Drywall repair: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering drywall repair

You repair drywall, cutting out damaged sections, installing backing, taping, coating and sanding patches until they disappear under paint. Customers judge you on whether the patch vanishes once it is painted.

What customers ask

  • Can you make the patch invisible once it is painted?
  • Can you fix this ceiling stain?
  • Why does my crack keep coming back?
  • Can you match my wall texture?
  • How long before I can paint?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for photos of the damage, the wall or ceiling type and the texture, then tell the customer whether a water source must be fixed first.
  • Cut back to solid edges and add backing or blocking behind any loose edge, so the patch holds.
  • Apply compound in thin coats and let each dry fully, since thick coats crack and sink.
  • Feather the patch wider than the damage, and sand it with light under raking light to find high and low spots.
  • Prime every patch before you hand the wall back, since unprimed compound soaks up paint and leaves a dull patch that shows.
  • In the quote, list each patch, the backing used, the texture method and the coats of compound.

What to put on your profile

  • Before and after photos of patches, including ceiling stains and texture matches
  • The textures you match, such as orange peel, knockdown and smooth finish
  • Whether you handle water-damaged drywall, and which leak repairs you refer to a licensed plumber

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Suggest checking the patched area for new cracks after the first season
  • Recommend a check of any bathroom or exterior wall patch after heavy rain or humidity
  • Remind the customer to repaint the full wall for an even finish rather than touching up a patch

Licenses and permits

Drywall repair is often not licensed as a trade, but some areas require a contractor registration for paid work. Water source repair may need a licensed plumber, so check state and local rules with your licensing agency.

Questions

Do I need a contractor license for drywall repair?

It depends on your state and locality and the size of the job. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you accept paid work.

How do I get leads on infinibell?

Pros join free and pay only for the leads they accept. You can decline any lead for free. We review profiles before they go live, and the Insured badge shows once we have checked your current insurance.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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