Have you planned to build or repair walls, ceilings, or exterior surfaces? Then, it’s time to consider hiring a plasterer. Plasterers are skilled tradespeople with expertise in all plaster-related areas, including repairs, restoration, and construction of interior and exterior walls.
Hiring the right plasterer for the job is important, as quality plastering requires specialised skills. This guide will walk you through what to consider when hiring a plasterer, from qualifications to costs, and whether you should attempt a DIY project or leave it to the professionals.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Hiring a plasterer is essential for quality wall, ceiling, or exterior surface work. Plasterers are skilled professionals, and choosing the right one involves checking their qualifications, such as a Certificate III in Solid Plastering or a White Card. It’s also important to ask about their experience, references, and pricing structure.
Plasterers handle surface preparation, mixing, applying plaster, and clean-up, ensuring a smooth, professional finish. They often leave a gap at the base of walls to prevent moisture damage. Timeframes vary from a few hours for small repairs to a week or more for large projects.
Costs depend on the plasterer’s experience, job size, and location. Hiring a professional ensures skilled artistry, quicker completion, and long-term peace of mind compared to DIY attempts, which can be costly if mistakes are made.
Ultimately, hiring a plasterer is an investment in your home’s quality, saving you time and stress in the long run. Ensure you get multiple quotes and check qualifications to achieve the best results.
Qualifications And Accreditations For A Plasterer
When hiring a plasterer, it is essential to ensure they have the right qualifications and accreditations. These serve as proof of their expertise and knowledge.
1. Certificate III In Solid Plastering (CPC31020):
Look for plasterers with a Certificate III in Solid Plastering, which is the standard qualification. This certification ensures the plasterer has undergone formal training and possesses the necessary skills to perform the job to a high standard.
2. White Card (Construction Induction Training):
Plasterers working on construction sites must hold a White Card, which proves they have completed general construction site safety training and are qualified to work on building sites.
3. Apprenticeship Experience:
Some plasterers may have learned through apprenticeships before receiving formal qualifications. In this case, you can ask for customer references to verify their experience and quality of work.
Questions To Ask Your Plasterer
Before hiring a plasterer, asking the right questions is important to ensure you get someone qualified for the job. Here are a few key things to ask:
- How long have you been in the trade?: Experience matters, especially in plastering. More experienced plasterers will often deliver better results.
- Do you have references?: A reputable plasterer should have previous clients who can vouch for their work. Feel free to ask for examples.
- What is your pricing structure?: Understand whether the plasterer charges by the hour or for the whole job. Ensure you get a clear breakdown of costs in a written quote.
- Do you have insurance?: It’s essential that the plasterer has public liability insurance in case something goes wrong during the job.
Understanding Plasterer Responsibilities
Plasterers are responsible for a variety of tasks that go beyond simply applying plaster. Their responsibilities include:
- Surface Preparation: Plasterers must prepare the surface before applying plaster. This can include removing old plaster, fixing cracks, and ensuring the surface is clean and ready for plastering.
- Mixing and Applying Plaster: Once the surface is ready, plasterers mix the plaster and apply it evenly using specialist tools.
- Finishing: After applying the plaster, the plasterer will smooth it to create a uniform finish.
- Clean-up: Good plasterers will clean up after themselves, leaving the site tidy and debris-free.
Why Don’t Plasterers Plaster To The Floor?
One common question is why plasterers leave a gap at the bottom of the wall instead of plastering to the floor. Plaster can wick up moisture from the floor, which can cause dampness and damage over time. Leaving a small gap prevents this.
Duration For A Plasterer To Finish A Job
The time it takes to complete a plastering job depends on the size and complexity of the task.
- Small Repairs: Patching small areas of plaster can take just a few hours.
- Full Room Plastering: Plastering an entire room, including the walls and ceiling, can take 1-3 days.
- Large Projects: Larger jobs can take a week or more, like plastering an entire house or working on decorative plastering.
Discuss timelines with your plasterer and ensure they give you an accurate estimate based on the specific project.
Costs Of Hiring A Plasterer
The cost of plastering can vary widely depending on factors like the plasterer’s experience, the job’s location, and the type of work required.
Key Factors That Affect The Cost
- Labour: Plasterers may charge an hourly rate or a fixed price for the job. A fixed price is often preferable, as it prevents surprises and ensures the plasterer is incentivised to work efficiently.
- Materials: The cost of materials can vary depending on the type of plaster and tools needed. Ensure your quote includes a breakdown of material costs.
- Size of the Job: Larger jobs will cost more, but plasterers may offer discounts for bulk work or larger projects.
- Location: Prices may vary based on where you are located. For example, plasterers in metropolitan areas may charge more than those in regional towns.
Getting at least three quotes from different plasterers is always a good idea to ensure a fair price.
The Advantages Of Hiring A Professional Over DIY
If the job is small and not in a prominent location, like an outdoor garage wall, you might think it’s a simple DIY project. However, plastering is a complex trade, and even seemingly minor tasks can be more challenging than they appear.
1. Skill And Experience:
Plastering requires precision and a lot of practice to master. Professional plasterers spend years honing their skills, ensuring the job is completed to a high standard. Poor plastering can lead to uneven surfaces, cracks, or the need for expensive repairs.
2. Time And Efficiency:
Professionals will complete the job much faster than most DIYers. This is particularly important for larger or more complicated jobs, where time efficiency can significantly reduce disruption.
3. Long-Term Peace Of Mind:
A professional plasterer will provide a warranty or guarantee on their work. If any problems arise, they’ll be responsible for fixing them. This is a key advantage over DIY, where mistakes could lead to additional costs and effort.
4. Tools And Materials:
Plastering often requires specialised tools and materials you may still need to use. Professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and will know the right products for the specific task.
Can You Plaster With No Experience?
Plastering is a skilled trade that requires years of training to master. While it’s possible to tackle very small plastering jobs yourself, such as minor patch repairs, larger jobs are best left to professionals. Plastering is physically demanding; making costly mistakes is easy without the proper skills and experience.
Conclusion
Hiring a plasterer is an investment in the quality of your home’s walls, ceilings, and exterior finishes. While trying your hand at DIY may be tempting, plastering is a specialised trade that requires experience, skill, and the right tools to do it properly. Hiring a qualified, experienced plasterer ensures the job is done efficiently and to a high standard—saving you time, stress, and potentially costly repairs.
Before you hire, check qualifications, ask for references, and obtain detailed quotes to compare prices. This will give you peace of mind and help you achieve the best possible results for your home.
FAQs About Plasterers
What Are The Responsibilities Of A Plasterer?
Selection of plastering materials for various locations. Utilisation of suitable materials to protect non-plastering surfaces. A variety of plasters are used on walls both indoors and outdoors. Plastering fixes and touch-ups when needed.
Do Plasterers Clean Up?
Every time a plasterer finishes a job, they should wipe down the electrical outlets, baseboards, and other areas where plaster dust may have settled. Any remaining plaster dust must be cleaned before they can call it a day. If this is not done, homeowners can request a return visit to make repairs.
Why Do Plasterers Not Plaster To The Floor?
Straight plastering causes trouble due to a going-off problem. The floor causes the plaster to dry too quickly, leaving marks on the wall as you drag portions of harder plaster up the wall with your trowel.
Can I Plaster With No Experience?
It’s a skill, and mastery requires time, effort, attention to detail, and experience. However, that is not to say that DIY plastering is impossible. You can, of course, but remember that it will take some time to get used to the process and learn the ropes.
How Long Does A Plasterer Take?
The typical wall or ceiling will take three to four hours to complete. Don’t use power tools on fresh plaster; the dust they generate harms the material. Allow the finished plaster at least five days to cure before painting over it.
