How level should a ceiling be?

peedorf

I'm looking at the ceiling our builders have done, and i can see it's not level - from one end to the other it drops by 2cm (over 3m run) but in the middle it wibbles - i.e. the top line of cupboards is level according to the spirit level, and you can see the ceiling wibble up and down. Because of the layout of the room, you can see one edge of the ceiling, this also bows out when it's meant to be straight. Is this normal?

Also, for any people knowledgable in plastering - how many coats should a ceiling have - its about 3m x 3m, was boarded with plasterboard, and they were here about 4 hours for job done, that was considered in it's finished form - is that right? The builder guy said any imperfections would be filled and sanded - is that the way it works? Not sure how they'll sand the ridges out where you can see the timber runs?

Thanks!

Plasterer

peedorf wrote: »

I'm looking at the ceiling our builders have done, and i can see it's not level - from one end to the other it drops by 2cm (over 3m run) but in the middle it wibbles - i.e. the top line of cupboards is level according to the spirit level, and you can see the ceiling wibble up and down. Because of the layout of the room, you can see one edge of the ceiling, this also bows out when it's meant to be straight. Is this normal?

Also, for any people knowledgable in plastering - how many coats should a ceiling have - its about 3m x 3m, was boarded with plasterboard, and they were here about 4 hours for job done, that was considered in it's finished form - is that right? The builder guy said any imperfections would be filled and sanded - is that the way it works? Not sure how they'll sand the ridges out where you can see the timber runs?

Thanks!

Oh dear, was the original ceiling overboarded? Was it all over the place anyway? Anyway does'nt matter - These probs should have been overcome.
Your builders taking you for a mug mate, imperfections filled and sanded???
Sounds like he's a general builder thats done a bit of plastering, If a time served plasterer would have done it, it would be level, and no filling,sanding required - just paint it. (At worst, a plasterer might leave the odd small trowel mark or very small miss, however a ceiling that small should be A1 with no misses/marks etc). Get him told your not happy, also if ever you just need plasetering done do not call a general builder - call a plasterer, I mean I can lay bricks but not as good as a brick layer as its what they do day in day out.
Hope this helps
regards
P

peedorf

thanks P - the chap that did the plastering is meant to be a plasterer, the people that laid the board, however, are general builder types. it's hung off a concrete ceiling - the previous ceiling was level, they ripped it down because we were taking a wall out and so it needed to run at the same level across both parts. however, they've managed to make the old bit unlevel, not just the join.

is there a way to level a ceiling without having to rip it off (again?)?

we've said we're not happy, he took his toys yesterday so now we've just got to argue about how much he thinks he's owed

Plasterer

peedorf wrote: »

thanks P - the chap that did the plastering is meant to be a plasterer, the people that laid the board, however, are general builder types. it's hung off a concrete ceiling - the previous ceiling was level, they ripped it down because we were taking a wall out and so it needed to run at the same level across both parts. however, they've managed to make the old bit unlevel, not just the join.

is there a way to level a ceiling without having to rip it off (again?)?

we've said we're not happy, he took his toys yesterday so now we've just got to argue about how much he thinks he's owed

Ahhhh, Metal frame ceiling (MF), If this is the case, then he's definately screwed it up. NO EXCUSE FOR THIS, did it go up on a friday afternoon by any chance? :rotfl: I think whats likely happened is hes not used a lazer and messed up the level somewhere along the line!!!!! I always use a lazer level for this type of work, however mine cost just shy of £3K which is why some "ahem builders" don't have them (I can warrant spending this much on my toy as I do a lot of suspended ceiling hanging)

As for straightening it you could have the follwing done - Where you look at the ceiling joining the wall, you say it wibbles? bit like a wave? if so, these hollows can be bonded out and feathered in away from the wall - no point trying to bond all over the ceining as you will never see any "wibbles" in the centre part of the ceiling UNLESS THEY HAVE REALLY MESSED IT UP, then skim over the whole ceiling again.

If I were you, I would call a PLASTERER for a quote to "square" it up, then go back to the builder and give him a chance to rectify the problem - if he dosn't, simply knock this amount of his bill and get the Plasterer to do it - then your not out of pocket.
Last thing - get references from your plasterer too - as youv'e already experienced some muppets out there :beer:

peedorf

yep, it was metal frame, though they then put wood on the metal as the metal was not quite low enough. i thought i was right - i.e. that they've done a crap job - but just wanted to hear it from someone who knows as then i can speak with more conviction - thanks for the advice! you're not local are you :O)

final question - how long *should* it take to plaster that area? i.e. so when i get a quote of a plasterer then i know he's not going to try taking me for a ride (i seem to have a knack for finding them)

thanks again

Plasterer

peedorf wrote: »

yep, it was metal frame, though they then put wood on the metal as the metal was not quite low enough. i thought i was right - i.e. that they've done a crap job - but just wanted to hear it from someone who knows as then i can speak with more conviction - thanks for the advice! you're not local are you :O)

final question - how long *should* it take to plaster that area? i.e. so when i get a quote of a plasterer then i know he's not going to try taking me for a ride (i seem to have a knack for finding them)

thanks again

I'm local to me:rotfl: worcesterhire mate.
They shouldn't have needed to put timbers onto it!?! they should have "dropped" it to the desired height to start with and screwed the board to the "tophat" like this

As for time to correct - Half day max - however, be prepared to pay for a full day as he/she might not be able to get to another job that day (loading/unloading kit etc) If you have say another 1 or 2 walls that need skimming up, try and get them done at the same time - after all you are paying them for a full day. Prices vary all over the country for plasteres, however in worcestershire expect to pay £150 - £200 a day for a time served plasterer
Hope this helps
P

peedorf

That's great, thanks for all your help!

Plasterer

Let us know how you get on :beer: