Property Maintenance Without a Handyman

When it comes to property maintenance, there are some jobs that can be done without calling a handyman. In this article, we will show you how to fill a small hole in your internal wall. You do not need any expert carpentry or plastering skills. Just a few materials and a simple list of instructions that we have prepared for you below:

Step by step guide – How to repair a hole in the wall

Step 1 – Take a trip to Bunnings (or similar)

You need to purchase the following items. If you already have some of them at home in the garage, then great! If not, it will cost you roughly $55.

  1. Gyprock 1.5kg DIY Rapid Plaster Repair Kit (You can grab this in Bunnings for $26.27. Be sure to check that your wall thickness is 10mm as that is the size of the plasterboard in the kit.)
  2. 12mm Timber Battens – You can usually pick up free off cuts from the Bunnings timber yard
  3. Craft Knife
  4. Plasterboard Screws
  5. Stud Glue (optional)

Step 2- Prepare yourself

Make sure to put on personal protective equipment. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from impact and dust. Gloves should be worn to provide a layer of protection also.

Step 3 – Prepare the area

Use a drop sheet to protect the flooring and any surrounding furniture. If you do not have a drop sheet, then an old bed sheet or a few old towels will do the job. Make sure to have a vacuum cleaner at the ready also!

Step 4 – Measure the size of the hole

If the hole is smaller than 50mm, load some filler onto a filling knife and draw it across the hole at right-angles to the crack. Press firmly until the filler comes just over the surface. Leave it to dry for approximately 2 hours. Finally, smooth it down with some sandpaper and touch up the area with some fresh paint. Really easy!

If the hole is bigger than 50mm, move to step 5.

Step 5 – Make a template

Obtain the ready-made plasterboard from the Gyprock repair kit and use it as a template to draw around the hole. Alternatively, grab some paper or cardboard and make a template which is just bigger than the hole you are filling. It can be any shape, but it is best to keep it square or rectangular. Place your template on the wall and use it to draw around the hole.

Step 6 – Cut out new hole

Use a craft knife or fine tooth saw to cut out your new hole. It is IMPORTANT to watch out for any cables and pipes in that area.

Step 7 – Prepare new plasterboard

Insert the thin timber battens into the hole. Use plasterboard screws to secure them in place. Next, go back to the template and use it to cut a new piece of plasterboard that will fit in the hole (if you are not using the Gyprock repair kit).

Step 8 – Fit the jigsaw!

Apply a dab or two of stud glue to the back of the new plasterboard (optional). Place the plasterboard into the hole. Next, cover the seams with plasterboard tape.

Step 9 – Apply the base coat

Spread the ready-mix plaster thinly and evenly over the tape. Allow this to dry.

Step 10 – Topcoat

Sand down the area then repeat Step 9. Once this has dried, sand down for a final time and then you are ready for painting!

Still need a handyman? Call us on 07 3818 2137 or visit our Residential Property Maintenance page for a full list of services.