What Type of Drywall Repair Can a Handyman Perform?
With moving furniture, kids, pets, and day-to-day wear and tear, your walls (and sometimes ceilings) are bound to need a little extra care. That’s why drywall repair is one of the most common types of home repairs.
But when you don’t have the time or expertise to complete these repairs yourself—your damaged drywall can expose your home to moisture, pests, the elements, and a myriad of other serious problems.
Read on to learn how drywall is professionally repaired and review a list of the most common drywall services that can be completed by a skilled handyman.
What is involved in drywall repair or replacement?
Drywall repair is one of the most common handyman jobs, but it can be a complicated process because it involves multiple steps and takes precision and high attention to detail. Professional drywallers know how to properly repair a damaged area, cut and fit the drywall for replacement, and finish the seams so that they are smooth and free of any defects.
Common steps involved in drywall repair include:
- Assessing the damage to understand if the area can be repaired or whether it must be replaced
- Preparing the drywall repair site by cutting away any damaged drywall that may be unstable or broken
- Skimming dents and cracks with drywall compound
- Repairing cracks with drywall tape and mud
- Sanding
- Managing touch-ups or adding a second coat of mud
- Final sanding
- Cleaning the walls
- Painting
What types of drywall repairs can a handyman complete?
Drywall is used in 96 percent of homes today—but unfortunately, it’s quite susceptible to damage. No matter how careful you might be, there's a good chance you'll encounter some bumps and dents that will need to be repaired—especially if you've got kids and pets.
While the thought of doing drywall repairs may seem daunting, handling minor damage can generally be done in a short amount of time. A handyman can perform drywall repair services for the following issues:
Chips and Dents
Spackling is a simple repair method that involves applying a layer of drywall compound to an area of damage. A handyman will smooth out any rough edges, allowing the compound to harden for about 24 hours before painting over it.
Holes
Patching holes requires removing any loose or jagged pieces of drywall and placing a new piece in its place. It's seldom necessary to replace the entire panel of drywall when there may only be a few small holes that can be easily patched.
However, when it comes to larger holes, a patch may not be an adequate fix. In addition to being difficult to properly repair, large holes can potentially undermine the integrity of the drywall. A professional handyman will easily be able to determine what type of drywall repair is necessary.
Cracks
A crack isn’t necessarily an omen of doom, but it’s a sign that should never be ignored. Some cracks are a natural result of settling—particularly if the drywall wasn’t carefully installed. In other cases, a crack may indicate a structural problem or a serious installation flaw that requires swift attention. An experienced handyman can easily determine the potential cause of drywall cracks and recommend the best way to proceed.
Many people don’t have the time or the expertise to complete home repair projects. This can make hiring a handyman feel like a leap of faith—especially true if you’ve been burned by contractor no-shows, poor workmanship, damage to your home, or sneaky pricing models.
However, when you partner with a professional handyman company that is insured and back their services with a workmanship warranty, you will never have to worry about being taken advantage of again.
A skilled handyman can perform a variety of drywall repair services, including new installation, patching holes, fixing cracks, and smoothing out chipped or dented edges. They can also assist with interior painting, wall hanging services, and so much more.
So no matter your drywall damage situation, a handyman can help you professionally complete any drywall repair projects in your home or office. If you’re looking for a local and professional handyman to help you tackle your next project, contact Home Care & Repair today!
Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.