2025 Drywall Repair Cost: What You Need to Know Before You Fix
Whether you’re patching a few nail holes or fixing significant wall damage, drywall repair is essential for maintaining your home’s appearance and structural integrity. The average cost to repair drywall in 2025 is around $608, but the price can range from $150 to $2,000 or more depending on the size, type of damage, and who you hire.
Let’s walk through the key factors that affect drywall repair cost, and what you should expect based on your situation.
General Price Breakdown
Average Total Cost: $608
Typical Range: $150 – $2,000+
Cost per Square Foot: $50 – $75
Hourly Rate: $60 – $90/hour
Basic patchwork like filling small holes costs far less than replacing large sections or fixing water-damaged walls. Your total will depend on the size of the job, the location of the damage, and whether additional services like painting or texture matching are required.
Key Drywall Repair Cost Factors
1. Size and Scope of the Project
The larger the area, the more materials, labor, and time are required. Here’s how much you might expect to pay based on square footage:
| Area (sq. ft.) | Cost (Materials + Labor) |
|---|---|
| 1 sq. ft. | $50 – $75 |
| 4 sq. ft. | $200 – $300 |
| 10 sq. ft. | $500 – $750 |
| 20 sq. ft. | $1,000 – $1,500 |
Small dents and holes can often be fixed with a $10-$30 DIY repair kit. But larger holes or ceiling repairs can run upwards of $1,300, especially when access is tricky.
2. Materials
You’ll need different materials depending on the size and type of repair. Here are the most common supplies and their costs:
| Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drywall sheet | $10 – $25/sheet |
| Joint compound (mud) | $5 – $10 |
| Drywall tape | $4.50 per roll |
| Spackle | $5 – $15 |
| Drywall patch kit | $10 – $30 |
| Screws or nails | $5 – $10 per box |
| Paint (optional) | $15 – $55/gallon |
| Sandpaper/Sanding sponge | $5 – $10 |
| Putty knife | $2 – $15 |
Tip: Sheetrock® is a brand name for drywall and usually costs slightly more than generic options.
3. Labor Costs
Labor is a significant portion of drywall repair expenses:
Handyman: ~$60/hour — best for small fixes.
Licensed Contractor: ~$90/hour — ideal for major repairs or wall replacements.
Painter (if needed): $70–$130/hour
Electrician (for wiring issues): $50–$100/hour
If the job involves hidden wires, moisture damage, or structural issues, you may need to bring in additional professionals, which can raise the final bill.
4. Location of Damage
Hard-to-reach areas like ceilings, tight corners, or walls behind plumbing can take longer to repair and may require ladders, special tools, or even disassembling nearby fixtures.
You may be charged an accessibility premium or pay more in hourly labor.
5. Additional Costs
Here are common add-ons that can increase your overall expense:
Debris removal: ~$200 for larger projects
Texture reapplication: ~$1/sq. ft.
Interior painting after repair: $2–$6/sq. ft.
Popcorn ceiling removal: ~$6/sq. ft.
Spray foam insulation: $0.45–$1.50/board foot
Blown-in insulation: $2–$8/sq. ft. (including labor)
Cost by Type of Damage
The cost of drywall repair varies greatly based on the type of damage:
| Type of Damage | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small holes | $20 – $120 |
| Large holes | $50 – $200 |
| Cracks | $60 – $400 |
| Dents | $20 – $150 |
| Tears | $20 – $120 |
| Joints & seams | $40 – $200 |
| Corner beads | $50 – $160 |
| Ceiling repair | $220 – $1,300 |
| Water damage | $600 – $1,550 |
| Nail pop repair | $10 – $60 |
If mold is found, remediation can cost $10–$20 per sq. ft., depending on severity and location.
Common Causes of Drywall Damage
Drywall is easy to damage because it’s made of gypsum and paper. Typical culprits include:
Moving furniture
Slamming doors or door handles
Water leaks
Foundation settling (causes cracks)
High humidity (causes peeling)
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY Drywall Repair Cost: $10–$55
What You’ll Need: A basic kit with spackle, a patch, sandpaper, and a putty knife
Professional Drywall Repair Cost: $60–$90 per hour (plus materials)
If you’re fixing a small hole or crack, the drywall repair cost can stay low with a quick DIY approach. But for bigger issues—like water damage or ceiling repairs—it’s often safer (and smarter) to hire a pro. You’ll get a cleaner finish and avoid mistakes that could cost more in the long run.
3 Tips to Save on Drywall Repair cost
DIY the Small Stuff: Handle small dents or nail pops on your own with a basic repair kit.
Bundle Repairs: Save money by fixing multiple areas at once and maximizing the value of the contractor’s minimum job fee.
Split the Work: Hire a pro for the technical part, but handle simpler tasks like debris cleanup and painting yourself.
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