- Drywall repairs for holes, cracks, dented or water-damaged boards and joints that have opened up.
- Includes reinstating walls after plumbers, electricians or data installers have cut into them.
- For homeowners, landlords, tenants moving out, and businesses.
Describe the damage once and compare drywall repair quotes.
Compare QuotesCommon Drywall Repairs
| Problem | Usual repair |
|---|---|
| Small holes from screws, wall plugs or door handles | Filled, sanded and spot-primed |
| Large or punched-through holes | Board cut back to the studs, a new piece fitted, taped and skimmed |
| Cracked or opened joints | Joint raked out, re-taped and refilled |
| Popped screws | Screws re-set and the heads refilled |
| Water-damaged board | Wet section cut out and replaced once the leak is fixed and the frame is dry |
| Openings after plumbing or electrical work | Opening framed, re-boarded and finished to match |
What a Drywall Repair Includes
- Checking the cause: impact, movement in the frame, or moisture.
- Cutting damaged board back to sound material.
- Adding backing or extra studs where the board has no support.
- Fitting new board, then taping, filling and skimming.
- Sanding, priming and, if quoted, painting.
Touching up old paint often shows. Ask whether the quote covers painting the whole wall.
Materials and Finish Options
- Board. New board should match the existing thickness. Use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Tape. Paper tape for joints and corners, fibreglass mesh for some patches.
- Filler and skim. Jointing compound for joints and screw heads, skim plaster to blend larger patches.
- Paint. Give the contractor the paint name or code if you have it, so the colour can be matched.
Drywall Repair Process
- Fix the cause first, such as a leak, a loose stud or a door with no stopper.
- Cut out the damaged section.
- Fit backing and a new piece of board.
- Tape, fill and skim, usually two or three coats with drying time in between.
- Sand, prime and paint.
Drywall Repair Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Small patch, crack or joint repair | R500 - R1,500 per job |
| Replacement board, material only | R120 - R220 per board |
| Re-boarding a larger section | R350 - R500 per m² |
| Painting after the repair | R50 - R300 per m² |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges are compiled from price guides published by South African drywall and ceiling contractors in 2025 and 2026, checked 8 October 2026, and rounded. Most do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price.
What Affects the Cost
- Number of repairs. Several patches in one visit cost less each than separate call-outs.
- Size and position. Large holes, high walls and ceilings take longer.
- Matching. Textured or older finishes are harder to blend.
- Painting. A full wall costs more than a spot repair but usually looks better.
- Minimum charges. Small jobs often carry a call-out or minimum fee.
What Affects Completion Time
- Most small repairs are done in one or two visits, because filler must dry between coats.
- Larger re-boarding usually takes 1 - 3 days.
- Water-damaged areas must dry out before new board goes in.
- Paint needs the filler fully dry first.
Get prices for your job rather than a range. Free, with no obligation.
Compare QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Can a hole be patched without replacing the board?
Small holes, yes. Larger holes need a new piece of board fixed to backing or studs.
Will the repair be visible?
A well-finished patch disappears once the wall is primed and painted. Spot-painting old paint is what usually shows.
Should the leak be fixed first?
Yes. Board fitted over a wet frame or an active leak will fail again.
Why do my drywall cracks keep coming back?
Usually movement: a loose frame, joints without support, or a door slamming. The cause needs fixing, not just the crack.
Do you repair ceilings too?
Yes, contractors quote for ceilings as well. See ceiling repairs.
For new walls and room divisions, see Drywall Installers South Africa.
Related Services
Drywall Installers South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Drywall and ceiling work is measured, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, and the payment terms before paying anything.
Drywall Repairs South Africa. Describe the damage once and compare quotes from drywall contractors.
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