How Much Does Ceiling Repair Cost?

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From water damage to structural issues, ceiling repair is a common home repair project. The national average ceiling repair cost is $884, falling within a typical range of $419 to $1,359.

  • Typical Range: $419 to $1,359
  • National Average: $884

Ceiling damage can be linked to multiple issues. Hidden water leaks are often to blame for stains, sagging ceilings, or peeling paint. In a bathroom, humidity or condensation can lead to serious ceiling issues, including mold or mildew. Structural issues can cause ceiling cracks, while ceilings in older homes tend to develop spider-webbing or hairline cracks over time.

While ceiling issues are sometimes cosmetic, others can be dangerous. A sagging ceiling can collapse and cause serious injury or worse. A damaged ceiling won’t get better on its own and can lead to additional home repairs if ignored for too long. That’s why it’s best to get a ceiling repair quote as soon as possible once symptoms and signs are noticed.

According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, ceiling repair cost ranges from $419 to $1,359, with a national average of $884. This guide will cover the factors that influence ceiling repair cost, along with DIY tips and money-saving ideas homeowners can use on their next ceiling repair project.

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Factors in Calculating Ceiling Repair Cost

There are several factors that influence ceiling repair cost, including size, material, and repair method. Homeowners may benefit from knowing how the following matters can financially sway a ceiling repair.

Ceiling Repair Cost

Ceiling Size

The easiest way to estimate ceiling repair cost is to go by size or square footage. Not all ceiling professionals charge by square footage. Some prefer an hourly rate, depending on the size of the job. For example, charging by square footage to fix a few nail holes doesn’t make much sense.

But if charged by size, homeowners can expect to pay between $45 and $90 per square foot. This refers to the size being repaired, not the entire size of the ceiling. Hourly charges could be higher or lower based on the contractor’s experience or the amount of work the repair job entails.

Ceiling Material

When it comes to estimating the cost of ceiling repair by size, homeowners can expect rates to fluctuate based on the ceiling material. For example, traditional drywall offers the most affordable rates with a price range of $45 to $55 per square foot. Lightweight sheetrock repair isn’t much more expensive with a price range of $50 to $60 per square foot. When it comes to plaster and lath, homeowners can expect to pay between $65 and $80. Popcorn ceiling repairs are the most expensive, with a repair cost range of $75 to $90. Drop tile ceilings are priced a bit differently by material, with new tiles costing between $2 and $17 per square foot.

Ceiling Location

Just like flooring and walls, ceilings are unique in different areas of a home. Since different ceilings can develop different issues depending on location, repair costs can vary. For example, a garage ceiling can fall victim to moisture damage if a garage door isn’t properly insulated. Repairing a garage roof costs between $100 and $800. A kitchen ceiling is less likely to suffer from humid conditions, but other repairs have a cost range between $100 and $1,000.

Bathrooms and basements can suffer from water damage thanks to the additional plumbing typically running near or above. Both locations experience repair costs falling between $200 and $1,000. For mobile home ceiling panels, repair costs average $150 to $900.

Repair Type

There are several repair types that a damaged ceiling may need. Of course, they all have unique price ranges based on necessary materials, the complexity of the task, and the time it takes to complete.

For example, fixing a hairline crack in plaster costs between $100 and $300, while fixing a crack in drywall costs between $100 and $500. Fixing a hole in the ceiling can be as much as $600. Repairing an unsightly seam in a ceiling has a price range of $150 to $500. Removing asbestos from an older roof with tiles costs about $450. And repairing a ceiling after someone has fallen through it costs between $250 and $750.

More expensive repair types include sagging, with a price range between $250 and $1,000. Water damage costs $200 and $1,500 to repair, while repairing a leak and a damaged ceiling can be as much as $2,000.

Repair Method

Not all repair methods involve the same level of expertise, tools, or time; several different repair methods are used by professionals to fix or treat a ceiling. For example, holes or cracks can often be repaired by caulking or patching. Caulking has a price range of $100 to $500, while patching drywall costs between $100 and $600.

Replastering plaster ceilings, a common repair method in older homes, has a price range of $300 to $1,500. When it comes to repairing a ceiling with drywall, there are a few different repair methods that may be used. Taping costs $150 to $500, while mudding costs between $150 to $600. Sanding down a ceiling to a smooth surface after taping and mudding costs between $100 and $1,000.

Home Age

While not always the case, repairing ceilings in an older home is likely going to be more expensive than repairing ceilings in a newer home. First, older homes have older plumbing, which is more likely to fail and lead to extensive water damage repairs. Another potential cost-raising issue is asbestos. Not all old ceiling tiles contain asbestos, but those that do pose a serious health risk that costs extra to eliminate.

Newer homes tend to be built with easier access throughout, including for ceiling repairs. This can equate to faster repair jobs and lower labor costs. Newer homes are also mainly constructed with drywall or sheetrock, where plaster was the material of choice decades ago. Plaster can be repaired, but it can be a time-consuming task. And in some cases, it may be better to replace a plaster ceiling with drywall, which can be expensive in large spaces.

Labor

Ceiling repairs vary in complexity, which is why several professionals may be required to assist. For this reason, there is a large range in labor costs for ceiling repair. Homeowners can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour when having a ceiling repaired, depending on whether a ceiling repair company, general contractor, or plumber is called in for the job.

Some companies may also charge callout fees to come and survey the damage. They typically provide a quote during this visit as well. A callout fee can be between $50 and $100, though many companies will waive this fee if they’re hired for the job.

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Geographic Location

Labor costs vary by location, along with the costs of permits, and materials. Depending on an area’s general cost of living, ceiling repairs can have large differences in cost ranges.

For example, ceiling repair is most affordable in Florida, where homeowners can pay as little as $400; it can also be as much as $1,380. Texas has a slightly smaller price range, with ceiling repair costs between $470 and $1,230.

Massachusetts has a ceiling repair range between $580 and $1,000. New York has a similar starting rate of $570, but repairs can go as high as $1,380, quite a bit higher than those for its eastern neighbor.

California has some of the highest ceiling repair costs, with a price range between $550 and $1,660.

Ceiling Repair Cost

Additional Costs and Considerations

Some ceiling repair jobs require a few extra steps that can increase the total cost. While not all jobs will incur one of the following additional costs and considerations, they’re helpful to understand when homeowners are receiving quotes for a ceiling repair.

Repair vs. Replacement

When it comes to fixing a ceiling, the question of whether to repair or replace may come up. The answer best depends on the scenario. A repair may not always be possible, and while a full replacement has its benefits, it may not always be within the homeowner’s budget.

If a ceiling is structurally unfit, the only option is to replace it. Replacement is also worth considering if a ceiling requires multiple repairs in multiple areas. In such a case, a replacement may be the more affordable choice.

If a ceiling isn’t aesthetically pleasing to a homeowner, they may want to consider a replacement instead of a repair to update the space, even if it isn’t required. But since a full replacement can cost up to $3,000, it’s not a project to rush into. If a ceiling can get by with a simple repair that’s friendlier on the budget, a homeowner will certainly want to consider the more affordable route.

Ceiling Inspection

When the cause of ceiling damage isn’t obvious, a ceiling inspection can answer questions and provide clarity on how to remedy the problem. Of course, these come at a cost; homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a ceiling inspection.

During a ceiling inspection, a professional will check for cracks, holes, or other signs of structural damage. They’ll inspect it from the ground below but also from above if a home’s architectural design allows. After the inspection, a homeowner can expect to learn about issues that need immediate attention and signs that point to potential future problems. Having a ceiling routinely inspected is one of the best ways for homeowners to avoid costly and messy ceiling issues.

Additional Repairs

In some scenarios, it’s not just a ceiling that needs to be repaired. If a water leak is to blame for a collapsed ceiling, there are likely plumbing and flooring repairs along with water removal services that could come into play. If a limb has crashed through a roof and the ceiling below, the cost of roof repairs is a necessity along with the ceiling repair cost.

When a serious ceiling disaster occurs, it’s usually impractical to fix only the ceiling itself. Depending on the professional hired to repair the ceiling, there could also be a need to call in other professionals with the right type of experience to tackle any uncovered portions of the job.

Mold Remediation

Mold growth on a ceiling requires immediate attention. Mold can lead to serious health issues and will only spread if ignored. If it gets bad enough, a home can even be labeled uninhabitable. In some cases, the only option is to remove the affected ceiling. If the mold isn’t penetrating the drywall and the cause of the growth (like high humidity levels) can be resolved, however, removal is an option. When it comes to mold remediation cost, homeowners can expect to pay between $10 and $25 per square foot.

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Emergency Repair 

Unfortunately, some ceiling repairs qualify as emergencies. This can be due to a severe storm that sends large limbs into a living room or because of a water leak that ends with a collapsed ceiling. Homeowners may be left wondering who to call for a water leak in the ceiling and paying emergency fees to get a professional out as soon as possible.

In a traditional ceiling repair, jobs are sometimes scheduled weeks out. But if an emergency repair needs same-day services, a homeowner can expect to pay between $100 and $200 to gain instant access to a repair crew.

Ceiling Repair Cost

Types of Ceiling Repair

With so many different ceiling locations, materials, and issues to consider, it’s no wonder that there are multiple types of ceiling repair tasks. While a ceiling repair job may need only one of the following repairs or a combination, homeowners with a basic understanding of each repair type can better understand and estimate the scope of a ceiling repair project.

Water Damage Repair

Water damage can be caused by a broken pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster that exceeds a home’s limits. When it comes to water damage repair for a ceiling, homeowners can expect to pay between $45 and $55 per square foot. This includes materials and labor for the ceiling but not for the cause of the damage.

Homeowners can expect a water damage repair cost to grow by $175 to $3,000 for plumbing repairs and $200 to $1,500 for HVAC repairs. If the roof needs to be repaired, this could tack on an additional $360 to $1,550. Finally, a roof replacement costs between $3.50 and $5 per square foot.

Sagging Ceiling Repair

A sagging ceiling can be caused by excess moisture, leaks, over-insulating, termites, or weakened beams and ceiling supports. A shifting foundation can also be a serious cause of a sagging ceiling. No matter the cause, a sagging ceiling will need to be inspected sooner than later to prevent a total collapse.

As a general rule of thumb, homeowners can expect to pay a professional around $75 an hour to fix a sagging ceiling. This cost is for labor only. Materials are an additional cost, and there could be more than just drywall required, like insulation. Despite the potential cost, having a sagging ceiling repaired as soon as possible is important for safety and financial reasons.

Ceiling Hole Repair

A hole in the ceiling isn’t just an eyesore. It can invite unwanted weather and even pests into a home’s living space. And despite the ceiling receiving very little human contact during the day, ceiling holes can be quite common.

Whether an indoor game gets a little too rowdy or a ceiling fan has been removed from a living space, a ceiling hole can serve as a daily reminder that repair work is needed. Ceiling hole repairs run from $180 to $370, depending on the size of the hole and the type of ceiling material needed to get the job done.

Ceiling Crack Repair

Ceiling cracks can be caused by normal settling, or they can signal a serious structural issue. Generally speaking, the larger the crack, the more concerning it is. Even small cracks may require attention, so it’s best to have ceiling cracks inspected by a professional.

Small ceiling cracks are often a quick fix that is quoted by the project instead of by the hour or square foot. But if a foundation repair is needed (a common cause of large ceiling cracks), homeowners can expect to pay around $4,500 to stabilize the foundation and stop any existing ceiling cracks from getting worse.

Ceiling Seam Repair

Ceiling seams can sometimes become visible when a house undergoes considerable settling, especially in ceilings made from drywall. It’s possible to hide drywall seams with paper tape, compound, a bit of sanding, and some paint, but if settling is the cause, seams are likely to continue to appear on a ceiling.

Seams can be professionally repaired for fast results, but damaged or loose sections must be completely removed and replaced for the best results. This type of ceiling repair costs between $150 and $500.

Ceiling Joist Repair

Ceiling joists are horizontal members spanning a ceiling. They transfer roof loads to vertical members, and without them, an entire house could cave in. So if a ceiling joist is damaged, a quick repair is essential. In some homes, a ceiling joist may be improperly sized or spaced. This costly error also requires fast repair.

Fixing ceiling joists costs between $150 and $700. In some cases, patching material can be used to reinforce a joist, saving a homeowner from a full replacement cost.

Ceiling Beam Repair

A ceiling beam can be a decorative statement piece in a room’s decor, but in some cases, ceiling beams provide major structural support for a ceiling. If a ceiling beam begins to sag, crack, or wear down, a repair is important to prevent further structural issues and potential safety hazards.

Replacing a beam can be incredibly expensive, which is why a reputable contractor will always look for ways to repair a ceiling beam first. A repair could require patching and reinforcement to get the beam back to its original strength. On average, homeowners pay between $150 and $1,000 to repair structural beams.

Ceiling Leak Repair

Ceiling leaks are one of the costliest home repairs for homeowners. When one does strike, repairs can’t be put off for long. As water continues to leak, more materials can succumb to water damage, including dry

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