Hire a drywall professional for extensive damage or seamless finish
For large holes (larger than 6-8 inches), extensive cracking from foundation settling, water-damaged drywall, or situations where you need a perfectly smooth finish across an entire wall, hire a professional drywall finisher or general contractor. Professionals cut out damaged sections, install new drywall pieces with proper backing, tape and mud all seams, and apply multiple skim coats to achieve a Level 4 or Level 5 finish that is invisible under paint.
Why It Works
Drywall finishing is a skill that takes years to master. Achieving a truly invisible repair on a large area requires knowing how to feather compound over wide transitions, apply consistent texture matching (orange peel, knockdown, smooth), and produce a flat surface that does not show imperfections under raking light. Professionals also identify underlying causes of damage (moisture, settling, poor framing) that a cosmetic fix alone would not address.
Tips
- Expect to pay $150-300 for a handyman to patch 1-3 medium holes including finishing and texture matching
- Full drywall repair (replacing large sections, re-taping, and finishing) typically costs $250-600 depending on the area
- If the damage includes water stains, ensure the water source is fixed before patching -- otherwise the stain returns and mold may develop behind the new drywall
- Ask if the quote includes texture matching -- smooth walls are easier; orange peel or knockdown texture matching is a separate skill and may cost extra
- For pre-sale home preparation, a professional finish is worth the investment since buyers notice patchy wall repairs
- Request that the professional primes patched areas before final paint to avoid sheen differences (flashing)
- Get at least two quotes for larger jobs; prices vary significantly between contractors
- Common mistake: hiring a general handyman for large-scale drywall work -- a dedicated drywall finisher produces significantly better results for anything beyond small patches