Even if every part of your house is made of the most durable materials, it will eventually succumb to wear and tear, including the drywall. Tough as it may be, it is not indestructible. Excessive moisture can cause it to warp, and a structural shift will result in unsightly cracks. While small holes and hairline cracks may be immediately resolved by applying some caulking, going the DIY route can also be a solution for more extensive drywall damage if you know what to do.
If you decide to go for DIY
There are thousands of tips found online on how these can be done. For better understanding and visualization, you can even watch instructional videos uploaded in various sites by drywall professionals. Depending on what type of drywall patching and repair your home requires, carefully consider whether to hire the services of a drywaller or accomplishing the job yourself. Some repairs, like small holes and thin cracks, are easy fixes.
Here are some drywall patching and repairs that you should be able to do yourself:
- Tiny scratches and cracks that are less than a half-inch wide can be easily filled with a layer of drywall mud. Just be sure to use an appropriate putty knife when applying the compound.
- For larger wall defects, utilize a reinforcing mesh before putting spackling paste. This technique will help prevent the crack from reappearing.
- Cracks that appear around doors and window can recur. Instead of hiring a drywaller every time a crack shows up, you can make use of a crack repair spray. When applied over the patching compound, it will coat the wall surface with a thin, elastic membrane that adjusts to the movements of the structure. This way, stress cracks won’t crop up as frequently. Crack repair sprays are readily available from hardware and paint stores, and even from online shops.
Sometimes, a quick visit to a home improvement store will provide a solution. There are now different types of prefabricated products that are meant to make repairs fairly simple and doable by nonprofessionals like you. A good example of this is a ready-made mixture of drywall compound and primer, which leaves a smooth surface ready for painting after an application.
Finding the right service company to patch and repair your drywall
Sometimes the project is a little larger than you want to take on, or time doesn’t allow for you to do the work yourself. Here are some tips to you identify the right contractor for a larger drywall repair project:
- Ask around
People around you are possible sources of useful information. It’s likely that someone in your social network has had drywall issues in the past and can recommend a company to you. This strategy is a brilliant way of finding someone trustworthy because, in most cases, the names that people endorse are those whose services they’ve tried before.
Remember that when it comes to searching for quality service, word of mouth is usually more dependable than promotional advertisements.
- Do some vetting
Once you’re down to a few names, take time to do a bit of investigation. Call for an appointment, so you can find out more about the drywall repair and patching services they are providing. A dependable contractor will always find time to sit down for a consultation with a potential client.
- Ask for references
A reputable contractor will willingly give you names and contact details of previous customers. You can call these homeowners and verify the quality of service provided. One negative feedback may be understandable, but multiple disappointed customers should set alarm bells ringing.
- Value professionalism
Assessing the professionalism of a contractor may require a more careful observation on your part. What kind of attitude does he exhibit? Someone who treats his clients with respect is more likely to be concerned with satisfying them as well. Take note of the way he talks to you and if he arrives on time for your appointments. Neglecting these basic courtesies should be considered red flags. Besides, if you are to hire someone, effective communication is essential to ensure that you are both on the same page as the project is going on.
- Don’t base your choice solely on price
It’s helpful to compare rates and services, but don’t make price the primary measuring stick for choosing someone to work on your drywall. Many unscrupulous and fly-by-night contractors offer attractive discounts and cheap rates to book a job or make a profit. Remember, the price of excellence is never cheap.
DIY or Professional?
Doing uncomplicated house repairs yourself can save you a lot of time and money. But there are also those that necessitate the use of tools and equipment beyond your skill set. As the homeowner, be prudent in the choices you make, and decide what you are willing to handle yourself. After all, it is about getting the job done right the first time!
Edward Flanagan is the founder of Edward’s Enterprises, a handyman service & licensed general contractor that has been improving homes and providing retail maintenance in Southern California since 1996. Their handyman services include drywall patching, texturing and painting. Edward currently divides his time between Camarillo and Venice Beach, CA, and loves the 405.
Loves home. I am here to provide how to make your home a much better place. 🙂 Blogging about HomeDecor, Home Improvements and more.
