Choosing a Plasterer

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Choosing a plastering contractor

 

 

Recommendation

 

It’s great to hear from a neighbour, friend or relative that they know a really good plasterer.   If that’s not possible, ask an plastering contractor for references and if possible take a look at the contractor’s work.   You should remember that just one satisfactory job completed doesn’t mean that all work will be the same standard and several previous plastering jobs should be considered.   To be on the safe side you could Google the contractor’s name to see if any adverse comments appear.   Draw up a list of contractors that you need a quote from and call three or four of them to arrange a visit.   You may wish to have a friend or relative at home when the contractor calls.

 

References

  

Once you have chosen your plasterer, you can ask for references from previous customers.    Make sure the plasterer has insurance to cover damage and injury.   Don’t let the contractor use your tools or ladders as in extreme cases where injury has occurred while borrowing a ladder, the homeowner has been sued for allowing unsafe equipment to be used.    

 

Specifications

 

For the quotation, be very specific about the actual work to be performed.   If you want the contractor to make good any woodwork or brickwork, make sure they are aware of this beforehand.   Take at look at any possible issues and make a list of them.   Ensure that all of these points are detailed in the quotation, which should be written on headed notepaper, and should ideally have a landline as opposed to a mobile number.   You can also specify the date by which the contract has to be completed.   For larger contracts, a penalty clause can be inserted in case the work isn’t completed on time.   Legal advice should be sought for written contracts including such clauses.

 

Quotation or estimate

 

A quotation is a specific amount that the contractor will charge whereas an estimate is an approximation of the figure that you will expect to pay.   A quotation would be applicable for simple work where all aspects of the job can be seen.   An estimate is more usual where unexpected problems may appear when major works are considered such as removing an old kitchen.   The contractor wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see under or behind cabinets and will not know whether additional plastering or other work is necessary.

 

Payments

 

A quotation should specify whether materials are included or not and if not then a separate quotation should be made for this.   Reputable contractors won’t ask for payment up front although a reasonable deposit may be requested such as 10-15%.   Certainly never expect to pay the whole amount up front.   The plasterer will expect you to pay promptly on completion.

 

Waste

 

Specify that the contract includes the removal of all waste and any cleaning up necessary.  The contractor won’t expect to have to move furniture and all items in the way should be piled in to the middle of the room and covered with protective sheets.   If you can’t manage this, explain this to the plasterer at the quotation stage.

 

Changes

 

When you have finally chosen your plastering contractor and the work commences, take a few pictures at the end of the days work.   If you change your mind about something after the work starts, the plasterer can make an additional charge for this as it wasn’t detailed in the contract.

 

Unsatisfactory work

 

You can fire the plasterer if he or she isn’t doing the work as specified or whose attendance or work is of a poor standard.   Give them an opportunity to correct the error.  If the work isn’t to a reasonable standard then you can ask your contractor to finish and pay him a reasonable amount for the work performed so far.

 

Refreshments

 

If the work is progressing satisfactorily, keep your plasterer happy with cups of tea and biscuits at regular intervals.   It’s not uncommon for builders and tradesmen to nip off for a fry-up mid morning but this can take over an hour depending on how far they have to travel to a café or ‘caff.’   You could keep them on site by supplying a bacon, sausage or egg (or any combination of the three) sandwich every day. Don’t announce that you will be bringing tea and biscuits or a breakfast bap in advance of the event as the contractor may slow down in expectation. Simply turn up with the food when it’s ready.