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Homeowner guide · Drywall repair

How to hire a drywall contractor

To hire a drywall contractor, ask whether they'll match your wall texture, what finish level they'll deliver, and whether painting and dust cleanup are included. For water-damaged drywall, make sure the leak is fixed and the wall is dry before it's closed up.

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Quick answer

Start here

  • 1

    Texture matching

  • 2

    Finish level

  • 3

    Painting included or not

  • 4

    Dust cleanup

Plain-English, no jargon

What to look for

  • Photos of patches that disappear after painting
  • Liability insurance
  • Clear terms on texture matching and paint
  • Dust control and cleanup
  • Reviews that mention invisible repairs

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you match my wall or ceiling texture?
  • What finish level will you deliver?
  • Is priming and painting included?
  • How will you control dust?
  • How many visits will it take for mud to dry?

Getting and comparing quotes

Drywall repairs often take several visits for coats to dry, so ask how the job is priced (per patch, per sheet or by the hour) and whether paint is included.

Red flags

  • Closes up wet walls
  • Won't say whether paint is included
  • No plan for dust
  • Can't show patches they've done

FAQ

Common questions

Do drywall contractors paint?

Some do and some don't. Ask, since an unpainted patch still shows.

Why do drywall cracks come back?

Cracks over doors and windows can come from movement in the house. Recurring cracks may need a closer look.

Can water-damaged drywall be repaired?

Small areas often can. Fix the leak and make sure the wall is dry first.

Drywall repair

Common drywall repair jobs

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How to Hire a Drywall Contractor: Patches, Texture and Finish