How Much Do Plaster Repairs Cost?

How Much Do Plaster Repairs Cost?

Is your plaster in need of some TLC?
Maybe the kids have put a hole in your drywall, or maybe your cornice or ornamental plaster is showing its age. And while you may be tempted to DIY, it is actually harder to repair plaster than you think. Getting a smooth finish on a hole in drywall or plasterboard requires skill, experience and the right tools. Unless you are very handy it is likely a professional plasterer is the right person for the job. You are also going to want to know how your plaster repairs are going to cost?

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know, and give you a ballpark idea of costs for this type of job.

Which type of plaster for my job?

Not sure what type of plaster you have in your home?
There are a few different types of plaster out here, including drywall, otherwise known as Plasterboard or Gyprock®. This comes in sheet form and is used to line and create walls and partitions, when more space or rooms are required in a home. Then there is wet plaster, which is mixed and applied to brick or cement walls. Finally you may also have ornamental or decorative plaster in your home, such as a ceiling rose, cornice or frieze - typically in older, period homes.

What do I need to take into account?

So how much will your plastering job cost? Your plasterer will base their quote on a range of factors, specifically:

• The area or size of the job measured in square metres
• Whether old plaster needs to be removed
• Access to your job, ceilings cost more because they are more awkward to work on
• If it is an intricate ornamental job

How much do plaster repairs cost?

Plastering services start at around $35 per hour, but because plasterers have to include travel, set-up, clean-up and other factors into their quotes, their hourly rate is not a good indicator of the actual cost of repairs.

As a rule, plasterers will quote on a square metre basis. Their rates for large jobs might vary between $20 and $50 per square metre, but could be higher for smaller repair jobs. By some estimates, drywall or hard plastering rates for smaller jobs can be anywhere between $20 and $70 per square metre, with plastering being at the high end of the scale, since it is more labour intensive. The cost of an ornamental plastering project depends on its size and complexity, expect to pay:

• $4 to $16 per linear metre for cornice installation (mid-range)
• $5 to $10 per linear metre for supply and installation of cornices (mid-range)
• $7.50 per linear metre for a simple colonial cove cornice with top and bottom steps
• $15 per linear metre for a larger, more ornate Victorian cornice

With such variations in prices, it's always a good idea to get several quotes for plaster repairs. Some plasterers like to do small jobs and will offer more reasonable quotes than others, who specialise in new home or commercial plastering. Whomever you choose, you want to be sure they will do a professional job. The best way to ensure this is to check their track record. If they have a history of good service behind them, you can be confident they will do a good job for you.

Hiring a plasterer
When it comes time to hiring a plasterer for your repair job, take time to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask include:

• Are you licensed or qualified?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?
• Can I see examples of your work?

Depending on where you live, your plasterer may need to be licensed. In NSW for example, there are separate licenses for dry and wet plastering, while in other states this type of work may need to be covered by a builders licence.

Getting quotes for plaster repairs
The best way of finding out the cost of your painting job is to get quotes from local plasterers. This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.

When comparing quotes from plasterers, check that materials are included. Often the plasterer will provide the plaster and tools, outlining these costs in the quote. Remember that the cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best. It’s the plasterers skills you’ll want to consider, as the finish is everything. So ask for samples of their work or recommendations from friends and family.

Source:https://www.homeimprovementpages.com