Who Should I Hire to Patch Drywall After Plumbing or Electrical Work?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who patches drywall after plumbing or electrical work, the answer is a drywall contractor. Plumbers or electricians only do it when agreed upfront. Drywall repair is labor‑intensive and technical, so verify a contractor’s license, liability insurance, and past work quality, and request multiple itemized quotes.

Benefits of Hiring a Drywall Contractor to Patch Drywall After Plumbing or Electrical Work

A dedicated drywall contractor delivers smooth, invisible repairs and manages complex or irregular openings with the right tools and techniques. Qualified pros share references, photos, and detailed estimates so you know exactly what is included. Clear contracts, timelines, and insured companies reduce risk and protect you if anything goes wrong.

Here are other ways that hiring a drywall contractor can benefit your project:

• Seamlessly smooths messy or irregular holes

• Knows when to insert new drywall for larger openings

• Squares misshapen cuts to reduce materials waste

• Handles hard-to-access areas efficiently

• Provides detailed, itemized quotes for clarity

• Offers references and examples of past work

• Carries liability insurance for protection

• Can include repainting and clean-up per contract

• Sets clear start dates and timelines

• Minimizes risk of a botched repair

If you have multiple large holes or irregular cuts, you might want to consider a drywall contractor near you to ensure the job is done seamlessly and professionally.

Can I Hire a Painter or My Plumber/Electrician for This?

Some reputable painters have solid drywall patching experience and can be a suitable alternative for straightforward jobs. Plumbers or electricians may repair drywall only if agreed upfront, but this isn't their core skill. These pros may be less specialized for extensive repairs, and scope or availability can vary. For significant or complex patches, prioritize a drywall contractor and verify qualifications and examples of similar work.

How Do Pros Patch Drywall After Plumbing or Electrical Work?

Pros follow a focused process to restore walls cleanly and efficiently:

1. Assess the damage: Measure hole size, count openings, and note locations and accessibility.

2. Determine approach: Patch small holes; for larger openings, cut out the area and insert a new piece of drywall.

3. Improve patchability: Square up messy, irregular openings to simplify fitting and reduce extra material.

4. Finish the repair: Blend and smooth the surface so repairs look good as new.

5. Closeout: Perform clean-up and repaint if included in the contract, then review work before final payment.

How Much Does Patching Drywall After Plumbing or Electrical Work Cost?

Expect drywall repair costs from $150 to $2,000 or more, depending on how extensive the work is. Costs change with the size and number of holes, accessibility, and how neatly openings were cut. Repainting and clean-up can add charges if they are not included in the contract. Payment may require a partial deposit, but for minor repairs, payment usually happens upon completion after you inspect the results.