As a painting and decorating company, we come across a lot of different plasterers and get to see a lot of plasterers work. The question we often get asked is how to find a good plasterer? In this article we'll take a look at some of the key things to look out for, as well as some extra things to keep in mind before you agree to book someone for your next job.
Before we start it's important to point out there are a number of different types of plastering. Patching, over artex skimming or new boarding and skimming to name a few. All come with various levels of complexity. However, in this article we're looking at hiring the right people and things to look out for to ensure you take on a company with the care and expertise to give a result you and your decorator are happy with.
Experience
One thing that is a red flag immediately is that if the company you are talking to are not full time plasterers. If they're a "handyman" or a "builder" then walk away. The only people you want working on your home is a full time plasterer. Plastering is an extremely skilled job, which takes years of training. Someone who does it part time is not going to have the skills required to ensure you have a good finish.
If you watch a good plasterer, they will make the job look easy and create little mess. Yes you may pay a little more for this but, the job will be completed quicker and work to a higher standard.
Recommendations
If you're looking to have a room plastered along with the decorating afterwards, then talk to the decorators and see who they recommend. One thing is for sure. A decorator will never recommend a bad plasterer, as they will have to do extra work to put their work right. If you hear a plasterer say "oh well leave it to the decorator, they will sort it out", this is nonsense. A good plasterer will leave a finish which leaves little, to no extra work by the decorator.
Also ask friends and family for recommendations however, we would say to avoid Facebook recommendation on this occasion, as unfortunately, we see too many horror stories of bad experiences this way.
Expertise
If you have a problem with a wall which has suffered with damp, or maybe you've had a water leak which has damaged a ceiling. None of these will be new to someone with experience. Discuss the problem and let them discuss a solution with you. This is a great way of gauging their proficiency and also a good way for you to get to know the person's character.
Tidiness
There are two types of plasterers and they are not all tidy. Unfortunately it might be difficult to find this one out until you hire someone but, most plasterers nowadays know the value of leaving a room as clean and tidy as possible. Plastering is a dirty job and there will always be some mess, like on skirting boards or door frames, however this should be kept to a minimum. Usually a tidy plasterer is a good plasterer!
Reviews
Obviously reviews are one of the best ways to ensure good workmanship. It's also a great way to find an online presence about a company. Are there various websites with various reviews (like Google or Yell). The more information online gives you more confidence about the history of the person you will be dealing with and their credibility.
Conclusion
The most important thing is to do your research and get at least 3 quotes. NEVER go with the cheapest quote. Especially if it's drastically cheaper, as there is a reason it's so cheap. Remember, you get what you pay for!
Here at Pure Perfection Painters we know the importance of good plastering. Like we said before we have to pick up the pieces of a poor plastering job, so we always ensure this is done to the highest level. We work with local plasterers to offer either just plastering or, an all in one solution for plastering and decorating.
If you'd like a quote for plastering and you're in the Coventry and Leicestershire area CONTACT US and we'll be happy to provide a quotation.
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