So, you’ve just had new lighting installed or upgraded the wiring in your San Diego home. Everything looks great—until you glance up and see a fresh hole in the drywall. Uh-oh. Now you’re wondering: Will the electrician patch that drywall, or are you stuck finding someone else to do it?

At SGP Drywall, we get this question all the time from San Diego homeowners. And honestly? It’s a fair one! Whether it’s a small cutout or a whole section of gypsum board, drywall damage during electrical work is common—but fixing it doesn’t always fall under your electrician’s scope.

Let’s break it down.

Why Electricians Cut Into Drywall

Electricians aren’t out here poking holes in your walls for fun (we hope). When installing or upgrading wiring, especially in older homes, they often have to access spaces behind your sheetrock or wallboard. This can include:

• Cutting into drywall to reach junction boxes
• Drilling through studs
• Running wires through ceilings or wall cavities

Even a basic outlet move might require a strategic drywall hole or two.

Do Electricians Patch Drywall?

Here’s the truth: most electricians do not include drywall repair in their services.

Their job is to install or fix wiring safely and efficiently—not to leave your walls looking pristine. Sure, a few may apply a rough patch or tack the piece back in but don’t expect a smooth, finished look. Here’s why:

• Liability: Patching drywall incorrectly can lead to visible seams or cracks, which can make the homeowner unhappy. Many electricians don’t want to be responsible for cosmetic issues.
• Skillset: Electrical training doesn’t include drywall finishing techniques like taping and mudding or drywall finishing.
• Time Constraints: Electricians often work on tight schedules, especially in new builds or renovations. Spending extra time on wall repair isn’t always feasible.

What’s Considered “Minor” Repair?

Some electricians will patch a small drywall hole with a basic plug or a metal patch. But keep in mind:

• These patches are temporary or structural—not cosmetic.
• You’ll still need a drywall contractor to sand, mud, and paint for a seamless finish.

So yes, your wall might technically be “patched”—but not in the way that restores it to its original look.

What Should San Diego Homeowners Do?

You’ve got a few options:

1. Coordinate with a Drywall Pro

After finishing the electrical work, hire a drywall contractor to handle the patching and repairs. They’ll make sure the patch blends perfectly with your existing texture and paint.

2. Work with Turnkey Services

Some renovation companies offer start-to-finish packages that include everything from drywall installation to paint touch-ups.

How to Prevent Unnecessary Drywall Damage

Prevention is always easier than repair. When hiring an electrician, ask:

• Can you minimize drywall damage during the job?
• Will you need to cut into ceilings or walls?
• Are you able to drill from behind walls, attics, or crawlspaces instead?

Understanding what’s involved helps you plan for wall repair after electrical work—and maybe avoid a few surprises.

What About Patching It Yourself?

Handy homeowners often feel tempted to tackle the job themselves. While a small drywall patch might be doable with the right tools and YouTube videos, remember:

• Seamless repairs require practice.
• Improper patches may bubble, crack, or sink.
• Matching wall texture in San Diego’s older homes can be tricky.

If you want your wall to look like nothing ever happened, it’s best to leave it to the pros.

Who Should You Call for Drywall Repair in San Diego?

This is where SGP Drywall comes in. We specialize in interior wall repair, whether you’ve got a tiny drywall hole or a full-on section removed after electrical work.

We handle the drywall patching, finishing, sanding, and painting—so your walls look like nothing ever happened. That’s why San Diego homeowners trust us after the electricians leave the scene.

Give us a call today and get your San Diego home looking flawless again.

FAQs

Do electricians charge extra for drywall damage?

In most cases, no. Electricians usually don’t charge extra for cutting into drywall—they see it as part of the job. However, they also typically don’t include drywall patching or repairs in their pricing. That means you’ll be responsible for hiring a separate contractor (and paying extra) to get the wall looking good again. Always clarify this upfront before the work begins.

Will my home insurance cover drywall repairs after electrical work?

Generally, no—home insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic repairs related to regular maintenance or upgrades. If the drywall damage occurred due to an electrical fire or emergency repair, then you might be able to file a claim. Always check with your provider for the specifics.

What’s next?

To learn more about our services, check out our Drywall Repair Page