Homeowners who have damage to their drywall may find themselves wondering whether they will need to hire a handyman or contractor to complete the repairs. After all, some minor drywall damage can be handled as a relatively quick and easy handyman project. On the other hand, larger holes and more extensive damage may require the assistance of a trained drywall contractor to repair.

Causes of Drywall Damage

The most common culprit of drywall damage is the doorknob. Upon opening a door, the knob can bang up against the wall, causing damage over time. Fortunately, this can be remedied with a patch job, plus the addition of a door stopper to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.

The cost of hiring a contractor to repair damage to drywall ranges between $125 and $1,200, depending on the extent of the damage. Based on over 10,000 customer responses, the average spend was $496. In general, as long as the hole can be covered with what handymen refer to as a "patch," the repair will be a flat rate. However, regional pricing variations can also affect the cost of the repair. It is also the labor itself that is the expensive part.

If the hole in the drywall is small enough, homeowners can have a handyman perform the drywall repair instead of having a contractor come in to replace parts of the wall.

Handyman or Drywall Contractor?

There is a general rule of thumb used to determine whether a homeowner should hire a handyman to complete a drywall sheet repair or a contractor. In general, if a hole in the drywall is less than an inch in diameter at its largest point, the repair can be done by a handyman. If the hole is any larger, it is generally recommended that homeowners hire a drywall contractor to ensure the job gets done correctly, and the repair will last. Hiring a contractor to do any repairs may be more costly, but it has its benefits. These include:

• Contractors will likely finish the job more quickly because of years of experience
• It saves time since they won't have to shop for tools and materials or perform the labor and cleanup
• Professional quality work will be guaranteed to last and hide any blemishes
• Contractors know how to cover and prepare the area to reduce the mess, and they will clean up afterward

Homeowners need to determine if the added benefits outweigh the extra expense and added stress to complete the repair.

What to Expect With Drywall Repair

To get started with drywall repair, a contractor will prep the area to minimize the mess. Upon surveying the damage, they will choose the right type of drywall compound. The two most common types available are lightweight and all-purpose. Which option is best will depend on the severity of the damage. For small holes, a drywall repair contractor will likely use a lightweight compound because it dries more quickly, weighs less and is easier to sand. However, this type is not as durable as all-purpose compound, which makes it less ideal for larger holes.

All-purpose compound comes with the drawback of taking longer to dry, which will extend the overall time required to perform the repair. However, for more extensive damage, this is typically the best choice because the repair will last longer and be more durable. All-purpose compound tends to cost a few dollars more than lightweight compound.

To patch the hole, the professional will first apply the compound and smooth over it with a putty knife. Depending on the size of the hole, several layers of compound may need to be applied.

To expedite the process, a dryer can be used to speed up the drying process. Once the compound is dry, the contractor will proceed to sand the surface down, so it looks as uniform as possible with the rest of the wall. This will be done using either an electric sander or a piece of sandpaper with a bit of elbow grease. Professionals will take the time to sand down the edges around the area where the compound was applied and the wall meets it. This will create the most seamless-looking finish.

To add durability to the repair, the contractor may apply an adhesive patch made of aluminum screen to the dried and sanded compound. If working with a larger hole, the contractor will typically start by cutting the hole into a square shape ahead of time. Once the screening is attached, they will apply another layer of the compound and sand it once it's dry. The last step, which could be completed by the contractor or homeowner, is to paint over the patchwork with a color that matches the rest of the walls. If done correctly, most people will not even be able to tell that the repair was done in the first place.

Overall, drywall repair can be very inexpensive when hiring a handyman, but it gets a bit pricier when it comes time to hire a drywall contractor. It is a good idea for homeowners to carefully consider which option is best for the given damage. You should always shop around and get estimates from both types, as to ensure the best possible deal.

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