Handyman
Drywall repair
Nail pops, a doorknob hole, and a poorly patched spot are ordinary handyman work. Matching a textured ceiling and then painting it are where small jobs grow. Plaster is not drywall.
We connect Nashville homeowners with independent, vetted local pros.
Typical estimates
| Job | Typical estimate | What the range assumes |
|---|---|---|
| Nail pops and a tiny patch | $150–$300 | Includes a minimum trip more than the mud. |
| Hole up to about a foot | $200–$400 | A doorknob or fist-sized opening. |
| Texture and one-wall paint | $75–$200 extra | Often not in the patch price. |
What’s included
- Patching the hole or crack you describe, up to a size the pro accepts
- Tape, mud, and a sanding level they state in the quote
- A clear line if paint is extra
What this is not
- Whole-room paint, unless quoted
- Fixing the leak that caused the stain. Patching a wet ceiling without stopping water wastes the visit
- Plaster restoration on historic walls, which many handymen decline
Around Nashville
Rental punches in Antioch, Smyrna, and Murfreesboro are often a few holes and nail pops before a new tenant. That is the small end of this page.
Bungalows in East Nashville and Sylvan Park may be horsehair plaster. A drywall patch kit will not blend. Tell the pro the house is old.
What changes the price
Size and texture
Smooth walls are easier than knockdown or a swirled ceiling.
Paint
Color match on one wall is its own task. Old paint that flashes under new paint is common.
Cause
If the ceiling stain is from a leak, the leak comes first.
How to choose a pro
- Measure the hole and say whether the wall is textured.
- Ask if the quote stops at primer or includes paint.
- In a prewar house, ask if they actually repair plaster.
Questions
Why is a tiny hole a $150 visit?
The minimum covers the trip, setup, and a return if the mud has to dry. The hole itself is not the whole cost.
Can texture be matched exactly?
Sometimes, on a small area. Large ceiling textures are harder. A pro should say if the patch will be visible.
Do you repair water damage?
A handyman can patch dry board after the source is fixed and the cavity is dry. They should not close up an active leak.