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Work Order: Drywall Repair

Date: 09/18/23

Location: Payette, ID

Lead Source: Friendly Conversation

Invoice: $512.54


I got a text message from a previous client, really nice guy. He has a tenant moving out of one of his properties and asked me to make a few repairs for him. The catch is, the house is an hour away from my garage. Because he's been really pleasant to work for, I got him on the schedule for my next open day. The work order ended up looking like this: Redo drywall above shower wall, replace 1 outlet in bedroom, and kitchen sink is leaking from both sides.


I asked for pictures from the client before I took the trek out west. The night before I was scheduled to be there I went to Home Depot for supplies. I got 2 sink strainers, plumbers putty, 1 outlet, a 2'x2' square of sheetrock, and things like mud and texture.


The first thing I wanted to work on when I got to the home was the leaking sink. Since the sink strainers were only $10 each, I opted to just replace the whole unit instead of trying to pin down exactly where the leak was coming from. It would take more time to go to a store around there that carries plumbing supplies. I installed them without any issues, it went very fast. Maybe 10 minutes. I used the sink while I was working on the drywall to test it and there were no more leaks.


Before checking out the drywall, I quickly installed a new outlet in one bedroom.


The last item on the list was to cut out the previous drywall patch that was done by a different company. It looked like it was quickly done with one coat of mud and not sanded at all. So I cut out the old patch and installed a fresh piece of sheetrock in it's place. I then taped the joints and put on the first coat of 5 minute mud. I use 5 minute mud and a heat gun when doing smaller patches like this. It allows me to complete the patch in less than an hour.


It took 4 coats of mud and sanding to make the patch smooth. After it was smooth I had to figure out how to texture it. The wall is a combination of orange peel and knock down textures, it looked like it was repaired many many times. So I did my best and sprayed some orange peel texture on the wall and knocked it down in some spots so it blended with the rest of the texture work the best I could. The client had paint at the property so painting was simple.


Total labor with travel time ended up being about 5 hours. Here's the new patch:




Here are some tips on creating a large drywall patch:


  • Prepare the area. Cut a square or rectangular patch out of the damaged drywall, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the hole. Use a utility knife and a straightedge to make clean cuts.

  • Cut a backing patch. Cut a piece of drywall that is slightly larger than the hole. This will provide support for the patch.

  • Attach the backing patch. Use wood screws to attach the backing patch to the studs behind the drywall. Make sure the patch is flush with the surface of the wall.

  • Cut the patch. Cut a piece of drywall that is the same size as the hole.

  • Attach the patch. Use drywall screws to attach the patch to the backing patch. Make sure the patch is flush with the surface of the wall.

  • Tape and mud the seams. Apply a strip of self-adhesive drywall tape to the seams between the patch and the surrounding drywall. Use a drywall knife to spread drywall joint compound over the tape. Smooth out the joint compound with the drywall knife.

  • Sand the patch. Once the joint compound is dry, sand it smooth with medium-grit sandpaper.

  • Prime and paint the patch. Apply a coat of primer to the patch. Once the primer is dry, apply two coats of paint to match the surrounding wall.

Here are some additional tips:


  • For larger holes, you may need to use two or more backing patches.

  • If the hole is near the edge of the drywall, you may need to use a drywall anchor to attach the backing patch to the stud.

  • When applying joint compound, be sure to feather the edges of the patch so that it blends in with the surrounding drywall.

  • Use a raking light to check for any imperfections in the patch before painting.

If you need assistance with your drywall, please reach out. I can give you tips or you can hire me to do it for you.


Call, E-mail, or Text DK Home Services if you need help or if you need an estimate today


208-994-5845


- David

Owner/Operator

DK Home Services LLC

 
 
 

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