Cost to Patch/ Repair a hole in drywall

Drywall is quite susceptible to damage like bumps, scuffs, holes, and water damage. No matter how careful you are, you will damage your drywall at some point. 

On average, it costs about $50 to $75 per square foot to patch/repair holes in drywall. The average cost for the repairs costs about $130 to $225. A handyman may charge approximately $60 per hour for the project, while a professional contractor may charge up to $90 per hour. The actual price depends on the size of the hole, finish option and location.

Cost to patch/repair a hole in drywall

Below is an estimate of the cost to patch or repair small to large holes.

Cost to repair/patch a small hole

Small holes are usually caused by doorknobs, rodents, nail bumps and screws. They may range from below an inch to about 4 inches in size. Professionals charge about $45 to $75 per hole to repair or patch small holes. These holes are easy to fix, and most homeowners prefer DIYing the job. 

If you wish to DIY the repair, you only need to smear a little mud, sand and repaint the area. You can buy all-purpose drywall from a home improvement shop at about $6 to $16 per panel. Since there is a lot of empty space behind the drywall, it is necessary to patch the hole before applying mud. This ensures the hole is steady and even when you sand and repaint it. 

Cost to repair/patch a medium hole

To fix a medium hole, expect to pay about $75 to $125 per hole, depending on its size. Things like furniture and TV brackets tend to cause medium holes in drywall. A medium hole can be about 7 to 12 inches, which means you can still DIY the project. 

DIY is cost-effective if there is more than one hole. For instance, if you are patching only one hole, it may be more economical to hire a contractor who may charge you about $150 for the job. This is because you will need to buy all the materials needed for the job, including paint which may be costly. The good thing with DIYing the job is that the materials can be used for future repairs.

Cost to repair/patch a large hole

Typically, it costs about $90 to $150 per hole to fix large holes in drywall. Large holes are often caused by household accidents, sporting equipment, and furniture. You will likely need a handyman or professional contractor to repair large holes because the repair is more detailed. More so, larger holes may require more than a simple repair kit. 

A handyman charges about $60 per hour for the job, while a contractor may charge about $60 to $90 per hour for the same job. Hourly charges are cost-effective for smaller projects. If the project takes more than 5 hours, it is best to ask for fixed rates.

Cost per square foot

Generally, it costs about $210 for the average drywall repair job. Expect to pay more for the job if you have high ceilings and difficult angles. The cost to repair holes depends on the size of the holes. Typically, bigger holes take longer to repair and may need extra materials and more than one contractor. 

Drywall repair cost by type of repair

They type of damage will determine the techniques and cost of repairing drywall. Below are the most common types of damage/ repairs and their associated costs.

Drywall crack repair

The average cost to repair cracks on your drywall ranges between $2-$3 per linear foot for walls and around $2.50 per linear foot for ceilings. Most drywall repair contractors will charge between $60 – $80 per hour for this repair.

For small cracks, you can try to patch it using a drywall patch kit that goes for around $10 – $20.

Drywall holes repair

The average cost of repairing drywall holes depends on the size of the holes. Small holes may cost you between $50 – $70 each while large holes will cost between $75 – $150 per hole.

The most common culprits are nail holes, and they could cost you around $150 around the house for both labor and materials.

Holes in the ceiling drywall will also cost more, around $75 – $115 per hole, depending on the size.

Drywall replacement

The average cost of drywall replacement ranges between $3 – $4 per square foot. Materials may cost you between $0.45 – $0.60, while the demolition costs stand at $0.40 – $0.60.

A typical 100 square-foot drywall replacement costs between $300 – $400. The costs may be higher depending on the condition of the wall.

Ceiling water damage repair cost

Expect to spend between $170 – $400 to fix any water damages in the ceiling drywall. Most drywall experts will charge you between $50 to $80 for labor and additional costs for materials.

You may also incur other costs for this, including plumbing costs, around $300 to fix the leaks, and separate costs for mold remediation.

Popcorn ceiling replacement cost

Removing and replacing popcorn ceilings costs between $1 to $2.50 per square foot. The process involves scraping the old ceiling, repairing, then repairing and repainting. For a single room, the total costs can add up to around $1,000 – $1,500.

Drywall mold repair

Mold remediation on drywall will cost you anywhere from $250 to $3,500. Most homeowners spend around $800 for drywall mold repairs. The actual cost will depend on the rate of mold growth as well as the underlying cause for the problem, e.g., plumbing leaks.

Drywall joint repair

Most contractors will charge you between $120 – $300, including labor and materials, to repair your drywall joint. This damage is usually a result of water leaks or cracks.

Drywall Dent repair

Repairing drywall dents will cost you anywhere from $80 to $120 per dent. Their repair is very similar to repairing holes, and they frequently occur whenever there’s a knock on the wall or ceiling.

Cost to repair drywall by number of rooms

Generally, your overall drywall repair costs will be higher depending on the number of rooms with damaged drywall. Expect to spend between $240 – $980 for this process.

However, it’s cheaper to repair drywall in multiple rooms since the contractor’s labor costs are cheaper for one visit than multiple visits.

Is it better to repair or replace drywall?

It depends on the extent of the damages to the drywall. For most homeowners, any damage on their drywall can be easily fixed by a simple patching process – which is partly true.

However, knowing when not to patch and instead repair or replace your drywall will save you thousands of dollars in the long-term.

When should you repair drywall?

When the damage on your drywall is big enough but not severe enough to cause structural damage.

This could be when you notice big holes (around 6 inches or more), popped nails, or small water damage. Making these repairs should be relatively easy.

All you have to do is remove the affected area and replace it with new drywall. You can also paint over any discolored parts of the drywall after water damage.
If you don’t trust your skills, you can also call in a professional.

When should you replace drywall?

If the extent of the damage on your drywall poses a threat to the structural integrity of your home.

Among the key signs that should alert you include; numerous large holes on your drywall, extensive cracks along your walls and ceilings, and extreme water damage.

Large cracks, especially around the windows, indicate a pressure imbalance on the affected areas, which becomes a huge weak point for the house. Repairing it will only be a temporary fix; you have to replace the drywall in this case.

Replacing drywall affected by water damage from plumbing leaks is also crucial. Damp drywall attracts mold and mildew, which eat up the drywall and pose a danger to your health.

Note: Most drywall replacement jobs should be handled by a drywall expert with the right tools and not the homeowner.

Material prices for repairing/patching a hole in drywall

If you choose to DIY the project, you will need to buy several tools from a local home improvement store or Home Depot. Some of the thing you will need include:

• Sheet of 4’ x 8’ drywall sheetrock at about $12
• Screws at $6 per pound
• 150 feet tape at $5
• A pail of mud at $14
• Face mask at $7
• Sanding blocks at $5
• Flat trowel at $7
• Corner trowel at $12

Once you buy these materials, you can comfortably patch the holes and repaint the walls. In case you need a professional painter, you can hire one at about $70 to $130 per hour. 

Cost to repair a hole in drywall with no studs

The average cost to repair a hole in drywall may be higher than repairing a hole in the drywall with studs. This is because the professional will need to improvise to make sure the patch is strong. On average, you can pay a contractor about $60 to $80 per square foot to patch the hole. The professional may either create makeshift studs using small pieces of wood or find another way to make the patch stable.

Cost to repair/patch a hole in drywall with texture

The cost to repair a hole in textured drywall may also be slightly higher. Contractors charge about $50 to $75 per square foot to repair or patch a hole in drywall. If texture needs to be reapplied, you can pay application professionals about $60 per hour for the job. If the paint needs to be reapplied, you can pay a painting contractor about $70 to $130 per hour.

Luckily, most painters are now experts in repairs. So, you may not need to hire separate professionals to repair and paint drywall. 

Labor cost to repair/patch a hole in drywall

Labor is usually the most expensive part of a project because it takes about 70% of the total cost. Expect to pay about $60 to $90 per hour or about 50 to 75 per square foot for the repairs. If you DIY the project, you can spend about $45 for materials, which is much cheaper than hiring a professional.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

You can decide to DIY or hire a professional to handle the repairs depending on how large the holes are. Smaller projects are easier to handle, but larger repairs may need the attention of a professional contractor. Also, if there is a major underlying issue like mold, you will need to hire a mold remediation expert and determine the root of the problem.

Do It Yourself

Homeowners who choose to handle their own repairs will only need to buy material. However, if the job is done incorrectly, you will have to hire a professional to undo the damage. 

For small holes, you can buy materials worth $45 or lower for the job. Also, you may need a small repair kit costing about $10 to $30. 

The best part about DIY repairs is that they are inexpensive. Also, you can use the remainder of the materials for future repairs, making the cost even lower. Larger holes may be more complicated to repair, but with the right materials and a little help from a friend or family member, you can pull it through. 

Pros

• Cost is usually the main advantage of DIY projects because you will only need to buy materials for the job. 
• DIYers have the freedom to handle the job as they want without any pressure. So, you can find the easiest and cheapest way to repair the holes.
• The materials you buy can be used for future repairs.
• You will get a chance to learn and improve your skills with time.

Cons

• If you have never done any repairs before, you risk causing more damages which may be costlier to repair.
• Safety is a major issue with DIY projects because the drywall sheets are heavy to lift. Also, you may injure yourself if you try to reach high places.
• The project may take longer because of lack of enough time or experience.

Hiring a professional

It is recommended to hire a professional drywall contractor to do the repairs for you. While you can comfortably fix smaller holes, larger holes are more complex to repair. More so, poor repairs may impact your home’s visual appeal and even reduce its resale value. 

A professional drywall contractor will spot all issues, including damage to wires, insulation, and pipes besides the holes. Also, the expert will handle the repairs professionally and ensure your house is in perfect shape.

Before you hire a professional, always ensure you get at least three quotations from different contractors. This will help you determine the range of the project. Also, ensure you get a detailed estimate before the contractor starts work.

Pros

• They are trained and experienced in the job to handle the repairs without causing more damages.
• Pros can work without wasting materials because they know the quantities needed for the job.
• The home’s visual appeal will be better because the experts handle their work with a high level of professionalism. This means the resale value of your home will be higher.
• You will have peace of mind throughout the work because pros know what they are doing.

Cons

• The labor costs to repair holes are high, making the project’s total cost to be high.
• Once pros take over the project, you will lose control which means you may not get the results you wished for.

FAQ’s

What is the easiest way to patch a hole in drywall?

Use a drywall saw to square and cut the hole depending on its size, say 4’ x 4’. Then, cut a new patch that is two inches bigger on each side than the hole. So the new patch will be 8’ x 8’. Turn the patch over and draw a square of the exact same size as your hole. Carefully cut, snap and peel the gypsum core. You will be left with a patch of 8 inches square paper surface with a 4-inch square drywall patch attached to it.

Apply drywall mud on the back to cover it completely and put it into the hole. Then, squeeze and smooth out the paper on all sides using a thin layer of joint compound. Leave the patch to dry overnight, sand it lightly, apply another coat of mud and sand it again when it dries. You can then prime and repaint the patch when it dries completely.

What’s the cheapest way to fix a hole in drywall?

To fix a hole effortlessly and without using many resources, you can use a drywall joint compound, utility knife, and drywall saw. First, measure the size of the hole and cut a new patch of the same size. Trace the new patch on the problem area and cut out the hole carefully to avoid causing more damage. 

Fix the new patch into the hole and screw it into the studs. Using a small putty knife, apply drywall joint compound over all the edges and screws. Then, using a wide putty knife, scrape off the excess mud and let it dry overnight. Sand the area, and apply a second layer of mud. Once it dries, sand it again, then prime and repaint your wall.

What can cause holes in drywall?

Holes in drywall can be caused by household accidents and rodents. Also, doorknobs and furniture can create holes when they bump too hard on the drywall. A household with kids is more susceptible to damage because kids can be very active and playful. If not fixed immediately, holes can attract pests that may cause more damage to the home.

Is it better to repair or replace drywall?

This depends on the extent of the damage. For instance, if the hole is large, you may need to replace the affected panel. Also, in case of serious problems like mold and mildew infestation, you may be forced to replace the drywall, especially if mold spores have already spread throughout the drywall.

Ensure you determine the source of the mold to prevent the problem from spreading. Replacing drywall while there is still a major underlying issue is not wise because you will have to replace it again soon.

How long does it take to patch a hole in drywall?

The average time to patch a small hole in drywall is about 30 to 45 minutes. Larger holes may take about one to two hours to repair or patch. If there are multiple holes, it can take a few hours to complete the project. Once you patch a hole for the first time, it will be easier and faster to repeat the process in the future. 

Do Painters repair drywall?

Yes, painters can also repair drywall. Since drywall is prone to damage, it can be costly to hire a drywall repairer and later hire a painter to repaint the wall. For this reason, painters have been trained to repair drywall, meaning you can get both services from the same contractor at a more reasonable cost.

Although drywall is strong and rigid, it is fairly fragile and susceptible to damage. It is, however, easy to repair, and most homeowners can easily patch holes on their own. There are many qualified professionals that can do the work for you, but you should research before hiring any of them. More so, always determine the cause of the problem to avoid repairing your walls now and then.

Author: Benjamin McInerny - is a qualified arborist and a DIY Home Improvement enthusiast. Ben has a extensive experience on renovation projects including, mold removal, painting, fence installation and more. Ben shares his skills with DIY and gardening enthusiasts.