Home Repairs•5 min read•
DIY vs. Professional Drywall Repair: What Richardson Homeowners Need to Know
Discover when you can tackle drywall repairs yourself and when it's worth calling a professional handyman in Richardson and Plano.
Drywall damage is one of the most common home repairs in Richardson and Plano. Foundation settling, doorknob impacts, and furniture moves leave their mark. Here's when to DIY and when to call the pros.
Types of Drywall Damage **Nail Pops:** Nails backing out from framing. Very common in newer Plano construction. **Small Holes:** Doorknob hits, picture hangers, small impacts under 2 inches. **Medium Holes:** Larger impacts, removed fixtures, 2-6 inches. **Large Holes:** Major impacts, removed cabinets, over 6 inches. **Cracks:** Foundation movement, settling, structural shifts. Common in Dallas clay soil areas.
DIY-Friendly Repairs **Nail Pops and Small Holes:** - Requires: Spackle, putty knife, sandpaper, touch-up paint - Difficulty: Easy - Time: 30 minutes plus drying **Small Cracks:** - Requires: Joint compound, tape, sandpaper, paint - Difficulty: Moderate - Time: 2-3 hours over multiple days
When to Call a Professional **Matching Texture:** Richardson and Plano homes feature various textures (knockdown, orange peel, skip trowel). Matching existing texture requires experience and specialized tools. **Paint Matching:** Even with original paint codes, sheen differences and aging make matching difficult. Professionals blend repairs seamlessly or recommend repainting entire walls. **Large Holes:** Patches over 6 inches require backing board installation, proper taping technique, and multiple compound coats. **Recurring Cracks:** Cracks that return after repair indicate structural issues. Professional assessment prevents wasted effort. **Water Damage:** Water-stained drywall may contain mold and often requires replacement, not patching.
Cost Comparison DIY small repair: $10-30 in materials, 1-3 hours Professional small repair: Starting around $100-150 including perfect finish and paint match DIY large repair: $50-100 materials, 4-8 hours, likely visible results Professional large repair: $200-400 depending on size, invisible results
The Hidden Costs of DIY **Time:** Multiple coats mean several days of work **Tools:** Quality tools (taping knives, sanding blocks, texture guns) add up **Learning Curve:** First attempts rarely match professional results **Paint Waste:** Small touch-ups often require repainting entire walls for consistency
Why Richardson and Plano Homeowners Choose Professionals **Foundation Issues:** Our soil causes settling. Pros identify whether cracks indicate serious foundation problems or normal settling. **Resale Value:** Visible DIY repairs hurt home values. Professional repairs maintain property value. **Time Savings:** Most homeowners value their weekends. Professionals complete quality repairs in hours, not days.
**Professional Drywall Repair in Richardson and Plano** Jafar Handyman LLC provides seamless drywall repair with texture and paint matching throughout the Dallas metro area. Free estimates, fair pricing, and guaranteed results. Schedule your estimate today.