Plaster repair costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
The cost to hire a professional to repair your ceiling runs between $45 and $90 per square foot on average.
Raleigh residents who live in historic neighborhoods, such as Oakwood or Cameron Village, are at risk of asbestos in the ceiling, leading to higher project costs.
If your sagging or cracked ceiling is the result of a hidden leak, you can expect to pay additional costs to hire a plumber for the repair.
Hiring a Raleigh ceiling repair pro ensures a safe, efficient fix to this essential part of your home, plus they can help identify underlying causes of the damage.
Ceiling repair in Raleigh can range from $448 to $6,265, with an average cost of $3,356. The main factors that affect the final cost of ceiling repairs include the extent of the repair, your home’s age, and your ceiling’s material. Let’s review what you can expect to pay for your ceiling repair in Raleigh, NC.
Multiple factors will affect the final cost of ceiling repair—from labor rates to repair size. Consult a local ceiling repair expert to calculate a ballpark figure for your project.
Labor is always a major cost factor when calculating the cost of home repairs, and ceiling repair is no different. Most local ceiling companies will charge based on the amount of damage, usually between $45 and $90 per square foot. Consult multiple Raleigh ceiling repair pros to get an accurate estimate based on the size and scope of your ceiling’s damage.
Popcorn ceiling is usually present in older homes built before the 1980s, which can indicate the presence of asbestos. If asbestos is present, you will need to have it inspected and removed. Removing the popcorn ceiling costs between $1,190 and $3,260 on average. Any home in a historic neighborhood, such as Oakwood or Cameron Village, will be an asbestos risk.
If your ceiling is made from drywall—a very popular ceiling material in Raleigh—you might need to replace any damaged sections. In Raleigh, drywall installation usually runs between $1.70 and $2.30 per square foot, which includes materials and labor. This pricing covers the process of removing the old drywall and installing new material.
Some ceilings have more elaborate or ornate designs than others. Vaulted or cathedral ceilings, ceilings with built-in lighting, or ceilings with decorative elements could cost more to repair. In the neighborhood of Oakwood, where Victorian homes are bountiful, ceilings could have roses or other intricate molding—these details will impact the final price of your ceiling repair project.
Is your ceiling sagging? If yes, then it’s possible the problem is coming from a leaking pipe in the room above it, and means you will be contending with a plumbing repair on top of a ceiling repair. The cost to repair plumbing is $180 to $500, on average.
Some ceiling repair pros will include debris removal in the project, while others will not—be sure to ask when getting quotes from contractors. Some debris, such as that containing lead or asbestos, is considered hazardous and must be removed according to certain safety protocols. Hazardous waste removal typically runs between $150 and $300.
The size of the damaged area will play a significant role in your final ceiling repair bill. Professional ceiling experts typically charge either by the square footage of the repair or an hourly rate based on the size of the job. Overall, expect to pay between $45 and $90 per square foot based on the extent of damage.
| Amount of Damage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 9 sq. ft. | $405–$810 |
| 24 sq. ft. | $1,080–$2,160 |
| 70 sq. ft. | $3,150–$6,300 |
| 130 sq. ft. | $5,850–$11,700 |
Note that smaller issues, such as nail holes or cracked joints, may be more cost-effective at an hourly rate of $60 to $90.
Not all ceiling materials are easy to repair. Popcorn ceilings from the 1960s, or plaster-and-lath structures from over 100 years ago, require more time and expertise.
The square-foot rate fluctuates based on the material of your ceiling. For example:
| Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Traditional Drywall | $45–$55 |
| Lightweight Drywall | $50–$60 |
| Plaster and Lath | $65–$80 |
| Popcorn | $75–$90 |
| Drop Ceiling | $2–$17 |
| Concrete | $50–$80 |
| Wood | $70–$90 |
Drop tile ceilings can be repaired as a DIY project, making them less costly than other types of ceilings. The cost of new drop ceiling tiles ranges from $2 to $17 per square foot. Professionals may charge their standard $60 to $90 per hour for repairs you’re not equipped to handle yourself.
Damage can range from a small hairline crack or a botched ceiling fan repair to sagging drywall due to severe water damage. Determining how much your pro will charge to fix the issue can be tricky, so we've broken down estimates based on common types of ceiling damage.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Water damage | $45–$55 per square foot |
| Sagging ceiling | $75 per hour |
| Ceiling holes | $180–$370 |
| Ceiling cracks | $400–$1,350 |
| Ceiling joists | $150–$750 |
| Main home support beam | $1,500–$10,000 |
Water can seep into your ceiling from storms, roof damage, burst pipes, or faulty HVAC vents. You may need to budget for these issues, including plumbing repair costs, roof replacement costs, HVAC repair costs, and roof repair costs.
Repairing a sagging or pillowing ceiling often involves replacing drywall and addressing damaged insulation or spacers between the ceiling and trusses.
Ceiling holes can be caused by leaks, pests, or impact damage. Cracks along drywall seams can result from water damage, heavy loads above, or natural truss movement. However, large or widening cracks—especially those near beams—may indicate structural or foundation issues, with foundation repair costs averaging about $4,500.
Ceiling joist repair prices depend on whether reinforcement or full replacement is needed. Replacing a main support beam is a more extensive job that often requires a structural engineer. Damage to this beam can compromise the joists and lead to significant ceiling sagging.
A Raleigh professional ceiling expert will likely charge either by the square footage of the repair or on an hourly basis, based on the size of the repair. Generally, you should expect to pay between $45 and $90 per square foot. Get quotes from at least three Raleigh ceiling repair experts to compare pricing and timelines to find the pro that best fits your needs.
Repairing your ceiling won’t directly increase your home’s value, but it could make your home more marketable and appealing to potential buyers. A ceiling in disrepair could be flagged by the appraisal or home inspection, which will turn off many potential homebuyers. In addition, replacing a popcorn ceiling—and removing any asbestos—will make your home safer and more modern.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
First thank you for being so quick. The technicians respected my home. They made the repair in time. The problem they made no attempt to clean up. I will reach out for another repair in the future.
Thermo Direct Inc.The job was done with craftsmanship and in a very timely manner. I would strongly recommend Quick care home repair.
Quick Care Home RepairHired Mike for drywall repair. He was very professional. The work was done quickly and well done.
I have used Brock’s Repair a few times now. They are very professional and do quality work. I definitely recommend them for any home project.
Brock's Repairs, Inc.Outstanding service from start to finish. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone seeking drywall and painting repairs.
Mendez Professional Drywall & Paint, LLCGreat repair and education,, thank you Greg,,
The project involved both tile repair and replacing grout. Terrific job! Detailed approach with high standards. Very professional. I highly recommend The Groutsmith
The GroutsmithFantastic! We had Top Notch Construction repair some fascia and trim as well as install 7 sliders on our home. Fast, quality, and reasonable! Would highly recommend for all types of home repair and improvements.
Deck AppealLawton repaired/ replaced my porch screens. He did a very good job and was very helpful.
M&G ContractorPleasantly surprised at the speed and price of the the repair.
Generator Solutions, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Popcorn ceiling removal costs in Raleigh, NC depend on the size of your ceiling and additional services, like asbestos removal. Learn all the costs here.
North Carolina’s storms can lead to various kinds of roof damage. Learn how much roof repair costs in Raleigh, NC, and what affects repair costs.
Foundation repair costs in Raleigh, NC can be tricky when you have a large repair on your hands. This guide walks through costs from small cracks to total replacement.
Discover stair repair cost estimates in Raleigh, NC, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help you budget for your stair repair project.
Finishing an attic can make a great addition to your home. This guide breaks down the cost to finish an attic in Raleigh, NC including labor, materials, and more.
Is your sidewalk in need of some TLC? Use this comprehensive guide to look at sidewalk repair costs in Raleigh, NC, so you know what to expect.
