When DIY Saves You Cash – And When It Costs You Double
Drywall looks simple… until you try to fix it.
If you’re staring at a hole and thinking, “Eh, I can knock this out in a weekend,” pump the brakes, especially here in North Carolina.
Between our humid summers, shifting clay soil, and builder-grade shortcuts, drywall damage is everywhere, and a clean repair isn’t as easy as it looks on YouTube.
After 40+ years patching walls across Wake, Durham, and Harnett counties, I can tell you:
Most DIY repairs cost homeowners twice, once for the patch kit, and again when we come fix the “fix.”
Let’s talk about when you can handle drywall yourself, and when it’s smarter (and cheaper in the long run) to call a pro.
Can I Fix Drywall Myself? (Only If You Hit These 3 Checkboxes)
DIY works only if:
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The hole is smaller than a baseball
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It’s on a flat wall—not a corner or ceiling
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You’re okay with “good enough” instead of seamless
Why some folks go DIY:
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Cheap materials: A patch kit and compound costs around $25
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Quick hit of pride: “I fixed that myself!”
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No waiting on a contractor: Work on your own time
But here’s the truth:
Drywall is messy, dusty, and unforgiving. You’ll spend your Saturday sanding compound off your floor—and still see that patch flashing through the paint by Sunday.
When DIY Turns Into a Drywall Disaster
Let me give you two real examples.
Fuquay-Varina Fumble:
A homeowner patched a ceiling crack himself. Wrong mud, no primer, painted too soon. Result? A ridge across the whole room. We had to cut out a 4-foot section and start over.
DIY cost: $90. Fixing the fix: $390.
Cary Corner Chaos:
A guy tried to cover a popped nail with spackle and wall paint. It looked okay—for about a week. Then the patch bubbled, cracked, and peeled. We had to sand it back to the drywall, re-bed the tape, and repaint.
DIY cost: $30. Cleanup cost: $250.
DIY drywall feels cheaper—until it isn’t.
When to Call a Pro (and Why It’s Worth It in NC)
Here’s when you should skip the patch kit and save yourself the headache:
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The hole is bigger than your fist
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The crack keeps coming back (usually a sign of moisture or framing issues)
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The damage is on a ceiling, a corner, or a stairwell wall
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There’s staining or signs of water damage
Why pros are worth it:
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We spot problems early. In NC, humidity means damage is often hiding something worse
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We have the right tools. And we know how to use them
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We finish faster. And clean up better. No drywall dust in your coffee
A professional finish means no lumps, no flashing, and no do-overs. That matters—especially on walls you see every day.
Doing it wrong means doing it twice.
| DIY | Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Cheap ($25–$75) | More expensive ($150–$400) |
| Time | All weekend | Done in hours |
| Tools Needed | Basic kit | We bring it all |
| Final Result | Hit or miss | Clean and seamless |
| Risk of Redo | High | Low |
The 3-Question DIY Test
Before you start taping, ask yourself:
- Is the damage smaller than a baseball?
- Is it on a flat, out-of-the-way wall?
- Am I okay with “decent” instead of invisible?
If yes to all three, go for it.
If not?
Text Us a Photo. We’ll Tell You Straight.
Not sure what you’re dealing with?
Text us a photo of the damage at (919) 555-1234.
We’ll reply with a no-BS answer:
Fix it yourself or call us before it gets worse.
Don’t Let a Patch Turn Into a Payday—for Someone Else
Whether it’s a hallway wall or your living room ceiling, don’t waste time chasing a “cheap fix” that ends up costing more.
Get it done right. Call Faircloth Drywall and let 40+ years of North Carolina drywall experience save your Saturday—and your wallet.