GoldKey RepairsIf you have a hole in your wall, water stains on your ceiling, or cracks running along your drywall seams, you are probably wondering what it will cost to fix. Here is a straightforward breakdown of drywall repair pricing in Los Angeles based on our experience handling hundreds of repair calls across the city and the San Fernando Valley.
Drywall Repair Cost Summary
| Type of Repair | Typical Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small holes (nail holes, screw holes) | $150 | 20-30 min |
| Medium holes (doorknob, 4-12 inches) | $150 - $235 | 45-90 min |
| Large holes (12+ inches, full sheet) | $235 - $405 | 2-3 hours |
| Water damage repair | $235 - $490 | 2-4 hours |
| Crack & joint repair | $150 - $235 | 30-90 min |
| Texture matching (per area) | Included with repair | Varies |
| Popcorn ceiling removal (per room) | $235 - $405 | 2-3 hours |
At GoldKey Repairs, we charge $150 for the first hour and $85 for each additional hour. Materials for standard patches are included. This hourly model means you pay for the actual time the repair takes rather than an inflated flat rate.
What Affects the Cost of Drywall Repair?
Size of the Damage
This is the biggest factor. A small nail hole takes a dab of spackle and five minutes. A fist-sized hole requires cutting a patch, securing it with a backer board or California patch method, taping, mudding, sanding, texturing, and priming. A full sheet replacement after water damage involves removing the damaged drywall, inspecting framing, hanging a new 4x8 sheet, taping every seam, and applying multiple coats of mud.
Texture Type
Smooth walls are the simplest to patch because there is no texture to replicate. Orange peel and knockdown require a hopper gun or sprayer and take extra time to match correctly. Popcorn texture is difficult to match on patches, which is why many homeowners in the San Fernando Valley choose to remove it entirely and go smooth.
Location on the Wall or Ceiling
Ceiling repairs take longer than wall repairs because of the overhead working position and the need for scaffolding or ladders. Corners and edges near door frames also require more precision.
Water Damage Complexity
A simple water stain that dried out can sometimes just be primed and painted. But if the drywall is soft, bubbling, or crumbling, it needs to be cut out and replaced. If mold is present behind the wall, that adds time for inspection and safe removal. We always recommend having the source of the water leak repaired before we patch the wall.
Drywall Repair Cost by Neighborhood in LA
Pricing is consistent across our service area. Whether you are in Sherman Oaks, Encino, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Studio City, North Hollywood, Tarzana, or anywhere else in the greater Los Angeles area, GoldKey charges the same hourly rate. We do not add travel surcharges within our service area.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Small nail holes and screw holes are reasonable DIY projects. You can pick up spackle and a putty knife at any hardware store for under $15. But anything beyond that is where most homeowners run into problems.
The three most common DIY drywall repair mistakes we see are:
- Visible patches — The repair is structurally fine but you can clearly see where it was patched because the texture does not match.
- Cracking after a few weeks — The patch cracks because the tape was not properly embedded in the mud or the mud was not applied in thin enough coats.
- Over-sanding — Sanding too aggressively creates a divot or exposes the tape, which shows through paint.
If the repair is in a visible area like a living room, hallway, or rental property, hiring a professional typically saves you the cost of having to redo it.
How to Save Money on Drywall Repair
- Bundle multiple repairs — If you have several holes, cracks, or patches needed, get them all done in one visit. The first hour covers setup time, and additional work at $85/hour is a better deal.
- Fix water leaks first — Do not pay for drywall repair twice because the leak was not fixed.
- Skip the paint matching — We prime the repair area, but full paint matching of the entire wall is a separate step. If you already have the paint, you can handle touch-up yourself.
Need Drywall Repair in Los Angeles?
Same-day service available. $150 first hour, $85 each additional. Licensed and insured.
Call (323) 630-9115Frequently Asked Questions
Is drywall repair worth it or should I replace the whole wall?
In almost all cases, repair is significantly cheaper and faster than full replacement. The only time full replacement makes sense is if the wall has extensive mold damage, structural issues, or if you are already doing a full remodel.
How long does drywall mud take to dry?
Standard joint compound takes 24 hours to fully dry between coats. For small patches, we use quick-setting compound that dries in 20 to 45 minutes, allowing us to complete the entire repair in a single visit. Larger jobs requiring multiple coats may need a follow-up visit the next day.
Can you paint over a drywall patch the same day?
For small repairs using quick-setting compound, yes. We prime the patch before we leave so it is ready for paint. For larger repairs with standard mud, we recommend waiting 24 hours before painting.
GoldKey Repairs serves Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Studio City, North Hollywood, Tarzana, Van Nuys, Santa Clarita, and the entire San Fernando Valley. Learn more about our drywall repair services or call (323) 630-9115 for same-day service.