Wall Repairs

Wall Repairs: DIY or Professional? How to Decide Before You Make It Worse

Small holes, cracks, dents, blown plaster… wall damage happens in every home.

The problem is that wall repairs are one of the most misunderstood DIY jobs.

On the surface it looks simple: filler, spatula, sand, paint.

In reality, a bad wall repair almost always shows up after painting, when it’s too late to hide.

This guide will help you decide whether a wall repair is a genuine DIY job or when calling a professional wall repair specialist is the smarter (and cheaper) option.

Quick decision: can this wall repair be DIY?

DIY wall repair is usually fine if:

-The damage is very small (nail holes, tiny dents)

-No cracks are spreading

-The plaster feels solid, not hollow

-The wall is dry (no damp marks)

-You’re not too bothered about a perfect finish

A professional wall repair is usually needed if:

Cracks keep coming back

Plaster sounds hollow or loose

There are large holes or impact damage

Old repairs are visible through paint

Damp stains or bubbling paint are present

You want the wall to look flat after painting (not “patched”)

If you’ve already repaired the same spot once… that’s a strong sign.

The most common DIY wall repair mistakes

These are the issues I see almost daily when fixing failed wall repairs:

-Filler applied on dusty or loose plaster

-Cracks filled but not reinforced, so they reappear

-Overfilling, then sanding too much

-No sealing or priming → repair flashes through paint

-Using the wrong filler for the type of wall

-Trying to “hide” damage with thick paint

The wall might look fine before painting and terrible afterwards.

Why professional wall repairs last longer

A proper wall repair isn’t about covering damage.

It’s about understanding why the damage happened in the first place.

A professional wall repair usually involves:

-Checking the stability of the plaster

-Removing loose or failed material

-Reinforcing cracks where needed

-Building the repair in layers

-Proper drying time

-Sanding and feathering for a flat finish

-Sealing the area before painting

This is why professional repairs blend into the wall instead of standing out.

What affects the cost of wall repairs?

Wall repair quotes vary because every wall is different.

The main factors include:

-Size and depth of the damage

-Type of wall (plasterboard, solid wall, old plaster)

-Whether cracks need reinforcement

-Access and working height

-Drying time between stages

-Whether repainting is required

Very cheap wall repairs usually skip steps and that’s why they fail later.

Can you repair walls before painting? (Short answer: yes, but…)

Yes, wall repairs should always be done before painting.

But if repairs are rushed or done incorrectly, painting actually makes the problem more visible.

That’s why many people contact a professional after painting, not before.

DIY vs professional wall repairs: the honest answer

If it’s a tiny repair and you’re comfortable with a basic finish, DIY can work.

If you want:

-smooth walls

-no visible patches

-no recurring cracks

-and a finish that looks right once painted

then professional wall repairs are usually the better choice.

Need wall repairs done properly?

I provide professional wall repair services, including crack repairs, plaster damage, and preparation for painting.

You can:

Send photos on WhatsApp for quick advice

Book a visit or quote

Schedule an appointment at a time that suits you

Fixing walls properly once is cheaper than fixing them twice.