project management industry.
Drywall Repair Costs by Type of Repair
Since drywall is used throughout the home, there's a range of damage that can occur to the walls and ceilings:
Small hole or dent: $50 to $1502
Medium to large hole: $200 to $4002
Small cracks: $100 to $2502
Medium to large cracks: $120 to $4002
Torn or peeling drywall: $80 to $2002
Minor water damage: $200 to $5002
Major water damage and leak repair: $500 to $2,5002
Sagging ceiling replacement: $250 to $1,0002
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Drywall Repair Cost Factors
Repair Size
The more damage there is, the higher the cost to repair the drywall.
"Generally, about $60-$80 per square foot is the rule of thumb, but this is largely affected by location of the home, location of the repair, and the severity of damage," says Joe Meringolo, owner and operator of JSM Project Management.
One Sq. Ft.: $50 to $753
Two Sq. Ft.: $100 to $1503
Four Sq. Ft.: $200 to $3003
Five Sq. Ft.: $250 to $3753
Eight Sq. Ft.: $400 to $6003
Ten Sq. Ft.: $500 to $7503
Twenty Sq. Ft.: $1,000 to $1,5003
Repair Materials
Small repair jobs may only require a drywall patch, spackle, and sandpaper, while larger damage may need pieces of replacement drywall and paint to restore the wall or ceiling to its previous appearance.
Drywall mud: $5 to $103
Drywall repair kit: $10 to $303
Drywall screws or nails: $5 to $10 per box3
Drywall tape: $4.50 per roll3
Paint: $15 to $55 per gallon3
Patches: $7 to $103
Putty knife: $2 to $153
Sandpaper: $5 to $103
Spackle: $5 to $15 per container3
Standard drywall sheets: $10 to $25 per sheet3
Number of Rooms
Small damages can often be ignored for long periods of time, but when all the little dings, dents, and scratches start to add up, it's time to hire a professional to repair the drywall.
One room: $75 to $3001
Two rooms: $150 to $6001
Three rooms: $225 to $9001
Four rooms: $300 to $1,2001
Five rooms: $375 to $1,5001
Entire house: $450 to $2,0001
DIY vs. Professional Drywall Repair Costs
Even beginner DIYers can complete some simple drywall repairs, which can cost just $10 to $553 for a repair kit that includes spackle, wall patches, a putty knife, and sandpaper. However, if there is extensive damage to the drywall, then it's a better idea to hire a professional who knows what they are doing and is equipped with the right tools and materials.
"Hiring a professional will relieve you of any stress of getting it done quickly and done right," Meringolo says. "It allows you to go and live your life while the work is completed."
When you hire a professional drywall repair company, you will typically get a guarantee of some type on the work, so that if there is a problem with the repair, you won't need to worry about paying to fix the drywall repair on your own.
Who to Hire for Drywall Repairs
Generally, it's more cost-effective to hire a handyperson for the work, since they only charge about $60 per hour in labor fees.3 However, if there is extensive damage to the drywall, then it's better to rely on the skill and experience of a construction contractor, which can cost $90 per hour for labor.3
If the damage has affected the wiring behind the walls, then you may need to hire an electrician at a cost of about $50 to $100 per hour.3Similarly, if there is enough damage done to the drywall, it may be a good idea to hire a painter at a cost of $70 to $130 per hour3 to repaint the entire room, instead of relying on the construction contractor to simply touch-up the repaired drywall.
FAQ
Is it better to repair or replace drywall?
For small and moderate cracks, it's relatively easy to repair the drywall, and can even be done as a DIY project. However, for large holes, water damage, or fire damage, it's recommended to replace the drywall.
Does drywall repair include painting?
Generally, drywall repairs will include painting, but it's always a good idea to have this conversation with the contractor to make sure what is and what is not included in the scope of their work.
How much does 1000 sq ft of drywall cost?
On average, it will cost about $2,0004 to replace 1,000 square feet of standard 1/2-inch drywall, though costs can range from $1,600 to $3,500,4 depending on the installation company, complexity of the room, and several other factors.