Back to brick plastering

sarahrcj

We have been quoted for plasterering our 5x4m living room, taking it back to brick and plastering walls and ceiling - just under 3k in the North West - no decorating. Does that sound right? Thanks 😊 

Anthony147

It’s on the high side but in current market not outrageous IF they are offering a full service and not simply doing a wet set.

Examples of what they may / may not not be including that would make it overpriced:
Ceiling - Boarding only and single skim
Ceiling (not included) - We don’t do holes for lights - That’s an electrician jobs
Walls - hardwall and two coats or boarding for ease
Walls (not included) - We don’t do radiators drain down, cap and refit - That’s a plumber / engineer job
Both (not included) - Pre finished only and needs a day or two of prep from decorators

So short answer is check what they are actually doing for the 3k and that it includes a decorating ready finish, waste removal and full clean up. 

Plasterers often talk a good game to get the job and raise things when they are setting up to work, unfortunately the quality of the job is hard to determine until it’s dried and they’ve been paid and gone.

FreeBear

Anthony147 said: So short answer is check what they are actually doing for the 3k and that it includes a decorating ready finish, waste removal and full clean up.

You should consider upgrading the thermal performance of the exterior walls (fancy way of saying "insulate"). According to Building Regulations, if you remove more than 50% of the plaster from exterior walls & ceilings in each room(or 25% of the building total), extra insulation should be added to meet (or exceed) current guidance - There is a cop out where by if the cost of upgrading the insulation will not achieve a 15 year payback, then do the best you can. https://www.labc.co.uk/news/when-do-i-need-building-regulations-approval-renovating-thermal-element

As the work is subject to Building Regulations, then your local Building Control should be notified - It adds extra expense and paperwork, so your call... Most people don't bother unless they are doing a substantial amount of work to a property.