If you’ve got damaged drywall or plaster in your home, you’re not alone. Whether it’s from everyday wear and tear, plumbing or electrical work, or even unexpected water damage, getting it fixed is important to the look and value of your home. But how much does drywall repair cost? The answer depends on the size of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the finish you want.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cost to repair drywall, covering everything from minor dings to major patches. As drywall repair experts in Denver, CO, we’ll give you the real, honest answers so you can make the best decision for your home.
Common Types of Drywall Damage and Their Repair Costs
Drywall damage can come from a variety of sources. Here’s a look at the most common types of damage and what you can expect to pay for repairs. Other than the small holes, this includes cutting out the damaged section, installing new drywall, applying multiple coats of mud, sanding, and matching the texture and paint. The larger the repair, the more labor and materials are needed, which increases costs.
1. Small Holes and Dents ($45 – $135)
Small holes, like those from picture hooks, furniture dings, or even doorknobs hitting the wall, are among the easiest repairs. Many homeowners can successfully repair these on their own with a little time and patience. These repairs typically require a bit of spackle, sanding, and paint touch-up. If you’ve got multiple small holes throughout the house, it’s often more cost-effective to have them repaired all at once.
2. Medium Holes from Plumbing or Electrical Repairs ($300 – $1000)
If you’ve had electrical work done – like adding a new outlet or plumbing repairs requiring an access hole, you may be left with a hole that’s too big for simple patching. This kind of repair involves cutting out the damaged section, installing new drywall, mudding, taping, sanding, texturing and painting. The larger the repair the higher the cost.
3. Water Damage ($300 – $5000+)
Water damage is one of the trickiest drywall issues because it often means replacing more than just the drywall. If your drywall has been damaged by a leaky pipe or roof, it’s important to check for mold before making repairs. If caught early, replacing a small section of drywall is manageable and able to be replaced for a few hundred dollars, but for larger areas, costs can climb quickly, especially if framing, trim, and insulation need to be replaced. Many times it is recommended to remove the bottom 1-2 feet of drywall to mitigate the possibility of mold.
Larger drywall repairs like this often cost around $3000 per room to repair all four walls.
The Impact of Texture on Drywall Repair Costs
One major factor that affects the price of drywall repair is the finish. Not all walls are created equal—some have smooth finishes, while others have textured finishes that require extra skill to match seamlessly.
Smooth Finish (More Labor, Higher Cost)
A smooth finish is beautiful, modern, and clean, but it requires additional sanding and multiple coats of drywall mud to blend seamlessly. If you have a smooth wall, repairs will take more time and often multiple trips to get them to blend into the original wall properly. This makes them more expensive than textured wall repairs.
Textured Finishes (Varies by Type)
Textured walls are common in many homes and can hide minor imperfections, but they present their own challenges when it comes to repairs. Common textures include:
- Knockdown – A common finish in newer homes, requiring specialized application tools to match.
- Orange Peel – A slightly bumpy texture that blends well but requires skill to replicate.
- Popcorn Ceiling or Walls – Often found in older homes, this requires special techniques and sometimes full resurfacing.
- Other – There are other types using trowels and brushes that create unique textures that are challenging (and fun) because they take more artistic skills than construction skills to match.
Matching the existing texture properly takes experience and additional time, which can increase the cost slightly, depending on the complexity.
Factors That Affect Pricing:
Size of the damage – The larger the repair, the more material and labor required.
Location – Hard-to-reach areas like ceilings and corners cost more.
Finish type – Smooth finishes and complex textures add labor costs.
Plaster – Plaster adds to the cost as it uses a slightly different technique to repair and is more time consuming to match properly.
Painting – Some repairs require full-wall repainting to blend properly. Having the matching paint on hand will save the cost of matching and give better results.
DIY Painting – Some home owners love to paint and painting the repair is a great way to save money on your project. Make sure you use the proper PVA primer when painting repairs to make sure the final color coat matches properly.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Many homeowners consider tackling drywall repairs themselves, and for small holes, a DIY patch kit can work. However, for medium to large holes, water damage, or textured finishes, hiring a professional ensures an easy way to get your walls and ceiling looking great again. Professionals have the right tools, materials, and experience to match the texture and seamlessly blend the repair so that it’s virtually invisible.
How to Get an Accurate Quote for Your Drywall Repair
Nowadays most reputable companies can give pricing by looking at pictures without the need of scheduling an onsite visit. This can save you tons of time and speed up the process. If you’re in the Denver, CO area and need drywall repaired, contact us at Big Wheel Handyman. The fastest way to get an accurate price for your unique project, is to fill out our Customer Care form and then reply to our automated email with pictures of the damage, description of what happened and other details. We usually will then jump on a call and we can give you pricing and talk about scheduling. We are able to assess the damage from good pictures, discuss your options, and provide a clear, honest pricing with no surprises. We pride ourselves on a great client experience.
Final Thoughts
Drywall damage unfortunately happens and many times is unexpected, but fixing it doesn’t have to be a headache. Understanding the costs associated with different types of repairs helps you make informed decisions. Whether it’s a small dent or a major patch, getting the job done right ensures your home looks its best.
If you’re looking for expert drywall repair in Denver, Big Wheel Handyman is here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let’s get your walls looking good as new!