Hole and Puncture Repair
Holes in drywall can result from doorknobs, accidental impacts, removed fixtures, or past repairs that were never properly finished. New Leaf patches holes of all sizes and blends the surface so the repair is invisible after painting.
Signs You Need Hole and Puncture Repair
- Visible holes from doorknob strikes, anchors, or removed hardware
- Ragged or uneven edges around a puncture that previous patching did not address
- Patch compound that has cracked, shrunk, or fallen out
- Multiple small holes across a wall from picture hanging or anchor removal
- A large hole from plumbing access, HVAC work, or accidental damage
- Unfinished drywall openings left by previous contractors
Typical Cost Range
$500 - $800 (small holes) | $500 - $900 (large holes or multiple)
Based on hole size, number, and texture matching
How long does it take for a drywall patch to dry before painting?
Joint compound typically needs 24 hours per coat to dry fully. Most patches require two to three coats, so plan for two to three days before priming and painting. Humidity levels in your home can extend drying time.
Will the patch be noticeable after painting?
A properly feathered and textured patch should be invisible once primed and painted. The key is matching your existing wall texture, which our crew takes care to replicate before the final coat goes on.
Can you patch drywall in a bathroom or laundry room?
Yes. We use moisture-resistant drywall and compound in high-humidity areas. If the existing drywall is standard in a wet area, we replace it with the correct material as part of the repair.
Wall and Ceiling Crack Repair
Cracks in drywall range from hairline settling cracks to wider structural or corner separations that indicate movement in the framing. New Leaf evaluates each crack, addresses the underlying cause where possible, and restores the surface for a lasting finish.
Signs You Need Wall and Ceiling Crack Repair
- Hairline cracks running along a wall or ceiling that appeared gradually over time
- Cracks at the corners of door and window openings, often diagonal
- A crack that has reopened after being patched previously
- Separation at taped drywall seams, showing as a ridge or bubble under the surface
- Cracks accompanied by slight bowing or displacement of the wall surface
- Corner bead cracking or separating from the drywall edge
Typical Cost Range
$500 - $800 (hairline/minor) | $500 - $1,200 (structural or corner cracks)
Depends on crack cause, length, and finish
Are drywall cracks a sign of a structural problem?
Most drywall cracks are caused by normal settling or seasonal expansion and contraction, not structural issues. However, wide cracks, cracks that keep returning, or cracks with displacement on either side can indicate a framing or foundation concern. We assess each crack during the consultation.
How do you repair a recurring crack that keeps coming back?
Recurring cracks typically need mesh tape embedded in compound rather than compound alone. For cracks at door and window corners, we reinforce with fiberglass mesh and may recommend addressing the underlying framing movement if it is active.
Can ceiling cracks be repaired without painting the whole ceiling?
Yes, in many cases. We feather the compound over a wide area and texture-match so the repair blends well. Whether a full ceiling repaint is needed depends on the existing paint finish and how well the new patch accepts touch-up paint.
Water Damage and Stain Repair
Water-damaged drywall loses structural integrity and can harbor mold if not addressed properly. New Leaf removes compromised sections, verifies the leak source has been resolved, and rebuilds the affected area to match the surrounding surface.
Signs You Need Water Damage and Stain Repair
- Brown or yellow water stain rings on a ceiling or wall
- Drywall that feels soft, spongy, or crumbles when pressed
- Bubbling or peeling paint over a damp or previously wet area
- Visible mold growth or a musty smell near a wall or ceiling
- Sagging or bowing drywall on a ceiling below a bathroom or roof leak
- Discoloration along a wall base after a plumbing leak or flooding
Typical Cost Range
$500 - $900 (spot repair) | $700 - $2,500 (section rebuild)
Scope depends on extent of damage and whether mold remediation is needed first
Do I need to fix the leak before you repair the drywall?
Yes. We require the source of moisture to be resolved before we rebuild. Repairing drywall over an active leak results in the same damage recurring. If you need help identifying the leak source, we can assess during the consultation.
When does water-damaged drywall need to be replaced versus just dried out?
Drywall that has been wet for more than 24 to 48 hours or shows any softness or mold growth should be replaced. Surface stains from old, fully dried leaks can sometimes be sealed and repainted without full replacement, depending on the condition of the board.
Do you handle mold remediation as part of the repair?
Minor surface mold on drywall can be addressed during the repair process. For significant mold growth affecting insulation, framing, or large areas of drywall, we recommend a certified mold remediation contractor complete that work before we rebuild.
Texture Matching and Finish Coat
Matching existing wall texture is one of the most demanding parts of any drywall repair. New Leaf crews are experienced with orange peel, knockdown, smooth, and custom textures common in Greater Cincinnati homes, ensuring patches integrate cleanly with the surrounding surface.
Signs You Need Texture Matching and Finish Coat
- A repaired area that has a noticeably different texture than the surrounding wall
- Smooth patches standing out against a textured wall after painting
- Old knockdown or orange peel texture that has been partially sanded away near a patch
- Walls retextured by a previous contractor that do not match the rest of the room
- A room where partial painting exposed inconsistent texture across multiple surfaces
- New drywall sections installed during a remodel that need texture to match adjacent walls
Typical Cost Range
$500 - $900 per room (touch-up) | $500 - $1,500 (full retexture)
Orange peel, knockdown, smooth, or custom, price varies by texture type
How do you match an existing texture when the original product is unknown?
We assess the texture visually and replicate it using spray or hand techniques depending on the pattern. Common textures like orange peel and knockdown are straightforward to match. Unique or custom hand-applied textures require more time and test patches before committing to the full repair area.
Should the entire wall be retextured or just the repaired section?
For small repairs in a room with consistent texture, spot matching is usually sufficient. For larger repairs or rooms where the texture has worn unevenly, retexturing the full wall or ceiling produces a more uniform result and is sometimes the more cost-effective approach.
Do you prime before applying texture?
Yes. Fresh drywall compound and any bare drywall paper must be primed before texture is applied. Skipping this step causes texture to absorb unevenly and can result in visible differences after painting.
Quality Assurance
All of our work comes with a six-month warranty. If a defect arises from our work, we will repair it at no cost to you.
Fully Insured
We carry liability insurance and workers' compensation for your peace of mind.
Family Based
Family is important to us, and we respect your property as if it were our own.