Should I Repair Damaged Drywall Myself or Hire a Handyman?
When it comes to repairing drywall you may be tempted to do it yourself. Hardware stores sell patch kits and it looks relatively easy; that is until you actually try it. It can be a time consuming process and some skill is needed to complete a repair seamlessly. You also need to be able to tell when a simple repair job is good enough or if you need to replace it. It’s a good idea to hire a handyman to replace or repair drywall in your home, especially if you don’t have experience with home repairs or if the damage is extensive. Here are a few things you should consider before fixing drywall yourself or hiring a handyman.
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Assess the Extent of Damage
Drywall can be damaged in different ways and each way determines how it needs to be fixed. If the damage to the drywall is minimal, such as nail holes or a little dent, you may be able to repair it yourself with a DIY Patch Kit. However, if the damage is more extensive, like a large hole or a big crack due to the house shifting or settling; it’s best to hire a handyman to replace that section. The location of the damage is also an important thing to consider. If the damaged area is in a highly visible location like the main living area, you may want to hire a handyman to fix it so that the repair is seamless and looks professional. Remember after the drywall is fixed; you still need to repaint that area. A handyman has the skill and experience it takes to paint it and have it blend in with the paint that’s already there. You don’t want a patch job to look like a patch job.
Consider the Cost
At first thought, the idea of hiring a handyman may seem like an expensive option but if you don’t have the necessary tools, skill or time to complete the job, it’s worth the investment in paying for the expertise of a professional. DIY Patch Kits cost anywhere from $10 to $30 and are only good for repairing nail holes, small dents. scuffs, and holes up to 4 inches. Bigger holes and large cracks should be taken care of professionally. Some kits can repair holes up to 8 inches in diameter but those should be left to DIYers that have a lot of experience under their belt. It can take 1 to 2 hours or more, depending on your skill level, to fix drywall using a patch kit. This cost and time does not include paint cost and the time it takes to blend in the new paint with the existing paint. You’ll probably spend about $45 by the end of a DIY job, 1 to 2 hours of your own time working, time spent driving back and forth to the hardware store, and getting frustrated if the job doesn’t come out perfect. Or you can hire a handyman to do it right and faster for about $60 to $90.
Find a Handyman
If you’ve decided to hire a handyman; make sure you find someone you can trust and trust to do the job right. It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable handyman for the job. Look for someone with experience and positive reviews from past clients. You can ask for references or check online review sites to get an idea of the handyman’s reputation. You can find handymen and their reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Houzz, and Thumbtack. Finding a company that’s made up of handymen is better than going with an independent handyman. 
A company, like Alamo City Handymen, only hires the best handymen who are licensed and experienced. The company is insured and they offer a warranty on their work. An independent handyman may not offer all of that and you’ll be out of luck if any problems arise from their work.
Get an Estimate
Before hiring a handyman, ask for an estimate of the cost of the repair. This will help you budget for the project and ensure that you’re not overpaying for the work. It’s recommended to get at least 3 estimates from 3 different companies so you can see the range of costs for the job. Most companies offer a free visit and estimate. The quote should be close to the final cost with a little bit of wiggle room for unexpected costs that may arise with unseen problems. Move on if you come across a company that refuses to give you a free estimate or gives you an estimate over the phone instead of in person. This is a classic scammy way for them to raise the price after the job is completed and you won’t have anything in writing to protect yourself.
Ultimately, the decision to fix damaged drywall yourself or to hire a handyman depends on the extent of the damage and your own personal preferences. If you’re unsure what to do, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional to get their advice on the best course of action. Contact Alamo City Handymen today to schedule a home visit and free quote for your drywall repair and any other repairs you may need around the house.
