Drywall Repair Cost Calculator
Estimate drywall repair costs by damage type, patch size, and finish requirements. Get accurate pricing for hole repairs, water damage, cracks, and nail pops including texture matching and paint.
Most common repair
Estimated Total Cost
$125 – $275
$125.00 – $275.00 per repair
Repair Cost
$100–$200
Texture
—
Paint
$25–$75
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Small Hole Repair: Doorknob damage, small punctures. Requires patch kit or mesh tape.
Minimum Service Call: Most contractors charge a minimum of $100–$200 for small jobs. Consider bundling multiple repairs.
Texture Types: Smooth walls are easiest to match. Orange peel, knockdown, and popcorn textures require specialized tools and skill to blend invisibly.
Not included: Full room painting (better match), structural repairs, mold remediation, or asbestos testing (pre-1980 homes).
Drywall Repair Costs by Type
| Repair Type | Cost Range | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Pops / Small Holes | $50–$100 | Easy |
| Small Hole (1-4") | $75–$150 | Easy |
| Medium Hole (4-12") | $100–$250 | Moderate |
| Large Section (12"+) | $200–$500 | Advanced |
| Water Damage | $250–$800 | Advanced |
| Crack Repair | $75–$200 | Moderate |
| Corner Bead Repair | $100–$250 | Moderate |
Additional Cost Factors
| Factor | Cost Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Repair | +20-30% | Overhead work, harder finishing |
| Texture Matching | +$50–$200 | Orange peel, knockdown, popcorn |
| Paint Matching | +$25–$75/repair | Spot painting vs. full wall |
| Minimum Service Call | $100–$200 | Most contractors' minimum |
| Mold Remediation | +$500–$3,000 | If found behind water damage |
How We Calculate
Our drywall repair calculator estimates costs based on repair type, patch size, location, and finishing requirements:
Base Cost = Repair Type Cost × Patch Size Multiplier × Quantity
Total = Base Cost × Ceiling Multiplier + Texture + Paint
Patch Size Impact
Larger patches require more materials and time. A tiny patch (under 2") costs about 70% of base price. Medium patches (6-12") cost 30% more. Extra-large repairs (24"+) cost 2.5× the base due to cutting to studs and multiple coats.
When to Hire a Pro
- Water damage (need mold check)
- Holes larger than 12"
- Matching complex textures
- Multiple repairs (bundle for better rate)
- Ceiling damage (safety and finish quality)
DIY Savings
DIY nail pop repair costs under $10 in materials. Small hole patch kits run $10–$20. You save $80–$150 per repair vs. hiring out. However, poor texture matching is obvious — practice on a closet first.
Data Sources
Costs verified from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, and Fixr (February 2026). Prices vary by region and contractor availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall repair cost? +
Small hole repairs (doorknob damage) cost $75–$150. Medium holes (4-12") cost $100–$250. Large section repairs cost $200–$500. Water damage repair runs $250–$800+. Most contractors charge a minimum service call of $100–$200.
Can I fix drywall holes myself? +
Small holes under 4" are easy DIY repairs with a patch kit ($5–$15). Medium holes require cutting to studs and installing backing. Nail pops are the easiest — just countersink, spackle, and sand. Larger repairs and texture matching are best left to pros.
How much does it cost to repair water damaged drywall? +
Water damage repair costs $250–$800 per area, depending on size. This includes removing damaged drywall, checking for mold, installing new drywall, and finishing. Mold remediation, if needed, adds $500–$3,000.
How do contractors charge for drywall repair? +
Most charge per repair ($75–$500) rather than hourly. Minimum service calls are $100–$200. Some charge per square foot for large areas ($1.50–$3.00/sqft). Ceiling repairs cost 20-30% more due to overhead work.
Does homeowners insurance cover drywall repair? +
Insurance typically covers sudden damage (burst pipes, storms) but not wear and tear (settling cracks, nail pops). Water damage claims require documenting the source. Deductibles often exceed small repair costs.
How long does drywall repair take? +
Small patches take 1-2 hours of work but 24-48 hours total (drying between coats). Larger repairs take 2-4 hours of work. A handyman can fix 3-5 small holes in a half-day visit.
How do you match drywall texture after repair? +
Smooth walls are easiest to match. Orange peel and knockdown require spray texture ($20–$40 can) or a pro. Popcorn texture (pre-1980) may contain asbestos — test before disturbing. Texture matching adds $50–$200 to repairs.
What causes nail pops in drywall? +
Nail pops occur when wood studs shrink from drying, pushing nails out. Common in new construction for 1-2 years. Fix by driving a screw 1-2" from the pop, then spackle both. Modern construction uses screws to prevent this.
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