Most drywall repair cost estimates fall between $100 and $400. Nail holes run about $50–$75, small holes $100–$200 and large holes (12+ inches) $200–$400. Ceiling repairs cost about $300–$1,000, and water-damaged drywall about $500–$2,000. Labor is the main cost, so the number of trips and drying time between coats matter more than materials.
Drywall repair cost by type of damage
| Damage | Typical cost (labor, materials and finishing) |
|---|---|
| Dents | $10–$60 |
| Nail holes and nail pops | $50–$75 |
| Small holes | $100–$200 |
| Medium holes (6–12 in) | $150–$300 |
| Large holes (12+ in) | $200–$400 |
| Cracks | $100–$350 |
| Ceiling repair | $300–$1,000 |
| Water damage | $500–$2,000 |
Broader estimates put a typical drywall repair at about $100–$1,000, averaging around $500. Several small repairs or one major repair often run $300–$900.
Drywall repair rates in New York City and other cities
Handyman marketplace data shows how much city matters:
| City | Avg hourly rate | Avg invoice |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $70 | $172 |
| Boston | $87 | $229 |
| Washington, DC | $58 | $210 |
| Chicago | $60 | $184 |
| Miami | $44 | $154 |
| Los Angeles & Orange County | $51 | $134 |
National handyman rates start around $38 per hour. Licensed drywall contractors often charge more, commonly about $60–$100 per hour.
Why small jobs raise drywall repair cost
A hand-sized hole still needs a patch, several coats of compound with drying time, sanding, primer and paint. That often means two or three visits. That's why many pros set minimum charges, and why bundling every repair in the house into one visit saves money.
Common drywall problems and fixes
Nail pops and screw pops
Fasteners push out as framing dries or shifts. The fix is to drive a new screw nearby, set or remove the old one, then fill and touch up.
Small holes (doorknobs, anchors)
Holes under a few inches can use mesh or self-adhesive patches. Doorknob holes come back unless you add a door stop.
Large holes
Cut the damage back to a clean rectangle, add backing strips or reach a stud, screw in a new piece, then tape and finish.
Cracks
Cracks at door and window corners often come from normal settling and can be re-taped. Wide, recurring or diagonal cracks that keep growing may signal movement. Check our foundation repair guide for the warning signs.
Water-damaged drywall and ceilings
Stop the leak first. Then:
- Stained but solid drywall: dry it out, seal with a stain-blocking primer and repaint
- Soft, sagging or crumbling board: cut out and replace, and check the insulation above or behind it
- Mold: small areas can be cleaned; larger growth may need professional remediation, at about $2,000–$2,500 for major jobs
For roof-related ceiling leaks, see roof leak repair.
Plaster walls (common in older NYC buildings)
Pre-war apartments and brownstones often have plaster and lath, not drywall. Repairs use plaster patching or a drywall patch skimmed to match. Larger damage sometimes means removing plaster and lath, about $2–$5 per sq ft, and replacing it with drywall at about $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft. In buildings built before 1978, assume painted surfaces may contain lead. Disturbing them requires lead-safe practices.
DIY drywall repair cost
Good DIY candidates:
- Nail pops and small holes, using a kit that often costs under $30
- Hairline cracks
- Small patches in closets and garages
Call a pro for:
- Ceilings, especially large or water-damaged areas
- Textured walls that need matching
- Repairs in rooms with strong side lighting, where flaws show
- Anything involving mold, plaster in old buildings or possible lead paint
Use the Paint Calculator to buy enough paint to repaint the whole wall. Spot-painting rarely matches.
When repair becomes replacement
If damage covers most of a wall or ceiling, replacing the full sheets can cost little more than patching many spots, and looks better. See drywall installation cost and size it with the Drywall Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a hole in drywall?
About $100–$200 for a small hole, $150–$300 for a 6–12 inch hole and $200–$400 for larger holes, including finishing.
How much does water-damaged drywall cost to repair?
Typically $500–$2,000, depending on the area, whether insulation is affected and whether mold is present. Fix the leak first.
Does drywall repair include painting?
Sometimes. Many quotes include primer and touch-up; others charge separately for repainting the whole wall. Ask before you hire.
Does homeowners insurance cover drywall repair?
It may cover damage from a sudden covered event, like a burst pipe, but usually not wear and tear or long-term leaks.
Planning estimates only.
