Drywall Repair Cost (2026): What Contractors Charge
Drywall repair costs $300 to $600 for most patches, with the national average around $600. Small doorknob-size holes run $100–$250. Larger holes requiring new drywall sections cost $400–$1,000+. Most contractors have minimum service fees of $150–$300, even for small repairs.
What Does Drywall Repair Cost?
Whether it's a doorknob hole, water damage, or cracks from settling, drywall damage is one of the most common home repair needs. The good news: most drywall repairs are straightforward for a skilled handyman or contractor.
Pricing depends primarily on hole size, location (walls vs. ceilings), and whether texture matching is required. Many pros charge minimum service fees that can make small repairs seem expensive—batching multiple repairs into one visit saves money.
Drywall Repair Cost by Damage Type
| Damage type | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small hole (under 4") | $100–$250 | Doorknob, nail anchor, minor dents |
| Medium hole (4–12") | $200–$500 | Fist-size; requires patch piece |
| Large hole (12"+) | $400–$1,000+ | Cut-and-patch; new drywall section |
| Hairline cracks | $60–$400 | Surface fix vs. structural |
| Large/structural cracks | $350–$1,000+ | May require section replacement |
| Water damage | $600–$1,550 | Plus mold check; source fix first |
| Ceiling repair | $350–$1,500+ | Overhead work; harder access |
Additional Drywall Repair Costs
| Factor | Additional cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texture matching | +$1–$2/sq ft | Orange peel, knockdown, popcorn |
| Priming and painting | +$1.50–$3.50/sq ft | Often needed for seamless finish |
| Minimum service fee | $150–$300 | Applies to small repairs |
| Mold remediation | +$10–$20/sq ft | If water damage caused mold |
| Bathroom (moisture-resistant) | +$50–$150 | Green/purple board required |
DIY vs. Professional Drywall Repair
Small nail holes and dents under 1 inch are reasonable DIY projects—$10–$50 in materials for a patch kit. But holes larger than 3 inches, ceiling damage, texture matching, and water damage are significantly harder and often cost more to fix after a failed DIY attempt.
Boulder homeowners: See our drywall repair services →
FAQ
How much does drywall repair cost?
Drywall repair costs $300 to $600 on average, with the national average around $600. Prices range from $150–$2,000 depending on damage.
How much does it cost to patch a hole in drywall?
Small hole patches cost $100–$250. Medium holes (4–12 inches) run $200–$500. Large holes cost $400–$1,000+.
Why is drywall repair so expensive?
Most contractors have $150–$300 minimum service fees for travel and setup. Multiple mud coats require separate visits for drying.
How much does drywall repair cost per square foot?
Drywall repair runs $2–$6 per square foot for small repairs, or $50–$75 per square foot for large sections requiring full replacement.
Does texture matching cost extra?
Yes—textured drywall repair costs 30–40% more than smooth. Orange peel and knockdown matching runs $150–$450 per patch.
