How Much Does Ceiling Repair Cost in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $150 to $4,500, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
The average ceiling repair cost is $1,080, with most homeowners spending between $438 and $1,723.
Ceiling repairs typically cost $45 to $90 per square foot.
Cost factors include the ceiling type, damage extent, and materials used.
Hiring a professional ensures quality repairs and prevents future issues.
Water damage repairs may involve additional costs to fix the source of the leak.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you've noticed a suspicious crack, water stain, or peeling paint on your ceiling, it's probably time to call a ceiling repair professional. On average, homeowners spend around $1,080 to repair a ceiling, with most paying between $438 and $1,723, or $45 to $90 per square foot. Whether a small patch or extensive damage, budgeting for the repair and hiring a pro ensures the job gets done right. Contact a local ceiling repair contractor for expert assistance.
"Ceiling repair costs vary greatly depending on your specific situation,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. “Make sure you get it fixed right the first time, or you'll need to come back and do the repair again." If you notice a crack in your ceiling, it may be time to call your local ceiling contractor.
Ceiling Repair Costs Per Square Foot
Ceiling repair pros usually charge by the square foot or by the hour, depending on how big the job is. You can expect to pay between $45 and $90 per square foot, based on the amount of damage.
| Type of Ceiling | Cost to Repair per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Traditional Drywall | $45–$55 |
| Lightweight Drywall | $50–$60 |
| Plaster and Lath | $65–$80 |
| Popcorn Ceiling | $75–$90 |
| Drop Ceiling | $2–$17 |
Drywall or Sheetrock Repair Costs
Fixing a drywall ceiling usually costs between $45 and $55 per square foot, including labor. Minor repairs, such as cracked joints, small cracks, and nail holes, might only require joint tape and spackle. A contractor typically charges $60 to $90 per hour and can finish the job in about 1 to 2 hours.
Drywall replacement is required for water damage, large holes, or failed corners and seams. This includes removing damaged drywall and installing new drywall. Replacing a drywall ceiling costs about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, including removing the old drywall and installing the new material. Some homes may use lightweight drywall, which is slightly more expensive than traditional drywall.
Plaster and Lath
Plaster ceiling repair costs between $65 and $80 per square foot, including labor, materials, and the cost of preparing and protecting the worksite. Repairing a plaster wall is time-consuming and labor-intensive because the contractor must also repair the wood layer (or lath) that supports the plaster. Since contractors charge $60 to $90 per hour, extensive damage to plaster and lath walls leads to costly repairs.
Popcorn
Popcorn ceilings typically cost $75 to $90 per square foot to repair and an average of $3 to $7 per square foot to remove popcorn ceilings.
If your home was built before the 1980s, your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos. Encapsulating or removing asbestos from the ceiling will be necessary. Contact a local asbestos testing contractor before making repairs to an old popcorn ceiling. Depending on the space's size and the extent of the damage, the cost of removing asbestos from popcorn ceilings can range between $3 and $7 per square foot.
Drop Ceiling
Drop ceilings cost between $2 and $17 per square foot. Contractors may charge a minimum for small repairs, but most professionals charge $60 to $90 per hour to repair drop ceilings (plus the cost of materials). Additional work, such as repairing lighting and ductwork behind the drop tiles, will cost more.
Water Damaged Ceiling Repair Cost
Repairing a water-damaged ceiling costs between $45 and $55 per square foot, including labor and materials. Remember, you'll also need to fix the source of the water damage, which could add to your costs. For example:
Plumbing repair costs: $175 – $3,000
Roof replacement cost: $3.50 – $5.00 per square foot
HVAC repairs: $200 – $1,500
Roof repair cost: $360 – $1,550
Leaking Pipe or Roof Repair Cost
Plumbing repair costs are typically between $175 and $3,000, in addition to repairing your ceiling. If there's a serious plumbing problem, a local plumber may have to cut into the floor and ceiling, which will increase the cost.
Roof repair costs range from $360 to $1,550, but minor repairs may only cost between $150 and $400. If your roof requires replacement, it could cost $3.50 to $5.00 per square foot. You’ll also have to pay for the cost to repair your ceiling. HVAC repairs may cost between $200 and $1,500 if the damage is due to ventilation issues.
Sagging Ceiling Repair Cost
Fixing a sagging ceiling costs around $75 an hour for labor and materials. However, the total price may vary depending on the cause of the sagging.
Sagging could be a sign of water damage but could also result from undersized drywall installation. To fix this kind of sagging, your contractor will either:
Rip out and replace the existing drywall with thicker drywall
Add spacers and install a new ceiling below
The latter option may be more cost-effective because it requires less labor, but it will shorten the height of your ceiling.
Cracked Ceiling Repair Costs
Repairing an exposed seam in your drywall ceiling usually costs between $150 and $500.If you're dealing with larger cracks or multiple cracks, it might indicate structural damage, so it's essential to consult a professional.
Cost to Repair Ceiling Holes
Fixing holes in your ceiling can cost between $180 and $370, depending on the material and the size of the hole. The type of ceiling you have and how big the hole is will determine the final price.
| Material | 4-Square-Foot Patch Price |
|---|---|
| Drywall or Sheetrock | $180–$220 |
| Plaster and Lath | $270–$330 |
| Popcorn | $300–$370 |
Cost to Repair Ceiling Structural Damage
Structural damage is one of the most expensive ceiling repairs, but costs can vary based on how bad the damage is. Repairing a ceiling joist typically costs between $150 and $750, and replacing a main house support beam can range from $1,500 to $10,000. If you notice large cracks or sagging, it's important to contact a structural engineer right away.
Other Ceiling Repair Costs
Peeling Paint
Painting a ceiling typically costs between $1 and $2.50 per square foot. Smaller jobs might cost more per square foot because much of the cost is in labor and setup. If your ceiling has peeling paint, a pro can help refresh it and give it a new look.
Texture and Popcorn Ceilings
The cost to texture drywall is typically between $1.15 and $1.35 per square foot, in addition to the ceiling repair cost. You’ll also need to paint a textured ceiling, an additional charge between $0.10 and $3.20 per square foot.
Indoor Stucco
To repair small cracks in a stucco ceiling, your contractor will scrape out the existing stucco and patch the area with new stucco. Depending on the level of damage, stucco repairs cost anywhere from $7 to $9 per square foot. However, filling in small surface cracks can cost as little as $1.00 per square foot. Contact a local stucco repair contractor for a proper quote.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have to factor in two jobs when estimating the cost to replace a ceiling. First, you’ll pay about $1 per square foot to remove your old ceiling. Next, you’ll typically spend anywhere from $1 to $30 per square foot to install a new ceiling. This price depends on the type of ceiling you choose.
A standard drywall ceiling is the most affordable, and you can expect to pay between $1 to $3 per square foot for installation. Some ceiling types, like vaulted or cathedral ceilings, can cost more than $50 per square foot or as much as $175 per square foot.
You can paint over a ceiling with minor water damage, but the surface should be completely dry first. It’s important to remember that moist or damaged drywall can harbor mold, so you’ll need to seal the area before painting or replacing the drywall (or damaged drop tiles) if the water damage is significant.
Removing water stains from a ceiling requires a firm and structured approach. First, repair the source of the leak so that no moisture remains. Then, thoroughly clean the stained area with a specialized cleanser before applying a high-performance stain-resistant primer. This process eliminates the water stain and prevents any further discoloration while protecting the ceiling surface from recurring damage.
The time it takes to repair a ceiling depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs, such as patching a small hole, can be completed in minutes, while extensive water damage or structural problems require several days. The severity of the damage defines the work duration, and once the damage is assessed and the repair plan is executed, professionals complete the work in a set period. This answer gives clear expectations for repair time based on the damage scale.
If the original surface is in good condition, you can install a new ceiling over an old one. However, for the overlay to succeed, the old ceiling must be sound and free of structural issues. This method saves homeowners from demolition mess and reduces debris, although it reduces ceiling height by a couple of inches. This answer explains the installation process and its advantages without invoking uncertainty.
A ceiling can endure for decades when constructed and maintained with quality materials. Acoustical tile ceilings last over 40 years, ceramic tile ceilings remain sound for 70 years or more, concrete ceilings hold strong for 75 years, and gypsum ceilings retain their integrity for 75 years. Wood paneling has an operational life of 20 to 50 years, while suspended ceilings maintain stability for 25 or more years. Maintenance and proper repair enhance these lifespans.
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