Drywall repairers near you

When looking for a professional to fix your drywall, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Depending on the job size and local rules, drywall repair pros may need a general contractor or specialty license. Ask for proof and check with your state’s contractor licensing board. Your pro should also carry general liability insurance to cover any accidental property damage.

• Get several estimates: Estimates should outline the cost labor, materials, prep work, patching, sanding and cleanup. Ask if it includes paint matching and any additional fees.

• Read their reviews: Look for comments about clean work, lasting repairs and good communication. Be cautious if you see repeated issues like sloppy results, missed appointments or surprise charges.

• Look at their previous work: Ask to see before-and-after photos of similar jobs, especially if your walls have texture, moisture damage or large holes.

• Find out if they have warranties: Some pros may offer workmanship warranties. If so, this is usually a sign that they stand by their repairs.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring anyone, ask how much experience they have with drywall repairs like yours. Find out if they can match your existing wall texture and paint. It’s also a good idea to ask how they handle unexpected issues, like hidden water damage or crumbling drywall behind the surface.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

Drywall repair professionals typically offer the following services:

• Drywall installation: Hanging new drywall in homes, offices or remodeled spaces.

• Drywall patching and repair: Fixing cracks, small holes or larger damaged sections in walls or ceilings.

• Ceiling repair: Repairing drywall on ceilings, especially after leaks or impact damage.

• Texture matching: Blending repaired areas with existing wall textures.

• Plaster repair: Restoring cracked or damaged plaster, often found in older homes.

• Popcorn ceiling removal: Scraping off outdated textures and refinishing the surface.

However, drywall repair professionals typically will not offer the following services:

• Electrical work: If the damage involves wiring inside the wall, a licensed electrician may need to handle that before drywall can be repaired.

• Plumbing services: Drywall damage caused by leaks usually requires a plumber to fix the source before the wall is patched.

• HVAC installations: If ductwork or vents need to be moved or repaired behind walls, an HVAC technician should handle that before drywall work resumes.

• Roofing repairs: For ceiling damage caused by a roof leak, the roof should be repaired first by a roofer to prevent repeat damage.

The national average cost of drywall repair ranges from around $396 to $1,077,* according to Thumbtack data.

Several factors may impact the cost of this project, including:

• The extent of damage: Minor repairs, such as small holes or hairline cracks, typically cost less than extensive damage that require large patches or full panel replacements.

• Location of repair: Ceiling repairs often cost more than wall repairs due to increased difficulty and the need for additional safety measures.

• Labor rates in your area: Local labor costs can vary, affecting the overall price of the repair.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:

• Combine multiple repairs: Addressing issues at once may reduce the overall cost per repair.

• Get several quotes: Comparing estimates from different professionals can help you find the best price for your repair.

• Do minor repairs yourself: For small holes or cracks, DIY repair kits are available at hardware stores and can be a cost-effective solution.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Yes, in many cases a professional can repair drywall without replacing the entire sheet — especially if the damage is minor to moderate, like: 

• Small cracks, nail pops and dents: which are typically repaired with spackle or joint compound, then sanded and painted. 

• Medium holes: can often be fixed with mesh or a "California patch," which blends seamlessly into the existing wall.

A full replacement might be necessary in the drywall:

• Is soft or crumbling

• Has visible water stains

• Shows signs of mold

A pro can assess the damage and recommend the most cost-effective, durable fix.

In most cases, a professional will take the following steps when fixing your drywall:

• Inspection and prep: The pro will likely assess the damage to determine the best repair method. They typically move or cover nearby furniture, and lay down drop cloths to keep your space clean.

• Cut and remove damaged drywall: If the area is too damaged to patch, the pro may cut out the damaged section.

• Install backing support (if needed): For larger holes, a wood or metal backing may be installed to support the new drywall patch.

• Install drywall patch: A new piece of drywall is cut to size and secured into the opening using drywall screws or adhesive.

• Tape and mud the seams: Seams and screw holes are often covered with joint tape and joint compound. This step may be repeated two or three times for a smooth finish.

• Sand and blend texture: Once the compound is fully dry, the area is sanded smooth. If the surrounding surface is textured, the pro may apply a matching texture to blend the repair with the rest of the wall or ceiling.

In most cases, it's best to hire a professional for drywall repairs. When deciding between DIY and hiring a pro, consider the following:

• Tools and materials: Drywall repair usually requires a utility knife, taping knife, drywall saw, joint compound, sanding tools and more. If you don’t already own these, the cost can add up fast.

• Skill and experience: Most pros know how to blend repairs so they match your wall’s existing texture and finish. Without the right technique, DIY fixes can leave behind lumps, uneven seams or visible patches.

• Time and convenience: Professionals can often complete repairs faster. Plus, they often prep and clean the area so you don’t have to.

• Better results: When the job’s done right the first time, you’re less likely to have to revisit the same problem later. If you’re not an expert to drywall repair, it’s best to hire a pro. 

• Health and safety: Drywall work often creates fine dust, which can be harmful if not contained. Pros usually come prepared to keep your home cleaner and safer.

Here are two examples of average prices for smaller drywall repair jobs that could be similar to fixing a hole in the wall:

• Approximate cost to repair a 5-foot crack in a wall: $125 (labor $75 and materials $50).
• Approximate cost to repair a 3-foot ceiling crack: $150.

However, you should request cost estimates from drywall repair specialists in your area to figure out how much it will cost you to fix your hole.

Learn more about drywall repair costs.

To repair drywall, you need up to several tools and materials. For example, you may need a drill to insert drywall screws and boreholes. A drywall saw or utility knife is perfect for cutting and shaping drywall, and don’t forget your tape measure and pencil. Drywall and taping knives are also essential. 

For materials, you’ll likely need construction adhesive, drywall tape, drywall screws, masking tape and joint compound. 

If you don’t have these tools — and you don’t want to spend money on them — contact a drywall repair professional instead of doing it yourself.

The best way to find a good drywall contractor is by searching for the top-rated contractors near you on Thumbtack. View their ratings, and read their reviews to see how they did on past drywall projects. Pay attention to the photos uploaded by the customers and contractors, so you can analyze their quality of work. 

After you found a few contractors you like, ask them for price quotes. For more tips on how to hire contractors, read our in-depth guide.

A general contractor, handyman or a drywall contractor (or company) can usually install and repair drywall. It’s recommended that you call one of these types of pros when your drywall needs to be repaired, such as after a plumber or electrician has completed their work. 

Look up local pros online and compare their profiles, paying extra attention to their ratings, reviews, experience and list of services. Contact three to five pros to get cost estimates for your project.