Guide to Hiring a Plasterer

Planning on building an outside wall? Need a ceiling resurfaced? It could be time to call a plasterer!

What is a plasterer?

Plasterers install plasterboard and in some cases specialise in solid wall plastering itself. Plasterers install plasterboard in the building process of new homes and buildings. Also, plasterers can help restore floors, ceilings and walls. With modern waterproof plasterboards plasterers can also help with creating outside walls and feature walls in the garden.

What does a plasterer do?

There are two types of plastering work: standard plasterboard (gyprock) plastering and solid wall plastering.

Standard plasterboard (gyprock) plastering is the most standard, where plasterers hang sheets of plasterboard around the home. Some of the most common applications of plasterboard plastering is:

• Hanging gyprock plasterboard on walls and ceilings in a new home.
• Installing plasterboard as part of a renovation (i.e. bathroom renovation, kitchen renovation, home exetension, etc).
• Repairs and maintenance to existing plasterboard walls.

The installation (or hanging) of gyprock plasterboard is a specialised skill and is not as easy as it looks. Skilled plasterers are able to:

• Accurately measure a room and calculate the amount of plasterboard required.
• Prepare the room for the hanging of the plasterboard.
• Have all of the tools and equipment required to hang the plasterboard, including lifting devices for lifting plasterboard to the ceiling.
• Cut the plasterboard to the correct size and dimensions.
• Correct fixing of plasterboard sheet with adhesive, nails and screws.
• Finishing of plasterboard joints once the sheet has been fixed.

Solid Wall Plastering is a specialisation that applies to antique style plaster that was used before the introduction of plasterboard. In Australia many Victorian and Edwardian era homes have solid wall plaster. Solid wall plaster often also includes ornamental plaster such as plaster ceiling roses, and plaster cornices. It can be very difficult to find a solid wall plasterer as it is a trade that has been handed down from master to apprentice over the years, and with the advent of plasterboard many modern plasterers have moved away from solid wall plastering.

What to consider before hiring a plasterer

Timing: This is an essential part of hiring a plasterer. In a new construction or a renovation you need to ensure that all of the other relevant trades have completed their work before the plasterer begins. This includes the builder/carpenter in the construction of the walls, and the electricians and plumbers in the installation of all in-wall features such as wiring and water pipes.

Specifications: Having accurate measurements and specifications of your plastering needs with help you find the right plasterer at the right price. Plasterers normally charge by the square metre so understanding how many square metres of wall you need to cover is key. Remember that a room is actually a multi-dimentional cube so wheras a 4m x 3m room only needs 12 square metres of carpet, if it has a 2m ceiling it will actually require 40 square metres of plasterboard.

Additional features of each room that add complexity are also important in the specification process. Take into account the dimensions of the room, including the number of walls and the location and size of each door and window. Allowances that you have made for heating and air-conditioning, cupboards and storage areas, etc. Plus additional features that you may desire such as soundproofing and waterproofing.

How to find a plasterer

Finding a plasterer is easy with Service Central. Simply list a job request with Service Central for a plasterer and Service Central will find a local plaster that is ready and willing to complete your plastering job. For larger plastering projects you can ask for 3 quotes from plasterers.

What to ask a plasterer

• How long have you been plastering?
• How long have you been using your current plaster product suppliers? If they have changed recently is this because they didn't pay their bills?
• Does the quoted price include materials, labour and all other costs?
• How long will it take to complete this job?
• Are you fully ensured to cover any damage that might occur?

Choosing the right plasterer

If you have provided clear specifications to each plasterer then you should receive plastering quotes that are comparable like for like. This will help you determine the price comparison between the plasterers, however price is only one factor. You should also take into consideration quality factors such as whether they are part of any trade associations or with Service Central where you can view online feedback that they have received from their previous customers. You may also wish to ask for photos of their previous work as well as ask for testimonials.

Once you have taken into account both price and quality you are ready to choose the right plasterer for you.