(How much does it cost to fix a textured ceiling? Here’s an example of a $700.00+ repair. The image above shows a ceiling which sustained water damage.  A toilet overflowed above, sending black water containing fecal material down through the ceiling.  There is a painted “knock down” texture finish on this ceiling.  Painted texture is 10 times harder to sand off for repair.  Black water damage is not pretty.)

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Textured Ceiling?

One of the most common questions asked by homeowners centers around the issue of cost, and in particular how much does it cost to fix a textured ceiling?

We recently took some flack from people who read our response to this question below, but in reality…the prices mentioned here are typical averages right across Canada and the USA adjusting for dollar values.

Most drywall companies will operate on the basis of a minimum charge.  As of June 2022, factoring in that many drywall jobs require four to five visits to a job site before it is complete, the national average minimum charge for drywall companies was $400.  Very small simple repairs may cost less, but will also involve travel time or fuel surcharge costs in addition to the repair cost.

Average Okanagan Valley Prices As Of June 2022:

Textured ceiling repairs, as of June 2022, typically cost in the Okanagan Valley between $510 and $1,710 (plus a fuel surcharge), though a small crack repair could cost as little as $185 (plus travel time and/or a fuel surcharge) and a larger structural or Poly B replacement repair could cost more than $3,600. The average homeowner pays around $1070 for a drywall contractor to come fix their ceiling. If you notice a crack in your ceiling, it may be time to call your local ceiling contractor before the cost of the repair escalates.

Vehicle Travel Time And Fuel Surcharges:

Most construction or sub-trade service charges for vehicle travel time, and this should be factored into your costs as well as the cost of the actual work.  Vehicle travel time, as of May 2022 in the Okanagan Valley was running at $65.00/hour.  With a rapid rise in fuel costs since then, it is realistic to see an increase in charges for travel time, or what is becoming more common is the appearance of a fuel surcharge in the quotation.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Textured Ceiling?

Okanagan Ceiling Repair Cost Per Square Foot — June 2022

Repairs Involving Removal of Drywall Or Texture Containing Asbestos:

Popcorn ceilings are the most expensive ceiling to repair with some complete ceilings coming in at as much as $110 a square foot (including labour).   True popcorn texture contains asbestos and requires a special process to have it safely removed from a home.

Complete drywall ceiling replacements can run between $55 and $65 a square foot.  (Keep in mind, land fill fees for old gyproc can be as much as $210 a ton.  Gyproc older than 1986 contains asbestos and must be double bagged and treated accordingly at landfills, adding to the cost a contractor has to cover in his or her expenses.)

Minor Repairs:

Minor repairs such as cracked (also known as failed) joints, hairline cracks, and nail holes, only need to be taped and filled to a paint ready finish. An experienced drywall contractor will generally charge $70 to $90 per hour, and take around 1 to 2 hours to complete small jobs if hot fillers (fast set fillers) are used.  Hot fillers dry to the consistency of concrete in 20, 45, or 90 minutes depending on the product used.  While these fillers dry hard, they are also hard to sand, and most contractors will use regular drywall finish fillers for the final coat.  Small jobs often require only 1 to 2 hours to complete, but require 2 or 3 visits over multiple days to the job site.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Textured Ceiling?

Water Damaged Ceiling Repair Cost

If a pipe breaks, the roof leaks, or toilet on an upper floor overflows and starts dripping through a ceiling, then time is of the essence. The more extensive the water damage, the more it will cost to repair your drywalled or textured ceiling. Typical water damage ceiling repair cost is $55 to $65 per square foot, and that does not always include one or more of the following:

• Labour costs

• Material costs

• Mould removal

• Plumbing repairs

• Repairs to a leaky roof

Wet ceilings must be opened up and allowed to dry before being closing back up with new drywall.

Failure to let a wet area dry will result in black mould inside the ceiling area.

We generally recommend cutting a minimum 4″ square hole in the wet drywall area.  Let it air dry for 2 weeks before repairing.  Often the integrity of the drywall board is compromised (broken down, deformed, swollen excessively)due to water damage.  Wet, non-repairable drywall board must be removed as soon as is possible. Drying time can be reduced if a heater or dehumidifier is safely placed below the damaged location.