By reeves There are a few key things you should consider when choosing the right plasterer. We’ll walk you through each step in this article.
- First, learn some basics.
- Learn how each tradesperson prepares for your project
- Find out what they have in mind for the job.
- Select someone who has a lot of experience in a particular area.
- Learn what customers have to say about you
- Ask about qualifications
- Ask each tradesperson for a detailed quote
- Never pay upfront in full!
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
First, learn some basics.
Learn a few plastering rules yourself right from the beginning. You’ll be able to ask the right questions to the tradesperson that you are considering hiring if you know what your job entails.
It is a good idea to do some research on your own and learn about the different types of plastering. There are many online forums for plasterers – you can ask professionals questions about their work and the skills required to complete different types of plastering projects.
Learn how each tradesperson would prepare for your project
Although two walls may appear identical initially, they could be plastered in different ways. The quality and longevity of the final product depends on what lies below. According to Kieran it is important to ask tradespeople how they intend to prepare the ceilings or walls they are working on.
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Plasterers who are skilled and affordable are rare. Good preparation is the key to good plastering. Plastering can make any surface look good and last a long time. An electrician could do a bedroom in half the time and cost half as much. It might seem great at first, but it will soon become a problem.
If you are skimming on top a lime plaster that is 100 years old, it could be defective. Although it may look fine, if the plaster moves when you press on it, it must be removed first. You must then fully plaster the area again. Cracks can be caused by the weight of new plaster if you don’t. Although it might not occur immediately, it is likely to happen.
This is why everything needs to be thoroughly examined before you start working. As a tradesperson, you need to inspect every square centimetre of each ceiling and wall to find cracks. Push it, bang on it. Before you can start working you must first see the substrate. That’s key.
Find out what they have in mind for the job.
It’s worth asking technical questions about the process. Some plasterers only apply one coat of skimming. It looks great, but if you paint it with uplighters or downlighters you will see that only one coat was applied. You can also see trowel marks.
It’s possible to skim over plasterboard in one coat. However, once they get to re-skimming people’s homes, you’ll notice that it isn’t the right procedure. Ask them how many coats they plan to apply of plaster!
Select someone who has a lot of experience in a particular area.
Some plasterers specialize in specific types of plaster or work on particular areas of people’s houses. Lee points out:
You should choose a tradesperson with a lot of experience in your field. You might ask the tradesperson these questions depending on the project.
- Do you have more experience working on new builds or traditional buildings (e.g listed)?
- Are you a specialist in external rendering or internal plastering?
- Are you familiar with plastering and stucco?
- Are you familiar with decorative plastering?
Learn what customers have to say about you
A plasterer may be required to stay in your house for several days if you are hiring them for a large job. Plastering is a messy job. There’s a lot to do and a lot of dust. It’s also easy for plaster to get on surfaces. It is important to find a tradesperson that takes a neat, professional approach to any job and cleans up afterward.
Ask for examples of work done by the tradesperson for customers in the past. If possible, talk to one of these customers. You can also ask about the quality and care taken to protect your home before the work was done.
Ask about qualifications
It is worth checking if a plasterer holds any formal qualifications in the trade, such as these City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 diplomas.
This is another sign that they take their job seriously. But experience is equally important. If you have the opportunity, find a plasterer with at least a few decades of experience.
Ask each tradesperson for a detailed quote
Ask at least three plasterers for quotes. Lee emphasizes that a tradesperson will usually have to visit the site to provide an exact quote.
If you have a detailed specification from the customer for a new build, it may be possible to give a quote over the phone. Domestic re-skims, however, will require viewing.
You should accept that a plasterer may give you a quote over the phone. When I give phone quotes, I prefer to give realistic parameters for the customer to work within. For example, I would like to offer a range between PS300 to PS400. This is because I haven’t seen the actual work yet.
This way, the customer is able to be sure that you will stick to the parameters even if you encounter unexpected problems. Tradespeople will often quote a ridiculously low price over the phone, but then increase it significantly once they have actually seen the work. This is not good for anyone.
You should compare the quotes that you receive. Each quote should include all costs, such as extra labour, removal of plaster and plaster, provision of plasterboard and waste disposal, and scaffolding.
Never pay upfront in full!
A plasterer may ask for a deposit if the job is larger. You should never pay more that 25% upfront. Only pay the balance after you have inspected the work and satisfied with the job.