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Drywall repair cost

Patches, texture matching and paint priced by damage type and repair size.

By the LocalServiceHQ editorial team
Updated Oct 29, 2026
Formulas and sources listed below
Prices checked Oct 2026
Your job
Texture matching
Paint
Your estimate
Typical total
—
patching, texture, primer and paint
Cost per repair
—
includes texture and paint
Typical range for this job: —
How it adds upTypical
Patching labourcut, patch, mud and sand
—
Texture matchingspray or knockdown to match the wall
—
Paint and primerspot prime up to a full wall coat
—
Materialsdrywall, tape, mud and paint
—
Cost per repairtotal ÷ number of repairs
—
US drywall repair prices for October 2026: small patches $80–$250, doorknob holes $150–$500 and water damage $400–$1,800. Most contractors have a $150–$300 minimum, and texture matching plus paint often costs as much as the patch.
Small repairs are priced by the visit, not the square foot. Three small patches often cost about the same as one.
Photo via Pexels

How the math works

Nail pops
Small
$80 to $250
Screws, mud and a spot prime, usually same-day.
Doorknob hole
Patch
$150 to $500
California patch with mesh, mud, texture and paint.
Water damage
Repair
$400 to $1,800
Cut out, dry, replace, texture and paint, plus the leak fix.
Large cut
Repair
$500 to $2,200
Plumbing access panels and larger sections.

Common starting points

Common US drywall repairs at the typical rate.

Tap a preset in the calculator above to load a typical job, then adjust the numbers to match your site.
Starting points: 3 doorknob holes · 1 water-damage patch · 5 nail pops · 2 large cuts · 1 patch, 10 sq ft

Rather hire it out?

See installed prices and permit rules for drywall repair cost.

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How to use the drywall repair cost

Photograph the damage, identify the cause, then get a quote that includes texture and paint.

1
Photograph the damage
A photo helps the contractor quote without a visit.
2
Identify the cause
Water damage needs the leak fixed first or it returns.
3
Ask about texture
Ceilings and textured walls need a matching spray or knockdown.
4
Confirm paint scope
Spot paint rarely matches; ask whether a full wall coat is included.

Mistakes that cost homeowners money

!
Patching water damage without fixing the leak.
!
Skipping texture matching on a visible wall.
!
Spot-painting a wall and ending up with a visible halo.
!
Choosing a handyman for a job that needs a licensed trade, like plumbing or electrical.

Drywall repair cost FAQ

How much does drywall repair cost?

Small patches run $80 to $250, doorknob holes $150 to $500 and water damage $400 to $1,800. Most repairs have a $150 to $300 minimum service charge.

Yes for patches, texture and paint. If the damage involves plumbing, electrical or structure, a licensed trade should do that part first.

Small patches are a same-day job. Water damage takes longer because the cavity must dry, and texture and paint need cure time.

The contractor sprays a matching texture, often orange peel or knockdown. Matching an old texture exactly can require a larger patch area.

Usually yes, at least a spot prime and coat. Blending into an existing wall may need repainting the whole wall for a clean result.

Wet drywall can grow mould within 24 to 48 hours. Cut out and replace saturated sections, and dry the cavity before closing it.

Using the calculator defaults, 3 doorknob holes gives Typical total: $1,290 and Cost per repair: $430, with a typical range $749 to $2,001. Change the waste allowance, material or thickness to match your site.

Using the calculator defaults, 1 patch, 10 sq ft gives Typical total: $1,150 and Cost per repair: $1,150, with a typical range $813 to $1,580. Change the waste allowance, material or thickness to match your site.