Drywall Repair

The national average cost is $75 – $150+

The average cost to hire a local professional will average about $75-$150, with some consumers spending over $200 or more. So choosing the right professional the first time is of the essence.

The average cost to hire a local professional can vary widely depending on the work that needs to be performed, they region in which you are located and how fast you need the project completed. So choosing the right professional the first time is of the essence.

Billing:

Hourly Rate – Some companies charge by the hour.

Flat Rate Per Job –  Some companies charge a flat rate for the work they do.

Recognize that there are several variables in developing the price. These include:

• Time that it takes to complete the project.
• How many technicians are working on your project.
• Was it an after hours emergency
• With many more aspects that may add to the cost

Remember, the company quoting a low rate may not necessarily be the right  company for you. Some  companies may offer low hourly rates, but then charge additional “fees” to complete the job.

You may also need to consider that most  companies charge a higher rate for overtime, weekends, holidays and emergency calls.

The best rule of hand is to get an itemized estimate so you know exactly what is expected from the local company.

Steps In Drywall Repair

• Clean holes with blade knife. Cut at an angle so the exterior of the hole is bigger than the interior.
• Fill the hole with painter’s putty.
• Let it dry.
• Spackle over the putty.
• For medium holes, use a drywall metal patch.
• Sand the surface smooth around the hole.
• Wipe off dust.
• Peel paper backing off the patch.
• Spread drywall compound over the patch, feathering out the edges. Smooth out and let dry.
• Gently sand surface until smooth with the wall. Repeat step 9 and 10 until the patch can no longer be detected.
• Larger holes need patches made of drywall. Make sure it is the same thickness as the drywall already present.
• Cut a square of drywall slightly larger than the hole. Score one side with a blade knife and snap it apart. Cut the back of the brake line.
• Draw an outline of the patch around the hole using a pencil.
• Check for electrical cords and plumbing lines where you plan the cut.
• Use a drywall saw to cut out the drawn area.
• Screw in two wooden boards behind the drywall, one at the top and one at the bottom of the hole. This will keep the patch from falling through.
• Screw the drywall patch to the wooden boards.
• Spread drywall compound and add mesh.
• Sand area and repeat steps 18 and 19 until the patch is undetectable.
• Paint over once it’s dry

Ask For The License – Ask for all local and state business licenses.

Proof Of Insurance– For your own protection, check proof of both workman’s compensation and  liability Insurance.

Business Stability– Find out how long the company has been in business.

Check Online Reviews – You’re probably not the first person in town looking for their services. Rely on the internet to get reviews written by people in your community.

References – Expect any top-notch company to be able to provide you with references upon request. Once you have these names, contact the clients to get information about the quality service. When you call, ask questions about the work, timeliness, cost and whether the clients would use the company again for future work.

24-hour Emergency Service – Make sure your local company offers emergency 24 hour service. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know that you will not have to wait days for them to come  out and fix it.

Over The Phone Pricing –  Honest estimates simply cannot be given over the phone – especially if you aren’t talking with an actual technician when you call.

Free Estimates – Most companies offer free estimates. This is important because they can provide you with the costs upfront, so that you are not shocked with a bill after the services are completed.

Safety Record – Safety can be a significant factor, so ask the company about their safety records to ensure that any service professional you hire has a satisfactory safety record. You want a company that doesn’t have a high incidence of on-the-job mishaps or injuries.

Satisfaction Guarantee – Choosing a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they will get the job done right the first time and will save you money and frustration in the long run.

Cleanup – The mess left behind after a project can be major. Ask what cleanup work the company includes with it’s services.