Drywall Repair Cost Estimator

Drywall damage happens to every homeowner eventually. From small nail holes to large patches from plumbing repairs, understanding repair costs helps you decide whether to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional. In 2026, professional drywall repairs typically cost between $75 and $400 for most household damage, while DIY repairs can be completed for $10 to $50 in materials.

This guide covers repair costs for every type of drywall damage, including holes of all sizes, cracks, water damage, popped nails, dents, and texture matching. You'll learn when DIY makes sense, when to call a pro, and how to get the best value for your repair dollar.

Repair Cost Overview

Here's a quick reference for common drywall repair costs in 2026:

Note: Professional costs include a minimum service charge (typically $75-$150) that makes small repairs relatively expensive. Multiple repairs during one visit provide better value.

Small Hole Repairs (Under 3 Inches)

Small holes from doorknobs, anchors, or accidents are the most common drywall repairs and the easiest to DIY.

Nail and Screw Holes

Tiny holes from picture hangers, nails, and screws require minimal materials:

• DIY cost: $5 - $10 (spackle and putty knife)
• Professional cost: $50 - $75 (minimum service charge applies)
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Time: 15-30 minutes (plus drying time)

DIY materials needed:

• Lightweight spackle or spackling paste: $5 - $8
• Putty knife (2-3 inch): $3 - $6
• Fine-grit sandpaper (120-150): $2 - $4

Holes 1-3 Inches (Doorknob Holes, Anchor Damage)

These holes are too large for spackle alone but small enough for self-adhesive mesh patches:

• DIY cost: $8 - $15
• Professional cost: $75 - $125
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1-2 hours (including drying between coats)

DIY materials needed:

• Self-adhesive mesh patch kit: $5 - $10
• Joint compound (small container): $6 - $10
• Putty knives (4-inch and 6-inch): $8 - $15
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit): $3 - $6

Small Hole Repair Process

For a detailed walkthrough with photos, see Lowe's drywall repair guide.

1. Clean loose debris from the hole
2. Apply self-adhesive mesh patch centered over hole
3. Apply first thin coat of joint compound, feathering edges
4. Let dry completely (2-4 hours or overnight)
5. Apply second coat, extending beyond first
6. Let dry and sand smooth
7. Apply third coat if needed
8. Sand with fine-grit paper when dry
9. Prime and paint

Medium Hole Repairs (4-6 Inches)

Medium-sized holes from fist punches, furniture impacts, or failed anchors require a backing support before patching.

Repair Methods

California Patch (Butterfly Patch): Cut a drywall piece larger than the hole, score the back, snap away the gypsum, leaving paper facing. Apply compound and press paper flap over surrounding wall.

Backer Board Method: Insert a piece of wood or drywall behind the hole, secure it, then patch over.

Costs

• DIY cost: $15 - $25
• Professional cost: $125 - $200
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2-3 hours (multiple sessions for drying)

DIY materials needed:

• Small piece of drywall (scrap or buy partial): $3 - $8
• Drywall repair kit with backer clips: $10 - $15
• Joint compound (quart): $6 - $10
• Paper tape: $3 - $5
• Drywall saw or utility knife: $8 - $15 (if you don't own one)

Medium Hole Repair Process

1. Square off the hole using a drywall saw or utility knife
2. Cut a patch piece to fit the squared opening
3. Install backer board or furring strips behind the hole
4. Secure patch to backer with drywall screws
5. Tape all seams with paper tape and compound
6. Apply 3 coats of compound, feathering each wider
7. Sand smooth between coats and after final coat
8. Prime and paint to match

Large Hole Repairs (6-12+ Inches)

Large holes from plumbing access, electrical work, or major damage require cutting back to studs and installing a proper drywall patch.

Costs

• DIY cost: $20 - $40
• Professional cost: $200 - $400
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Time: 3-4 hours (plus drying time)

DIY materials needed:

• Drywall piece (2×2 or larger as needed): $10 - $15
• Furring strips or 1×3 lumber: $5 - $10
• Drywall screws: $5 - $8
• Joint compound (gallon): $8 - $12
• Paper tape: $3 - $5
• Tools (saw, drill, knives): $30 - $60 if purchasing new

Very Large Repairs (Multiple Square Feet)

When damage covers more than 2-3 square feet, professionals often recommend replacing entire drywall sections from stud to stud. See our drywall installation cost guide for full replacement pricing:

• Professional cost: $200 - $500 for first sheet, plus $1.50 - $2.50/sq ft for additional area
• This approach often provides a better finish than patching
• Makes sense when multiple holes are close together

Crack Repairs

Drywall cracks vary from minor settling cracks to major structural issues. Proper diagnosis matters for choosing the right repair.

Hairline Cracks (Settling Cracks)

Thin cracks at corners, above doors and windows, or along tape seams are typically caused by normal house settling:

• DIY cost: $10 - $20
• Professional cost: $75 - $150
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1-2 hours

Repair method: Apply mesh tape over the crack, then cover with 2-3 thin coats of joint compound, sanding between coats.

Recurring Cracks

Cracks that reappear after repair may indicate ongoing movement:

• DIY cost: $15 - $30
• Professional cost: $100 - $200
• Difficulty: Moderate

Repair method: Use fiberglass mesh tape (more flexible than paper) and consider flexible sealant products designed for moving joints. If cracks continue recurring, investigate the underlying cause.

Large or Structural Cracks

Cracks wider than 1/8 inch, cracks with displacement (one side higher than the other), or cracks accompanied by other signs of structural issues need investigation:

• Professional inspection: $100 - $300
• Repair cost (if not structural): $150 - $300
• Structural repair: Varies widely ($500 - $10,000+)

Warning signs requiring professional evaluation:

• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch
• Cracks with visible displacement
• Cracks running from corner to corner diagonally
• Multiple new cracks appearing suddenly
• Cracks accompanied by sticking doors or windows
• Horizontal cracks in foundation walls

Water Damage Repairs

Water-damaged drywall requires special consideration because the damage may extend beyond what's visible, and mold can develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. The EPA's mold guidance recommends acting quickly to dry wet materials and prevent mold growth. Homeowners with flood damage should also review FEMA's flood insurance resources to understand what may be covered.

Minor Water Damage (Staining Only)

If drywall got wet but dried quickly and remains firm:

• DIY cost: $15 - $30
• Professional cost: $100 - $200
• Process: Seal stain with primer, repaint

Materials needed:

• Stain-blocking primer (Kilz or BIN): $15 - $25
• Paint to match: $15 - $40

Moderate Water Damage (Soft Spots, Bubbling)

Drywall that shows bubbling, softness, or visible damage must be cut out and replaced:

• DIY cost: $30 - $60
• Professional cost: $200 - $400
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Critical steps:

1. Fix the water source first
2. Allow complete drying (use fans and dehumidifiers)
3. Cut out damaged drywall extending 12 inches beyond visible damage
4. Inspect for mold and treat if found
5. Replace insulation if wet
6. Install new drywall patch
7. Tape, mud, and finish as normal

Severe Water Damage (Mold Present)

When mold is visible or suspected, the EPA recommends professional remediation:

• Professional mold inspection: $200 - $600
• Mold remediation (small area): $500 - $1,500
• Mold remediation (large area): $1,500 - $5,000+
• Drywall replacement after remediation: Additional $200 - $500

When to call a professional:

• Visible mold growth
• Musty odor after water damage
• Water damage from sewage or contaminated sources
• Damage covering more than 10 square feet
• Water damage inside wall cavities
• Compromised insulation

Ceiling Water Damage

Water-damaged ceilings are more challenging due to access and the weight of wet drywall:

• Small ceiling patch: $150 - $300 professional
• Large ceiling section: $300 - $600 professional
• Full ceiling replacement: $2.00 - $3.50 per square foot

Nail Pop Repairs

Nail pops occur when nails or screws push through the drywall surface, creating a small bump or crack. This is common in newer homes as lumber dries and shrinks.

Costs

• DIY cost: $10 - $20 (for multiple pops)
• Professional cost: $75 - $150 (minimum charge usually covers several)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1-2 hours for a room

Repair Process

1. Drive the popped nail slightly below surface with a hammer and nail set
2. Install a new drywall screw 1-2 inches above and below the pop
3. Dimple the screw heads slightly below surface (don't break paper)
4. Apply joint compound over all fasteners
5. Let dry, sand, apply second coat
6. Sand smooth and touch up paint

Materials needed:

• Drywall screws (1-1/4"): $5 - $8
• Joint compound: $6 - $10
• Putty knife: $3 - $6
• Sandpaper: $2 - $4

Corner and Edge Damage

Outside corners and edges are vulnerable to impacts from furniture, vacuum cleaners, and traffic. These repairs require replacing or repairing corner bead.

Dented Corner Bead

Minor dents can sometimes be filled without replacing the bead:

• DIY cost: $10 - $15
• Professional cost: $75 - $125
• Process: Fill dent with setting compound, build up in layers

Damaged Corner Bead (Replacement Needed)

• DIY cost: $15 - $30
• Professional cost: $100 - $200
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2-3 hours

Repair process:

1. Cut out damaged section of corner bead using metal snips
2. Remove fasteners and pull out damaged bead
3. Cut new bead section to fit
4. Install with drywall screws or crimping tool
5. Apply 3 coats of compound, feathering each
6. Sand and paint

Inside Corner Damage

Inside corners with cracked or damaged tape:

• DIY cost: $10 - $20
• Professional cost: $75 - $150
• Process: Cut out damaged tape, apply new paper tape with compound

Texture Matching Costs

One of the biggest challenges in drywall repair is matching existing wall texture. Understanding drywall finish levels helps you identify what you're matching. Smooth walls are easiest; textured walls require more skill and often professional equipment.

Smooth Walls

• DIY cost: Included in patch repair
• Professional cost: Included in repair quote
• Difficulty: Moderate (achieving truly smooth finish takes practice)

Orange Peel Texture

• DIY cost: $20 - $40 (spray texture can or hopper gun rental)
• Professional cost: Add $50 - $100 to repair
• DIY method: Spray-can texture from hardware store

Knockdown Texture

• DIY cost: $30 - $50
• Professional cost: Add $75 - $150 to repair
• Process: Apply splatter texture, let partially dry, knock down with knife

Skip Trowel Texture

• DIY cost: $25 - $40
• Professional cost: Add $100 - $200 to repair
• Difficulty: High (hand-applied texture is hardest to match)

Popcorn Ceiling Texture

• DIY cost: $25 - $45 (spray can or hopper)
• Professional cost: Add $100 - $200 to repair
• Note: Pre-1980s popcorn may contain asbestos; test before disturbing

DIY vs Professional Repair

Choosing between DIY and professional repair depends on the damage type, your skills, and whether appearance matters.

Good Candidates for DIY

• Nail and screw holes
• Small holes under 4 inches
• Hairline cracks
• Nail pops
• Smooth wall textures
• Repairs in closets, garages, or hidden areas
• Multiple small repairs (save on minimum service charges)

When to Hire a Professional

• Water damage with potential mold
• Large holes requiring stud-to-stud patches
• Ceiling repairs (especially textured)
• Complex texture matching in visible areas
• Structural crack evaluation
• Time-sensitive repairs
• Repairs in high-visibility areas (living rooms, entryways)

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Hiring a Professional

When hiring a drywall repair professional, follow these guidelines for the best results:

Finding Contractors

• Ask neighbors and friends for referrals
• Check online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Angi for verified contractor ratings
• Contact local drywall installers who also do repairs
• Handyman services often handle small drywall repairs

Getting Quotes

• Get at least 3 quotes for comparison
• Ask for itemized quotes (materials, labor, texture)
• Confirm whether painting is included
• Ask about warranty on repairs
• Inquire about minimum service charges

Questions to Ask

• How long have you been doing drywall repairs?
• Can you match my existing texture?
• Is the quote for complete repair including painting?
• How long will the repair take?
• Do you guarantee your work?
• Are you licensed and insured?

Red Flags

• Quotes significantly lower than others
• Unwillingness to provide written estimates
• Demands for full payment upfront
• No references or reviews available
• Pressure to decide immediately

Summary: Repair Cost Quick Reference

Use this quick reference when budgeting for drywall repairs:

• Nail holes: DIY $5-10, Pro $50-75
• Small holes (1-3"): DIY $10-15, Pro $75-125
• Medium holes (4-6"): DIY $15-25, Pro $125-200
• Large holes (6"+): DIY $25-40, Pro $200-400
• Cracks: DIY $10-30, Pro $75-200
• Water damage: DIY $30-100, Pro $200-1,000+
• Texture matching: Add $50-200 to repair costs

For best value on professional repairs, combine multiple small repairs into one service call to spread the minimum charge across several fixes. For DIY repairs, invest in quality joint compound and take time between coats for professional-looking results.

Related Articles

Drywall Installation Cost Guide

Complete breakdown of materials and labor costs for full drywall installation.

How Much Joint Compound Do I Need?

Coverage rates by compound type and buying the right amount for repairs.

Drywall Finish Levels Explained

Understanding finish quality levels for matching existing wall finishes.