Can a handyperson fix a hole in the wall?

• <div><p>It depends on the construction of your wall. Most handypeople can fix small holes in drywall. If your wall is plaster or brick, more significant damage may require a drywall contractor or a mason. Hiring a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-common-handyman-prices.htm">handyperson costs</a> less than a more specialized type of contractor, but they’re not trained in all types of wall repairs.</p></div>

How long does plastering last?

• <div><p>Plastering lasts for around <b>15 to 20 years</b> without needing repairs or maintenance in most cases, and with proper upkeep, plastering can last a lifetime—sometimes more than 100 years. Plaster repair costs between <b>$1 and $3 per square foot</b>, and you may need these services once every 15 to 20 years or so unless you have a harsh climate where humidity changes are a constant issue. You can also opt to skim-coat plaster for between <b>$0.90 and $1.30 per square foot</b>, which may serve you better in the long run.</p></div>

Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Eldon, IA

Q: What is the difference between spackle and joint compound, and which should I use for drywall repairs?

• <div><p>Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.</p><p>Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.</p><p>Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.</p><p>While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.</p></div>

Q: What are the disadvantages of using plaster?

• <div><p>Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It&rsquo;s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if I have plaster walls?

• <div><p>If your home was built before the 1940s and was not remodeled in the past 50 or so years, you probably have plaster walls. Aside from assuming, there are some <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-tell-drywall-vs-plaster.htm">practical ways to tell if you have plaster walls</a>, including the following: If you knock on the wall and it feels solid, not hollow, if you can&rsquo;t insert a thumbtack easily, if there are cracks that look like spiderwebs, or if your home has curved, arched, or swirled walls, doorways, or window openings.</p><p>If you have an unfinished basement or attic, you could examine the backs of any finished walls to check, too.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Plaster Repair pros in Eldon, IA

*The Angi rating for Plaster Repair companies in Eldon, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plaster Repair needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Plaster Repair companies in Eldon, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plaster Repair needs.

Last update on August 02, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
They did Roof tile removal and replacement to remove lots of debris and replace underlayment of tiles. Tiles were positioned so that rainwater overshoots the gutters. When contacted to repair the problem they never responded. We’ve had groundwater issues and basement flooding twice since then...
PILCHER CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in October 2022
I rely exclusively on Tim's to service my existing boiler system and any other plumbing needs that arise. The technicians are great and fix things the first time. I am so glad I found this company because of my old and complex my heating system. They really get it done. THis time two old valves...
TIM'S HEATING AIR CONDITIONING
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Reviewed in June 2020
The correct category was gutter cleaning, not repaired, but I picked the closest thing. Luis was on time and he and his son spent more time than I thought they would, but did not charge me extra. They did a fantastic job. The gutters are spotless.
ProClean Window and More
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Reviewed in June 2018
John came over to give me an estimate for a new AC and furnace repair. He looked the furnace over and found it had a crack in the heat exchanger. He showed it to me and explained the safety issue. John was very personable and provided a reasonable estimate. Both items were replaced. John and his...
John Sandegrens Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in April 2016
It was excellent. He have a great summary of the condition of the piano along with what needed to be repaired and the cost of the repairs. He showed up on time to disassemble the piano. The movers moved it to a new location and he was right there to put the piano back together. Paul is very easy...
Paul Kennedy's Pro Piano Tuning And Repair Service
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Reviewed in April 2015
Terrible. We will not use nor recommend Ambient Control ever again. While the service people were nice, they weren't prompt, very professional and we felt not knowledgeable about the product he was asked to repair. <br />
Ambient Control Systems
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Reviewed in November 2014
Loved their style! Arrived on time. Told me his plans for repair. Offered to take off shoes to walk through my house and cleaned up after himself. Great customer service and reasonably priced. I might add all the repairs he did was a redo from another local plumber whose every repair resulted...
Alig Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2014
Ordered a new washer when my 8 year old Maytag stopped spinning while the wife was doing laundry. Figured I needed a washer and repairing it would be more expensive than a new one. After reading about the fault code Lr on the internet, decided to see what it cost to replace a defective motor,...
Jim's Appliance SVC
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Find Plaster repair specialists in Eldon

Plasterworks

5.0(

)

Plaster - InstallPlaster - Install - For BusinessPlaster - Repair+1 more

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had some water damage and they came out to fix the plasters. I was happy with the service and we're very satisfied with they work. If I have some issues that came back and fix it right away, no problem, no questions and they fix the issues without charge."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Plaster - InstallPlaster - Install - For BusinessPlaster - Repair+1 more

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

"Crew came out right away days after quote. Took not even a day for 20x10 patio slab. Was willing to work around budget and accommodated an unsupported form of payment on the spot. Great service hands down!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Plaster - InstallPlaster - Install - For BusinessPlaster - Repair+1 more

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"The workmanship was excellent. The work was completed within the time frame agreed upon as well as the price quoted. Everything was done very professionally from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend Dave Navarro Construction for any interior remodeling. I will definitely use him again - without hesitation."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Bringman Construction

5.0(

)

Plaster - RepairPlaster - Repair - For Business

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a great job! Very reasonable, respectable, knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend them!"

+39

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Wagner Construction & Masonry

New to Angi

Plaster - RepairPlaster - Repair - For Business

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Wagner Construction & Masonry is committed to excellence in every aspect of our home upgrading business. We uphold standards of integrity, honesty, and personal responsibility. We focus om the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a locally owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today, and we look forward to working with you!

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They are getting it done completely in a timely manner they did a really good job and the price was good. I ask 3 people for quotation they are the lowest and I had no problem since."

Response time2 days

Recommended by42%of homeowners

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2Brothers llc painting maintenance. remodeling

2.0(

)

Plaster - InstallPlaster - Repair

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Most of the painting work was done by Tim. We added more rooms to the original job and they were very accommodating and got it done."

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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Ash Construction and Renovations

New to Angi

Plaster - RepairPlaster - Repair - For Business

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ash Construction and Renovation, is your industry expert in the Ottumwa and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will ensure you that we will treat your home as we would treat our own give us a call today we look forward to working with you.

Response time2 days

Serving Eldon, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

S & K Home Repair has over 10 years of experience. We provide quality service in all types of construction. We specialize in roofing, siding, and windows. We will not leave until we make you one of our satisfied customers. Our projects get done in a timely fashion. We are affiliated with the Better Business Bureau.

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Showing 1-10 of 18

Plaster Repair questions, answered by experts

Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.

Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.

Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.

While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.

Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It’s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.

It depends on the construction of your wall. Most handypeople can fix small holes in drywall. If your wall is plaster or brick, more significant damage may require a drywall contractor or a mason. Hiring a handyperson costs less than a more specialized type of contractor, but they’re not trained in all types of wall repairs.

If your home was built before the 1940s and was not remodeled in the past 50 or so years, you probably have plaster walls. Aside from assuming, there are some practical ways to tell if you have plaster walls, including the following: If you knock on the wall and it feels solid, not hollow, if you can’t insert a thumbtack easily, if there are cracks that look like spiderwebs, or if your home has curved, arched, or swirled walls, doorways, or window openings.

If you have an unfinished basement or attic, you could examine the backs of any finished walls to check, too.

Plastering lasts for around 15 to 20 years without needing repairs or maintenance in most cases, and with proper upkeep, plastering can last a lifetime—sometimes more than 100 years. Plaster repair costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, and you may need these services once every 15 to 20 years or so unless you have a harsh climate where humidity changes are a constant issue. You can also opt to skim-coat plaster for between $0.90 and $1.30 per square foot, which may serve you better in the long run.

The Eldon, IA homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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How Much Does Plaster Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Plastering Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Apply Venetian Plaster? [2026 Data]
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What Is Behind Your Lath and Plaster Walls?
You can find plaster walls in a lot of older homes. What’s behind these walls—whether that’s lath or calcimine—can have an impact on how long they last. Finding out the age of your house can help you determine what you’re dealing with.
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who Does Plaster Work and What Is Their Job Like?
Who does plaster work? A plasterer, of course—one who’s gone through years of training to master this subtle construction art. Here’s what you need to know.