Plastering is an essential job that requires expertise and attention to detail when maintaining or renovating a home. Whether building a new home or making repairs, finding the right plasterer can make all the difference in achieving a professional finish.
This guide covers everything you need to know before hiring a plasterer, from understanding the types of plastering to asking the right questions before making a decision.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Before hiring a plasterer, check their experience, licensing, and reputation. Review past work and ask questions about the project, such as materials, preparation, and warranties.
Different types of plastering include solid plastering, fibrous plastering, and dry lining, each suited to various needs, such as wall repairs, decorative features, or levelling floors. Always get multiple quotes to compare costs and services and ensure clear timelines and guarantees.
While DIY might seem tempting, hiring a professional ensures a high-quality, durable finish.
Key Considerations Before Hiring A Plasterer
Finding the right plasterer can be daunting, especially with many professionals and companies advertising their services. To make sure you hire the best person for the job, here are a few essential things to consider:
1. Experience Matters
The quality of plastering work can vary significantly based on the plasterer’s experience. A skilled plasterer with years of experience will complete the job more efficiently and be more attuned to the project’s finer details.
They should have experience with different plastering jobs and homes, ensuring they know how to handle your needs.
2. Permits And Licensing
Before hiring a plasterer, ensure they have the necessary permits and are licensed to work in your area. A reliable plasterer should be able to provide proof of their qualifications.
Websites that verify service providers can help you check their credentials before deciding.
3. Reputation And Reviews
Reputation is one of the most important factors when choosing a plasterer. A reputable plasterer will have positive reviews from previous clients online or through word-of-mouth.
Take the time to read customer reviews on platforms like Hipages or Google. This will give you an idea of the quality of work you can expect.
4. Local Companies For Better Communication
Hiring a local plasterer ensures smoother communication and more flexibility in scheduling. Local companies are also easier to contact for project-related issues or changes.
5. Viewing Past Work
Before hiring a plasterer, viewing examples of their previous work is a good idea. Many companies showcase their projects through online galleries, which can give you a better idea of their skills.
Additionally, ask for references from past clients to understand their reliability and professionalism.
Types Of Plastering Services
A good plasterer should be proficient in a range of plastering services. Here are some common types of plastering jobs you may require:
- Solid Plastering involves applying a smooth coat of plaster to walls, floors, and external surfaces like roads. It also includes protective methods such as pebble dashing.
- Fibrous Plastering: This decorative technique uses moulds to create features like cornices, columns, or ceiling roses.
- Dry Lining refers to constructing internal partitions using plasterboard to create rooms within a space.
When Do You Need A Plasterer?
You may need a plasterer for various projects, including:
1. Painting Walls Or Ceilings
Plastering provides a smooth and even surface, which is essential for achieving a professional-looking paint finish. Paint may peel or crack over time without a well-prepared plaster base, leading to additional repairs.
2. Repairing Walls Or Ceilings
If your walls or ceilings have cracks, water damage, or other imperfections, a plasterer can restore them to their original condition. Professional plastering ensures that repairs blend seamlessly with the existing surface, preventing future structural issues.
3. Floor Screeding
Screeding involves applying a sand-and-cement mixture to level out uneven floors before installing flooring materials like tiles or carpets. A plasterer’s expertise ensures the screed layer is perfectly smooth and durable, providing a stable foundation for any flooring.
4. Decorative Plastering
If you’re looking to add architectural features like cornices, ceiling roses, or decorative columns, a skilled plasterer can help. Decorative plastering adds character and elegance to a space, requiring precise craftsmanship to ensure that intricate designs are well-executed and durable.
Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Plasterer
Before committing to a plasterer, asking the right questions is essential to ensure they fit your project. Here are some key questions to consider:
- How many coats of plaster will be applied?
- What materials will be used, and will they be mixed with any additives?
- How will you deal with moisture or dampness in the walls?
- What is your plan for preparing the walls before plastering?
- Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Cost Considerations
The cost of plastering can vary depending on the size and complexity of the job. It’s important to get a clear estimate upfront.
Ask for detailed quotes from at least three plasterers to compare prices and services. Some plasterers may charge more due to their expertise or the quality of the materials.
Only sometimes should you go for the cheapest option, as the quality of the work is just as important as the price.
Why Getting Multiple Quotes Is Important?
Getting several quotes for larger jobs is always a good idea, even if you need more time. This allows you to compare pricing and services, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Be wary of plasterers who provide quotes without inspecting the site, as they may need to consider the full scope of the project.
Guarantees And Warranties
A professional plasterer or company should offer a guarantee or warranty on their work. This provides peace of mind if any issues arise after completing the job.
Always ask about the warranty details before hiring a plasterer.
Timelines And Deadlines
Another important aspect to consider is the project’s timeline. Ask the plasterer when they can start and how long they expect the job to take.
Delays can disrupt your plans, so ensuring the plasterer can commit to your schedule is important.
DIY Vs Hiring A Professional
While it may be tempting to try plastering yourself, especially for small jobs, plastering requires high skill and experience. A professional plasterer will complete the job more quickly and to a higher standard, saving you time and effort in the long run.
If you attempt the job yourself without proper tools or experience, you could have a subpar finish that requires additional work. Hiring a plasterer also gives you a warranty, so if something goes wrong later, you have someone to call for repairs.
Conclusion
Hiring a plasterer is a significant decision that impacts the quality and durability of your home. By understanding the different types of plastering, asking the right questions, and ensuring your plasterer is licensed and experienced, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a high-quality finish.
Whether you’re plastering walls, ceilings, or decorative features, the right plasterer will have the skills and expertise to complete the job to your satisfaction. Always get multiple quotes, check their credentials, and review past work to ensure you make the best choice for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plasterer
What Goes Before Plastering?
Usually, two coats of PVA mixture will give you the best surface for skimming before plastering. Instead of PVA, you could also use a bonding agent. This product contains a fine aggregate making it gritty, and this helps to provide a stable surface for the plaster.
Should You Wet Wall Before Plastering?
Plaster must be applied when a surface feels tacky but not too wet to help it bond to the surface well.
Why Does Plaster Fall off the Walls?
Over time, plaster may delaminate or become detached from the surface beneath. In the case of stud walls and ceilings, timber laths are fixed between the studs or joists and the plaster is pushed through the gaps between the laths. Rotten laths can result in plaster sagging or bowing.
Are Plaster Cracks Normal?
If your home has plastered walls, then straight vertical cracks typically form when the plaster expands in humidity and shrinks as it dries. These are normal and are usually the type of cracks you’ll find in a new build property.
How Do You Plaster Over Distemper?
We prefer to seal the distemper properly with an oil-based primer/sealer. Apply by brush/small roller (do not dilute), and once dry, we apply a strong sand-based pre-plastering bonding agent, which is ideal for this type of surface to give additional key/grip.
