BLOG / 7 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

THE LOCAL Q&A

Drywall repair, answered.

Five useful answers from Kristian Giles on costs, cracks, water damage, and when to call a pro.

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Kristian Giles

DIRECT DRYWALL FINISHING LTD.

Direct Drywall Finishing project with newly finished walls and ceilingsKristian Giles of Direct Drywall Finishing

I want to repair it properly the first time.

KRISTIAN GILES

FIVE QUESTIONS.
A LOCAL’S EXPERIENCE.

A dent behind a door, a crack that keeps returning, or a ceiling stained by a leak: Kristian answers the questions homeowners ask before booking a repair.

Q.01

How much does drywall repair cost?

KRISTIAN

It depends on the size of the repair and what caused the damage. A small door-handle hole is different from water damage or a large section of wall. Send me a few photos first; I can often give you a rough estimate before coming out. I want to repair it properly the first time.

Q.02

Can you make a drywall repair completely invisible?

KRISTIAN

In most cases, yes. A good repair blends with the surrounding wall. Matching the texture and finishing it well make the difference. Heavy texture, years of paint, or an earlier poor repair can make the match harder, but we can usually get an excellent result.

Finished drywall in a bright interior with built-in shelvingDrywall installation and finishing in progress
DIRECT DRYWALL FINISHING PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHS · SUPPLIED BY KRISTIAN

Q.03

What causes drywall cracks, and should I be concerned?

KRISTIAN

Many cracks come from a home settling or expanding and contracting with the seasons. They are often cosmetic. If a crack keeps coming back, gets wider, or appears near a door or window that no longer closes properly, have it checked. That can point to a structural issue.

Q.04

How do you repair water-damaged drywall?

KRISTIAN

First, fix the source of the leak and let the area dry. Damaged drywall is then removed and replaced. If mold is present, address it before installing new drywall. Finally, the area is taped and finished, ready for paint.

Q.05

Should I repair drywall myself or hire a professional?

KRISTIAN

Small dents and tiny nail holes are good DIY projects. Larger holes, water damage, ceiling repairs, or a patch that needs to disappear completely are usually better handled by a professional. Matching a smooth wall or existing texture takes practice; getting it right can save time and frustration.

START WITH A FEW PHOTOS.

Take a few clear photos of the damaged area and note anything you know about the cause. Kristian can often give a rough estimate from those details.