Posted on October 16th, 2025

 

Drywall doesn’t get much attention right up until it starts cracking, sagging, or showing weird stains out of nowhere.

Then suddenly, every bump or dent feels like a full-blown crisis.

Truth is, most drywall problems start small, but if you ignore them, they tend to grow into something messier, more expensive, and much harder to ignore.

This isn’t about turning you into a drywall expert overnight. It's about knowing what to look for so you don’t get blindsided later.

No matter if you’re handy with a patch kit or just trying to figure out if that corner crack matters, we’ll walk you through the most common issues, how to spot them early, and what steps actually make sense.

Let's start with the usual suspects.

 

5 Common Drywall Issues

Drywall may seem simple, but it can be surprisingly high-maintenance once problems start showing up.

Some issues are obvious, like a hole from moving furniture without enough clearance. Others sneak in quietly and build up over time, which is when things can get a bit more complicated.

Knowing what to look out for saves you time, money, and the hassle of future repairs that should've been caught earlier.

Here are some of the most common drywall problems you’ll run into:

• Cracks caused by settling, temperature swings, or poor installation

• Holes from accidental impacts, wall anchors, or removed fixtures

• Water damage from plumbing leaks, roof issues, or bad ventilation

• Popped nails that push through the surface due to shifting or moisture

• Scuff marks from daily wear, furniture bumps, or kids getting creative

Each of these problems shows up differently, but they all share one thing in common: they get worse if ignored. Cracks, for example, might start small but can stretch and multiply, hinting at shifting walls or subpar installation. Nail pops might look harmless but ruin the smooth finish and hint at moisture changes behind the scenes.

Water damage deserves special attention. It can hide behind paint for a while, but once the bubbling, staining, or sagging starts, the issue is already deeper than it looks. If left alone, it can lead to mold growth, warped drywall, and expensive remediation. Fixing the cause is only the first step. Then it’s about repairing or replacing the affected sections properly.

Even simple cosmetic issues like scuffs or dents can start to pile up if you’re not staying on top of them. Sure, some can be wiped down or touched up with a dab of paint, but others need a more hands-on fix to look right again.

The bottom line? Small signs of wear rarely stay small for long. Keep an eye on your walls, understand what each problem could mean, and act before things spiral into a full-on drywall disaster.

 

DIY Tips for Repairing Drywall Cracks and Holes

Drywall cracks and holes don’t need to trigger a full-blown renovation panic. In most cases, a few tools, a steady hand, and a little patience can go a long way. The trick is knowing when you can handle it yourself and when it’s time to call in backup. Small fixes? Fair game. Structural damage or repeated problem areas? That’s a different story.

Most minor drywall blemishes, like cracks from settling, dings from doorknobs, or that one mystery hole nobody wants to admit to, can be handled with a few solid techniques. If the damage isn’t too deep or widespread, there’s no need to overthink it.

Here are three simple ways to repair cracks and holes on your own:

• Clean out the crack with a utility knife, apply joint compound, then embed drywall tape over it before smoothing and sanding.

• For small holes, use a patch kit with a self-adhesive screen, compound, and putty knife.

• When patching larger holes, cut a clean square around the damage, insert a drywall piece of the same size, secure it with screws, and finish with tape and compound.

Each fix has its own process, but they all follow the same rhythm: prep the area, apply materials with care, then smooth and finish. What matters most is not rushing the drying time or skipping the sanding step. That’s where most DIY jobs go sideways.

Investing in a few key tools helps. A decent utility knife, various grits of sandpaper, a flexible putty knife, and quality joint compound will carry you through just about any minor repair. These basics are surprisingly versatile and make a noticeable difference in the final result.

Still, not every issue should be tackled solo. If a crack keeps coming back, or if the drywall feels soft or warped around a hole, you might be looking at something bigger than a surface fix. There’s no shame in calling in a pro when needed, especially if it saves you from redoing the same patch job three times.

The bottom line? You don’t need a contractor’s license to fix most drywall issues, but you do need to pay attention to the details. That little extra effort up front keeps your walls looking sharp and your space feeling solid.

 

When to Call Professional Drywall Services

Sometimes a patch kit just won’t cut it. While minor drywall issues can be handled with a putty knife and a little patience, there are cases where calling in a professional isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. If the damage spans large areas, involves multiple layers, or hints at deeper problems inside the walls, it’s time to let the experts step in.

Big holes, deep cracks, and sections that feel soft or uneven often signal something more serious. Trying to fix these with surface-level DIY solutions usually leads to short-term results and long-term headaches.

A pro can assess the full scope, identify structural concerns, and make sure the repair goes beyond just hiding the damage. They’ve seen it all before, and more importantly, they know how to fix it right the first time.

Then there’s the time factor. Even if you’re capable of handling a repair, you might not have hours to spare, especially if you’re prepping a home for sale or need your business space back in order fast.

A professional crew can knock out jobs in a fraction of the time, with tools and materials that most people don’t keep in their garage. That speed matters when deadlines or first impressions are on the line.

You’re also not just hiring someone to do the work. You’re tapping into years of hands-on experience. Skilled contractors can give practical advice you won’t find in most online guides, like how to avoid repeat damage or what finish works best for high-traffic zones. They can even suggest upgrades that improve durability without changing the look of your space.

The added bonus? Quality assurance. Reputable drywall pros back their work with warranties and guarantees, something a YouTube tutorial doesn’t offer. They’ll match textures, combine finishes, and leave your wall looking like it never took a hit. Plus, they can access specialty materials and finishes that aren't sold at your average hardware store.

Hiring help might feel like a bigger investment upfront, but it can save you money down the road by avoiding repeated repairs and touch-ups.

When the job calls for precision, speed, or expert judgment, it pays to go with someone who does this every day. You’ll get more than just a patched wall—you’ll get peace of mind that the job was done right.

 

Restore Your Walls With Expert Precision From Big Boss Drywall, LLC

Walls do more than divide a space—they hold the shape and story of your home or business. From everyday wear to the occasional accident, drywall damage is bound to happen.

What matters most is how you respond. Knowing when to patch things up yourself and when to bring in professionals helps you stay ahead of the damage and protect your investment.

Not every repair is worth your time, tools, or trial-and-error. That’s where working with experienced specialists makes a difference.

Quality workmanship doesn’t just fix the problem—it blends perfectly, lasts longer, and keeps your space looking sharp.

At Big Boss Drywall LLC, we’ve built our reputation around clean finishes, reliable timelines, and treating each project with care.

We serve the Chicagoland area with full drywall repair, installation, and customization services backed by years of hands-on experience. From small fixes to full wall replacements, our approach is efficient, detail-oriented, and built to last.

If you're ready to restore your walls with expert precision, book your free drywall repair consultation with Big Boss Drywall LLC and get a solution tailored to your space.

For direct assistance, give us a call at (224) 622-9932.

Your walls deserve more than a quick fix. Trust Big Boss Drywall LLC to deliver work that holds up, looks great, and adds lasting value to your home or business.