Introduction
Home drywall problems for decades. Drywall, also called plasterboard or sheetrock, is by far the most common interior finishing material in the moderns so widely used, homeowners come into contact with it frequently and, along with that, the various forms of damage that come with age. Small holes from furniture bumping into it. Large holes that might need patching for one reason or another. Water damage that can make a room look like a scene from The Shining. But since drywall is a relatively simple material to work with, many of those homeowners decide that they can handle a few bucks. But not all drywall repairs are equal. What seems like a simple project for a homeowner can also feel like a step by step battle with frustration
In we’ll explain the similarities and differences between DIY drywall repair and professional drywall repair, so you can decide when you can handle a repair by yourself and when you should call in the experts.
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Assessing the Damage
A crucial step when deciding whether you should tackle hire a professional is evaluating the severity of the problem. Not all drywall issues are simple enough for a DIY the severity of the problem can help you choose the best option.
Small Holes and Cracks
Small holes from nails, picture hangers, and dents are the most common work order relating to drywall we see on a daily basis, and often are minor cracks around door frames and windows, which are also superficial.
- Small Holes: You can patch these with spackle and a putty knife in a jiffy.
- Crashes: Smaller hairline cracks can be packed shut with joint compound, but bigger cracks could be an indication of something deeper, such as settling or foundation shifting.
Large Holes and Water Damage
Small holes, such as those left by a nail, are easy to fix. Larger holes, such as those left by accidents, or water-damaged drywall, are on a whole other level.
– Large Holes: These will require more complexity, for instance, cutting out and replacing an area of drywall.
- Water Damage: Water-damaged drywall is typically more extensive in repair, and may require the baseline remedy of the source of the moisture (eg, a roof leak or plumbing issue).
If the problem extends beyond the break or small holes, it might be time to call for drywall repair in Buffalo, NY.
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DIY Drywall Repair
DIY drywall repair is a great idea if you have a minor hole or crack, and saves you the cost of hiring someone to do it for you. It sounds simple enough, but it does require time, some skill and the right tools to do it right.
Tools and Materials Needed
For small to moderate DIY drywall repairs, you’ll need the following materials:
- Joint compound or spackle
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper (fine-grit)
- Drywall patch (for larger holes)
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth (to catch debris)
Step-by-Step Guide for Minor Repairs
1. Clean Up the Area: Remove any loose drywall or other debris and dust from around the area of damage.
2. Patch it with Joint Compound or Spackle: For small holes or cracks, dab a thick layer of joint compound or spackle over the damaged area with a putty knife, feathering it into the edges to blend it into the wall.
3. For Bigger Holes: If the hole is larger, use a drywall patch. Then attach the patch with joint compound and feather the joint compound to the wall.
4. Sand the Surface: Once the compound is dry, sand the area with fine-grained sandpaper until smooth.
5. Prime and Paint: But if you wanted to do a really good job of covering up areas that you’ve touched up, you’d prime the patch first, then paint over it to match the wall.
DIY drywall repair can be a good option for small holes, dents or cracks, but anything larger than that may require calling a professional.
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When to Call a Professional
DIY repairs are sometimes effective for small damages but sometimes we need to take the car to the expert.
Extensive Damage Indicators
- Mould: Water-damaged drywall needs to be addressed quickly, or you’re likely to see mould growth and structural problems
- Holes Greater Than a Few Feet: If there are large holes in the wall, or damage over a multi-foot area, chances are some sections of drywall will have to be cut out and replaced – a task best left to a dedicated drywall installer.
- Structural Concerns: If the cracks are large or recurring, they could signal a larger structural issue that DIY repair won’t resolve.
Benefits of Professional Repair
Quality Finish: Pros get a premium, ultra-smooth, blemish-free finish with an eye for eliminating seams, bumps and imperfections.
- Quick and Simple: Hiring a pro gets the job done faster, especially if you need several steps completed, such as patching, sanding, priming and painting.
- Root Causes: A trained contractor can identify and handle the root causes of the problem, such as moisture, which in turn caused the drywall damage in the first place.
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Risks of Improper Repair
Although they appear to be simple DIY jobs, patching up drywall poorly could lead to headaches later on.
Aesthetic Issues
- Seams or Bumps: If your patch job is uneven or you haven’t sanded properly, seams or bumps in the dried paint may detract from your walls.
- Shoddy Paint Match: Not priming before painting or using the wrong paint sheen will make the repaired area obvious.
Structural Concerns
– Missed Underlying Causes: DIY can focus on repairing the visible damage, such as a crack in a pipe, while leaving the underlying cause untouched. This might not be a problem, say if a pipe crack has led to a bit of a drip. But if it’s the symptom of a bigger problem, like water damage, the underlying leak will need fixing so as not to cause worse issues.
- Bad Repairs: Using the wrong materials or techniques can result in weak patches that don’t last, leading to cyclical troubles.
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Cost Comparison
One of the key factors that may probably influence a homeowner's decision on whether to fix or hire a professional is cost. Below is an overview of the comparison in terms of the expenses that both options entail.
DIY Expenses
- Supplies: Joint compound, spackle, sandpaper and other basics are about $20-$50, depending on the size of the repair.
- Tools: If you don’t already have them, be prepared to add another $10-$30 for a putty knife, utility knife, and sanding tools.
- Time: DIY repairs can take several hours, depending on your damage and the amount of time you need to wait between some steps while things dry out.
Professional Services
A professional drywall repair in Buffalo NY usually costs between $150-$500 but the costs will vary damage to be repaired and the are you are looking at repairing. The cost of doing it yourself in terms of time and effort can sometimes be much more than having an expert do the job right the first time, which can help you avoid future costs.
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Selecting a Professional Drywall Contractor
When you require someone to help you install or fix drywall in your home, you should ensure that you hire someone that is a professional at what they do.
Credentials to Look For
- Licensing and Insurance: Did the contractor provide proof of licensing and insurance from all subcontractors? This is especially important in the event of accidents or damages.
- Experience: For large or complex drywall jobs, look for a contractor with experience drywall repair and installation.
- References: Ask for references or read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
Questions to Ask
- How long have you been working in drywall repair?
- What types of drywall repair do you specialize in?
- Can you provide a detailed quote for my project?
- Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work?
Hiring the right professional ensures you get high-quality, long-lasting results.
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Preventative Measures
Once your drywall is repaired, taking preventive steps can help you avoid future damage.
Tips to Avoid Future Damage
Install door stoppers: Drywall is notorious for denting if door handles are hit, but you can get around this by adding a stopper.
- Control Moisture Levels: If moisture is an issue, make sure to have adequate ventilation in your bathrooms and kitchen to avoid mould growth.
- Furniture Pads: Furniture, especially chairs, tables and other furniture with sharp corners can easily scratch your walls. By adding furniture pads behind these pieces of furniture, you can avoid such a disaster.
These small actions will make your drywall last longer, and require fewer patches in the future.
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Conclusion
Do you need to repair drywall damaged in your home? Should you do it yourself or hire a drywall contractor who can provide a smooth finish? The answer depends on the severity of the damage and your confidence in your skills. You can repair small holes, cracks and dents easily without professional help. You could save money and feel a sense of accomplishment at a job well done. However, for large sections of drywall damaged by water or excessive force, your best bet is to hire a professional who will provide a flawless surface finish.
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P.S. If you're ready to take the next step with your home improvement project, we're here to help! At MidCity Handyman & Remodeling, we offer professional, reliable services tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking to remodel, repair, or upgrade, we've got you covered. For a free, no-obligation quote, visit this page or contact us directly at info@midcityhr.com or (716)-477-5520. Let's turn your vision into reality!
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