How to Hire Guide: Plasterers

If you want your walls to look good, then you need to hire a good plasterer. Doing the plastering on your own can cost you a lot of time and money and you still won’t be able to it properly. A professional plasterer can help you build and improve your floors, ceilings and walls and create a space where you can enjoy. In addition the plastering technique can sometimes be used to decorate your home, so it is worth while exploring your options. Don’t forget that in order for all of this to work you will need to hire a professional plasterer that will be good at their job. Here are a few tips how to find the perfect person for that job.

How to find a good plasterer?

• Usually the best way to find good services is to talk to your friends, family, neighbors or colleagues. See if they have someone to recommend. If not, you can try searching the net. Look for companies that have good website with a lot of photos from previous projects and customers’ reviews. Check if they have done any similar work in the past and if they specialize in something particular. Don’t forget to ask if they have any qualifications such as NVQ or City & Guilds and how long they have been in the plastering business.
• Since the plastering is usually done in your home, be careful who you are going to invite in your house. The reviews can be crucial for you to learn which company has a friendly approach and would be welcome in your home. See if they are neat in their work as the plastering can get messy so make sure they plan to cover the flooring and furniture.

Getting quotes from your shortlisted plasterers

• Sometimes people decide to call the plastering company and ask for a quote simply because that is the easiest approach. They will describe the project, the work that needs to be done and the plastering company can offer an estimate. But for a quote things are a bit different. A good plasterer will ask to see the work before they give their quote. They can see the condition of the room where they need to do the plastering and then discuss the options with you. Based on your expectations and the scope of the work they will give their quote.
• For any job you do, it is a good idea to ask at least three different companies to provide quotes. This applies to any project regardless of its size. When you do ask for quotes from different companies make sure you provide the same information, as that will enable you to compare the quotes. Their quotes should cover the work they will do, whether they would remove the old plaster, clean up the waste or something similar. Make sure they include their guarantee or warranty and indicate what it covers and how long does it last. Pay attention to the insurance plan they have and always hire a plasterer that has insurance which will cover all costs in case something bad happens during the project.

Hiring the chosen plasterer

• Before your chosen plasterer starts work make sure you are clear about the work they need to do. Confirm the cost of each phase, the payment scheme and agree the end date of the project.
• Don’t be afraid to ask about their insurance documents before they start work. This is something that they must show you upon request. Ask them what their policy is in case you are not satisfied with the final result and what will happen if they are not able to finish the work on time. A good plasterer will have no issues in discussing every possible scenario and offer solution that will be suitable for all parties involved.

Time to pay the plasterer

Every project is different so there isn’t a fixed rule for the payment schedule. The size of the project and the type of work will determine if you need to give a deposit before the work starts. In case you need to pay something make sure the amount doesn’t exceed 25% of the total cost. Agree to make the final payment once the last phase is completed, assuming that the job was carried out as agreed. If you are not happy with the outcome you should have the right to withhold the final payment.