If you are contemplating a large investment, such as a house restoration, don’t overlook the importance of plastering to protect the structure’s exterior and interior. It’s a wonderful idea to obtain a new appearance, but there are some considerations to consider when selecting a professional local plasterer. Nowadays, hundreds of professional service providers exist, but no one can claim that every organization provides quality services to its consumers. Because the market is so competitive, readers must analyze the fundamentals in order to land the ideal job. The post will focus on the important elements to consider before employing plasterers, and if you are ready to invest in the same, this is a must-read. Asking your local plasterer these six questions before hiring them can help you discover the right person for the task or project.

1. Do you have a license?

You might not realize it, but most tradies require a license to operate. In addition to their training and qualifications, this is intended to give homes an additional layer of security/protection. While the standards vary by state, most trades require a license before they may work in your house. In New South Wales, for example, you must get a license before doing any residential building work worth more than $5000 (incl GST) in labor and supplies.

2. Do you specialize in any particular form of plastering?

So, there are two forms of plastering: wet and dry, and a plasterer will frequently specialize in one or the other. Drywall plaster, commonly known as plasterboard, is used to make partitions or walls in a structure. Wet plaster is a mixture of lime, cement, gypsum, and water commonly placed with a trowel on an internal or external wall. This creates a smooth or textured surface over bricks or plasterboard, allowing you to paint it later. Ornamental plaster is another type of plaster in which molds are used to construct decorative components such as ceiling roses, cornices, and friezes.

3. What is your background?

Experience is important in life and certainly applies to the plastering tradie or firm you want to engage. You want to know if they have prior experience in your field. This is especially true for more specialized work such as ornamental plastering, but it also applies to achieving the proper finish for the plaster on your wall. You can ask for proof of their experience, and they may point you to their website or Facebook page.

4. What is your fee?

This is a common inquiry for obvious reasons: you want to know how much you’re willing to spend. A local Plasterer will normally calculate a cost depending on the area being plastered when you request bids. Expect hard plaster costs of $20 to $70 per square meter, wet plaster rates of $45 to $90 per square meter, and intricate Victorian cornice rates of $15 per linear meter. If you want a set charge for your entire house, a three-bedroom home may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Intricate plasterwork will cost extra, and these prices do not include the removal of existing plaster or if your home has limited access.

5. Do you have a written quote?

For major jobs, you should receive a written quote. Consider it an insurance policy against unpleasant surprises down the road. You should see a breakdown of all the materials and labor charges and what work is included in the quote. A written quote should also include crucial information about the company, such as its name, address, phone number, license number, ABN, and payment terms. A quote’s validity period, which is usually 30 days or less, is also sometimes specified.

6. Do you have recommendations from previous clients?

The track record of a tradie or firm is an excellent approach to determine whether they are suitable for your job. Finding out how they fared on previous jobs is one of the finest ways to check this. Check their website and social media, or read any Google reviews or other internet reviews. Word of mouth is another effective method, especially when it comes from people you know and trust, such as friends and family.

Last words

Avoiding the urge to do it yourself is the first step toward excellent plastering. It’s a skilled trade with its own set of tools, scaffolding, and techniques. Poor plasterwork can cost more to repair than employing a professional, to begin with. Friends, family, neighbors, and other customers will enthusiastically recommend the best local plasterer. Look for plastering firms with a lot of positive feedback, as well as profile photos and corporate websites. Also, remember to a take look at the top ten plastering tools that we have listed in our blog. You will find it informative.