Jan 9, 2026
Drywall Repair Cost in Salt Lake City (From $80)
Drywall repair looks simple, but pricing rarely is.
A small hole can trigger a service minimum, a crack might point to movement, and water damage changes everything fast. Materials are cheap. Labor, finish quality, access, and whether the repair actually holds are what drive the number.
We’ll break down drywall repair cost in Salt Lake City, what pushes prices up or down, and how to spot the difference between a quick patch and a fix that lasts.
Key Notes
Small drywall holes often price at $80–$300 due to minimum service charges.
Recurrent cracks and seam failures can push repairs from $250 up to $1,000+.
Water-damaged drywall ranges from $300 per wall to $7,000+ with drying included.
Ceiling drywall repairs typically run 25–50% higher than comparable wall repairs.
Drywall Repair Cost by Type of Damage
Holes & Impact Damage
Holes are the most common drywall repair request, and also one of the most misunderstood from a pricing standpoint.
Doorknob-sized hole (2–3 inches)
Often priced between $80–$180 when quoted as a standalone job. The actual repair might take 15–30 minutes, but the minimum trip charge is what sets the floor.
Fist-sized hole (4–6 inches)
Usually lands in the $150–$300 range when it’s the only repair on the ticket.
These require backing, proper taping, multiple coats of compound, sanding, and at least basic finish blending.
Multiple small holes in one wall
Typically bundled together. In Salt Lake City, it’s common to see $200–$350 for several anchor holes or impact marks repaired in a single room.
If full repainting of the wall is included, that can push pricing into the $300–$500 range.
Cracks, Nail Pops, Seams
Cracks and nail pops are extremely common in Salt Lake City homes due to settling, dry air, and seasonal movement.
Cosmetic cracks
These are usually hairline, under 1/8 inch, and follow seams or paint lines. These are often repaired for $60–$150 per crack when bundled, or absorbed into a $200–$400 service visit.
Nail pops
Typically cost $75–$150 each to properly reset, secure, mud, and blend. Multiple nail pops on one wall are usually grouped together.
Seam failures or bubbling tape
These usually run $80–$190 per area, depending on how much tape needs to be removed and re-feathered.
Water-Damaged Drywall
Water damage is one of the biggest cost escalators in drywall repair.
Old, dried water damage
This usually focuses on cutting out compromised drywall, replacing sections, taping, and refinishing. Typical pricing ranges from $300–$850 per wall, depending on size and finish.
Active or recent moisture
Changes the scope entirely. Drying equipment, moisture testing, and monitoring are often required before repairs can even begin.
In moderate cases, totals climb into the $1,500–$7,000+ range once drying and restoration are included.
Ceiling Drywall Repairs
Ceiling repairs almost always cost more than walls.
Overhead work slows production, requires ladders or scaffolding, and demands wider feathering to avoid visible seams under top-down lighting. As a result, ceiling repairs typically run 25–50% higher than comparable wall repairs.
In Salt Lake City, ceiling drywall repairs often fall between $200–$500 per repair, with higher numbers tied to texture matching, water damage, or large patch areas.
Need A Real Drywall Repair Price?
Licensed pros, clean finishes, pricing that holds.
Drywall Repair Materials Cost
For small repairs, materials usually total $10–$50. Medium repairs fall into the $50–$150 range, depending on drywall, compound, tape, and finish needs.
Joint compound runs $10–$20 per bucket.
Tape adds $5–$10.
Drywall panels cost $10–$15 each (with only a fraction used per job).
Texture sprays or knockdown materials add $15–$30.
Paint and primer can add $20–$60 depending on blending requirements.
When materials appear high on a quote, it’s usually because they’re bundled, include waste allowance, or account for professional-grade products and prep.
What Drives Drywall Repair Costs Up (& Down)
Finish expectations: Texture matching and paint blending can add 30–100% to base repair costs.
Access: Ceilings, stairwells, and tight corners increase setup and labor time.
Hidden conditions: Moisture, framing damage, or prior bad repairs can quickly expand scope.
Repair vs Replacement: When Patching Is a Waste of Money
Patching damaged drywall might look fine initially, but often fails months later, especially in Salt Lake City’s dry, shifting climate.
When Bundling Drywall Repairs Saves Money
Bundling multiple repairs into one visit almost always lowers the per-item cost. Combining drywall work with painting prep or other interior repairs is one of the most effective ways to control overall spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does drywall repair usually take?
Most small drywall repairs take a few hours of hands-on work, but drying time often stretches the job across one to three days. Multiple visits are common so compound can cure properly before sanding, texturing, and paint prep.
Can drywall repairs be done in winter in Salt Lake City?
Yes, drywall repairs can be done year-round. Winter jobs may need extra climate control indoors since cold, dry air affects compound drying and shrinkage, but experienced pros plan around that.
Will drywall repairs always need repainting?
Not always. Some repairs can be spot-primed and blended, but visible walls, ceilings, or sheen changes often require repainting a full wall section to avoid flashing or color mismatch.
Is drywall repair something homeowners can DIY to save money?
Simple patches are DIY-friendly, but finish quality is where most problems happen. Poor taping, fast drying, or skipped priming often lead to visible seams and repeat repairs that cost more than hiring a pro once.
Conclusion
Once you zoom out, the drywall repair cost in Salt Lake City follows clear patterns:
Small holes often land around $80–$300, cracks and nail pops usually bundle into a $200–$400 visit, ceiling repairs run 25–50% higher than walls, and water damage is where numbers jump fast, from $300–$850 per wall to $1,500+ when drying and replacement are involved.
If you want a quote that accounts for your specific damage, finish expectations, and whether repair or replacement makes more sense, getting eyes on the job early avoids surprises and repeat fixes.
Getting a quote helps set scope, timing, and cost before small drywall issues turn into bigger ones.
Pricing Disclaimer:
All prices listed are general estimates based on typical drywall repair scenarios in Salt Lake City. Actual costs may vary depending on damage extent, finish requirements, access conditions, and hidden issues discovered on-site. Final pricing is confirmed only after reviewing the specific repair area in person or via photos.
