Plastering is a messy trade, there is no getting around that. I put dust sheets down and protect what I can, but a little preparation on your side before I arrive makes the day run more smoothly and keeps the rest of the house cleaner. Here is the checklist I give customers.
A few days before
Clear the room
Take out as much furniture as you can. Anything that cannot be moved, such as a large wardrobe or a sofa, can be pushed into the middle of the room and covered, but it needs to be well away from the walls being plastered. For a ceiling job, the room needs to be as empty as possible, as I need to move freely underneath.
Take things off the walls
Remove pictures, mirrors, shelves, curtain poles, blinds and TV brackets. Keep the screws and fixings in a labelled bag.
Strip old wallpaper
If there is wallpaper on the walls, ask whether you should strip it beforehand or whether it is included in the quote. Stripping it yourself can save time, but if the plaster underneath comes away in chunks while you are doing it, stop and let me know, as it may change what the wall needs.
Electrics and fittings
- Sockets and switches usually need their faceplates loosening or removing so the plaster can be finished neatly behind them. This should be done safely, by an electrician if you are not sure.
- If you are having new sockets, lights or cables put in, get that done before the plastering, not after. Cutting into fresh plaster means patching it again.
- Radiators on walls being plastered may need taking off by a plumber, or at least loosening so I can get behind them.
Floors and doorways
I sheet the floor, but if you have new carpet down it is worth adding your own extra protection or lifting it if it is being replaced anyway. A clear route from the door to the room helps too, as I will be carrying materials and water back and forth.
Water and access
Plastering needs clean water close by. Let me know which outside tap or sink I can use. If parking is tight on your street, tell me in advance so I can plan where to put the van.
Tell me about anything unusual
When I come to quote, mention anything you know about the room. A leak that has been fixed, damp patches that come and go, an old textured ceiling, or a wall that sounds hollow in places can all change what the job needs. It is far better to know about these before the day than to find them halfway through. If you are not sure, I will check when I look at the walls.
On the day
Expect some noise and dust, especially if old plaster is being hacked off for a back to brick job. Keep the door to the room closed where you can, and keep children and pets out of the work area. How long it takes depends on the size of the room and whether old plaster is coming off, and I will give you a timescale with the quote.
After the plaster goes on
- Keep the room gently warm and ventilated so the plaster dries evenly.
- Do not hang anything on the walls or put furniture back against them until they are dry.
- Wait for an even pale colour before painting, and start with a mist coat. I go through this in how long before you can paint new plaster.
- In the colder months, drying takes longer. See plastering in winter.
Planning a whole house
If you are having several rooms done, for a renovation or a full re-skim through the house, plan the order with me. Working room by room keeps the house liveable, and I can fit the order around your other trades.
Frequently asked questions
Do you clean up afterwards?
Yes. Dust sheets go down before I start and the site is cleared once I finish. Some fine dust can still travel, so a hoover round afterwards is normal.
Can I stay in the house while you work?
Yes. Most customers carry on as normal in the rest of the house.
Ready to book?
I work across Birstall, Leeds, Batley, Morley and the nearby towns. Ask for a free quote or call 07590 357963 and I will tell you exactly what to clear before I arrive.
