That means the contractor needs to work around existing components and make sure the new sheets are properly supported.
There is also a large damaged area rather than a small isolated hole. Larger ceiling repairs can require considerably more labor because the contractor has to prepare the opening, install new material, tape the joints, apply multiple coats of compound and sand everything smooth. (HomeRepairCalc)
Is $1,500 Actually Too Much?
Not necessarily.
In fact, $1,500 can be a perfectly reasonable price depending on the size of the ceiling and exactly what is included.
For example, a current 2026 cost guide estimates that replacing drywall on a ceiling can run around $5–$7 per square foot when materials, labor, supplies, equipment and disposal are included, although real-world prices vary by market. (BuildX)
Other estimates put a typical 12×12-foot ceiling replacement around $300–$600, while larger ceilings can easily reach $1,000 or more. (HomeGuide)
So the important question isn’t simply:
“Is $1,500 too expensive?”
The better question is:
