Handyman Tips
5 Small Drywall Repairs Every Lakehills Homeowner Should Know
A simple, illustrated walkthrough of the five most common drywall repairs — what they cost, how long they take, and when to call a handyman.
Drywall is one of the most common surfaces in a typical home, and it takes a lot of abuse. The good news is that most dings, dents, and cracks are straightforward fixes. Here are five that come up regularly in Lakehills homes, in order from "grab a putty knife" to "call a handyman."
1. The Nail or Screw Pop
A small round bump or pinhole, usually on a wall or ceiling. Caused by minor framing movement. Drive a new screw an inch above and below the popped fastener, then skim, sand, and touch up paint. This is typically a quick fix.
2. The Doorknob Hole
The classic. A round hole, roughly knob-sized, behind a door that swings into the wall. Use a self-adhesive metal patch, two skim coats of compound, sand smooth, and paint. While you are at it, install a doorstop so it does not happen again.
3. Hairline Cracks Above Doorways
This is often a sign of normal seasonal movement, especially in homes built on clay soil, which is common in parts of the Hill Country. Use a flexible, paintable caulk rather than joint compound — rigid compound is more likely to crack again. If the crack widens past 1/8 inch or grows over a few months, have it looked at by a professional.
4. Larger Holes (Fist-Sized and Up)
These need a real patch, not just a piece of mesh. Cut the hole into a clean rectangle, install a wood backer behind the existing drywall, screw in a matching drywall patch, then tape, mud, sand, and paint. This is the line where many homeowners decide to call a handyman, providing a major time savings!
5. Water-Stained or Sagging Drywall
This one is generally a "call a pro" job. Water-damaged drywall often points to an underlying leak — roof, window flashing, or other sources. If the cause appears to be plumbing or HVAC related, a licensed contractor in that trade should be consulted. Patching the drywall without finding the source of the leak first means the problem is likely to return.
Need a Patch?
NRZ Home Services does drywall patch work as part of our handyman services across Lakehills, Bandera, and San Antonio. Same-day quotes for small repairs.