Red Clay DrywallDrywall Repair in Wilmington, DE
From doorknob holes to water-damaged ceilings, tell us about the job and get a free quote from a local drywall pro.
- Free quotes, no obligation
- Patches, water damage, ceilings, plaster, and new drywall
- Wilmington plus Newark, Hockessin, Pike Creek, Bear, Middletown, New Castle and Claymont
Why drywall repair is harder than it looks
Almost anyone can screw a patch into a hole. What separates a repair you can't find from one you see every time the light hits the wall is the finishing: feathering the joint compound wide enough, sanding without gouging the paper, matching the existing texture, and priming before paint so the patch doesn't "flash" through. A good drywall finisher can make a 6-inch hole disappear in two or three visits (drying time between coats is the real schedule).
Before any repair, a good contractor will also ask why the damage happened. Recurring cracks over doors and windows often mean normal seasonal movement or settling, but cracks that keep widening, ceilings that sag, or stains that come back point to structural or moisture problems that should be fixed first.
Wilmington's older homes often have plaster, not drywall
Many Wilmington rowhomes and older houses in neighborhoods built before the 1950s have plaster over wood or metal lath rather than drywall. Plaster can often be repaired rather than torn out, and patching it with drywall takes some care to get the thickness right. If your home is older, mention it in your request so it goes to a pro who handles plaster. See plaster repair.
Older homes and asbestos/lead: Joint compound and textured ("popcorn") ceilings installed before about 1980 may contain asbestos, and paint in pre-1978 homes may contain lead. Don't sand or scrape suspect materials until they've been tested. Contractors disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes must follow the EPA's lead-safe (RRP) rules.
Drywall Repair services we can help with
Drywall Repair & Patching
Holes, dents, nail pops, cracked tape joints and corner bead, finished to match.
Water-Damaged Drywall
Cut-out and replacement after leaks, once the source is fixed and the area is dry.
Ceiling Repair & Popcorn Removal
Cracked, sagging, or stained ceilings and textured ceiling removal or smoothing.
Drywall Installation & Finishing
Hanging and finishing for basements, additions, garages and remodels.
Plaster Wall & Ceiling Repair
Cracked, loose, or damaged plaster in older Wilmington homes, repaired or skimmed.
What drywall jobs typically cost around Wilmington
| Job | Typical range* |
|---|---|
| Small patch (nail holes to fist-size), ready for paint | $150 – $400 |
| Larger wall patch or several patches in one visit | $300 – $800 |
| Water-damaged ceiling section (cut out, replace, finish) | $400 – $1,500+ |
| Popcorn ceiling removal (per sq ft, untested/non-asbestos) | $1 – $3 per sq ft |
| New drywall hung and finished (per sq ft of wall/ceiling) | $2 – $4 per sq ft |
* Typical estimates only, not quotes or a price list. Ranges reflect commonly reported U.S. pricing and vary with job size, access, materials, and the contractor. Get a written quote.
Getting it done
- Tell us about the job. Use the form or call. Photos and measurements help, but aren't required.
- A local drywall contractor calls you back. Someone who serves your ZIP code and does this kind of work every day.
- Get a written quote. No obligation. Check credentials, compare, and decide when you're ready.
Areas we cover
Wilmington (19801–19810) and nearby New Castle County communities:
Common questions
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Get matched with a local drywall contractor
Free, no obligation. Tell us about the job and a local drywall contractor will call you back to talk it through and quote it.