Drywall Repair Cost Calculator
Estimate drywall repair costs for holes, water damage, cracks, and full panel replacement. Includes finishing, texture matching, and painting options.
Your Drywall Repair Details
Cost Estimate
Estimates are for professional drywall repair including materials and labour. Prices vary by region and wall condition. Complex texture matching may cost more than estimated.
Assumptions & Methodology
All-in costs (material + labour) per repair type, mid-range Ontario rates for 2025.
- Small hole (<3"): ~$110/repair. Includes mesh patch, compound, sanding, priming.
- Medium hole (3–6"): ~$200/repair. California patch or backer board method.
- Large hole (6"+): ~$325/repair. Stud-to-stud patch or full section replacement.
- Water damage patch: ~$450/repair. Includes mould treatment and priming for staining.
- Crack repair: ~$150/crack. Tape and compound for settling cracks.
- Full panel replacement: ~$275/panel (4×8 sheet). Includes hanging, taping, and finishing.
- Finish level premium per repair: Smooth Paint-Ready +$0 (base), Texture Match +$75, Skip Trowel +$55, Orange Peel +$40.
- Touch-up painting: ~$75/repair (prime + 1 coat to blend).
- Minimum call fee: ~$175 flat (covers travel + minimum 1-hr billing).
- Estimated time based on average experienced handyman pace; complex conditions may take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall repair cost in Canada?
A small hole repair (under 3 inches) typically costs $100–$175 per repair in Ontario. Medium holes run $150–$275 each. A large hole or section patch costs $250–$450. Water damage patches, which require treating for mould and multiple coats to prevent stain bleed-through, run $350–$600+. Most contractors have a minimum call-out fee of $150–$200 regardless of job size.
Can I repair drywall myself?
Small holes (under 3 inches) are a realistic DIY project — mesh patch kits are available at any hardware store for $10–20 and the technique is learnable with one YouTube video. Medium and large holes require more skill, particularly the taping and feathering of compound to achieve an invisible blend. The hardest part is always the finish — achieving a smooth, flat surface takes practice, and texture matching (orange peel, skip trowel) is genuinely difficult to DIY convincingly.
Why does texture matching cost more?
Matching an existing texture (orange peel, skip trowel, knockdown) requires skill and the right equipment, and it's one of the most common sources of disappointment in DIY repairs. An experienced drywall finisher can often match a texture that looks seamless under any lighting condition, but it takes multiple attempts, different spray patterns, and feathering the texture into the surrounding wall. Texture matching typically adds $50–100 per repair on top of the base cost.
Should I also get the wall painted after drywall repair?
Almost always, yes. A properly repaired patch will be primed and ready for paint, but the new compound reflects light differently than the painted wall around it — it will show as a dull patch until painted. Touch-up painting (prime + 1 coat) is usually $50–100 per repair area. Be aware that touch-up paint rarely matches the existing wall perfectly, especially on older painted walls. For a seamless result, painting the entire wall is usually necessary.
How Much Does Drywall Repair Cost in Canada?
Drywall damage is inevitable in any home — door handles punch through walls, water leaks leave stains, and settling cracks appear over time. Understanding what professional drywall repair costs helps you decide whether to DIY, budget for a contractor, or plan repairs alongside a larger renovation.
Drywall Repair Costs by Repair Type (Ontario, 2025)
- Small hole (<3"): $100–$175 per repair
- Medium hole (3–6"): $150–$275 per repair
- Large hole (6"+): $250–$450 per repair
- Water damage patch: $350–$600 per patch
- Crack repair: $100–$200 per crack
- Full 4×8 panel replacement: $200–$350 per panel
What Adds to the Cost
The base repair cost covers patching and smooth finishing. Three factors push costs higher: texture matching (the most significant adder — $50–100 per repair), painting (touch-up painting after each repair, $50–100 per area), and minimum call fees (most contractors charge $150–200 to show up, regardless of job size). If you have multiple repairs needed, grouping them into one appointment saves significantly on mobilization costs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Drywall Contractor
For small holes, DIY is straightforward and the materials cost under $20. For larger holes or water damage patches, the challenge is achieving a flat, smooth finish that's invisible once painted. Even experienced DIYers often find the finishing work frustrating. The biggest mistake is applying too-thick coats of compound and not feathering the edges far enough from the patch. For texture matching specifically, a professional result almost always requires a professional — it's genuinely difficult to replicate orange peel or skip trowel textures convincingly.
Getting Drywall Repair Quotes
Most small drywall repair jobs are priced by the repair, not by the hour. When getting quotes, specify exactly how many repairs, the approximate sizes, the wall texture, and whether you need painting included. Bundling multiple repairs into one visit is the most cost-effective approach — the minimum call fee is the same whether you have one repair or ten.