paint removal / damp / skimming walls? - lots to do and advice needed please

theLearner_3

moob wrote:

Another wee tip - as you'll no doubt be doing a fair amount of scraping - get your hands on a good quality stripping knife - the cheap ones are a waste of time/skin/energy - trust me!

That goes for most tools you will need to buy - don't skimp on cheap tools, it's a false economy!

As a rule of thumb, most plasterers will charge around £14-16 per square meter - mention cash in hand if you can do it to keep the costs down - and drive a bargain.

Remember! You're the boss!


PS: Forgot to add, when you're stripping with the steamer, ensure that you score the paper quite hard (not too hard to go through to the plaster) as this will help get the steam penetration.

learnt the hard way. started off with a cheap scraper which was rubbish :mad: ended up getting a very good one from homebase which i keep sharp by gently rubbing it over fine wet'n'dry - the cheap one came in handy for removing the skirting and coving

will see what they say re discount for cash.

thanks for the tip on scoring the paper-backed paint - will try it out. the steam gun is from argos, works quite well

dan

theLearner_3

amazing how much quotes vary for plastering. have only had 2 so far

room measures 11.5ft X 7.5ft with 1 double and 2 single door ways, 1 window measuring 4ft x 3.5ft, been quoted £200 (not written) and £275 so far.

benood

Re your condensation - could it have been due to all the water you're pumping into the house using the wallpaper stripper? Just a thought.

theLearner_3

hi, we noticed the condensation occuring a few months before i started the stripping. after speaking to a few members on here, it sounds like it was the combination of a cold wall, surrounded by a warm'ish room, with little ventilation. thanks

theLearner

misgrace

Let us know what you decide to do, if you dont go with the plastering, and you are a bit confused with the instructions in my previous post, then let me know and I will guide you through.
BTW, £200, is a good price.:D

theLearner_3

misgrace wrote:

Let us know what you decide to do, if you dont go with the plastering, and you are a bit confused with the instructions in my previous post, then let me know and I will guide you through.
BTW, £200, is a good price.:D

thanks misgrace. i read your previous reply with great interest, and it really made me think about the best way (cost Vs time) forward.

if i go ahead with attempting to repair (fill, sand etc.) the walls, i can see it taking me another 3 - 4 days at least. i'm a slow but methodical worker and considering the other jobs that'll need doing, coving, skirting etc. if i'm not careful i'll still be at it next Xmas!

the 4 plasterers i've had round so far have all said they'd apply a coat of PVA onto the walls first before applying the plaster; quite amazed at the difference in quotes i'm getting though. Really liked one chap, but hes quoted £340 :eek and hes only been doing it for 3years!

why don't people do written quotes anymore? 3 of the 4 plasterers looked at the room, and then quoted their price. The expensive (£340) chap at least went away to work out his costings but only jotted them down on a piece of paper. Am i expecting too much?

thanks for your help misgrace;)

ormus

jobbing builders and tradesmen are not known for their literacy skills!
but they are great at counting money, plus thinking of a figure!

shopaholicsan

Hi,
May I ask how you are managing to get Plasterers to come out and quote? I have constant problems with Plasterers and other tradesmen not turning up to do the quote and/or the work. I waste so much time waiting in, it's so frustrating. Where is the best place to find good plasterers - I've asked around but no-one I know has used any recently in my area - Manchester
Sorry I can't help with your initial post, just thought I'd ask while you were on the subject!

ormus

youve not asked me yet!
i know one in the eccles area. not the cheapest but does a good job.
pm me if required

theLearner_3

ormus wrote:

jobbing builders and tradesmen are not known for their literacy skills!
but they are great at counting money, plus thinking of a figure!

i understand what you're saying it doesn't inspire confidence though - a bit of professionalism goes a long way IMO

interesting though that the only quote i've had in writting is by far the most expensive at the moment. 2 more quotes coming tomorrow

:rotfl: yesterday phoned up a chap who'd advertised in the local paper as offering 'professional plasterering services' only to be told he was now a postman!