Plastering is the work that "dresses" your house. No matter how much money you spend on expensive paints or perfect lighting, if the wall underneath is crooked or full of "bellies", the final result will look cheap.
Choosing the right crew (the plasterers) is the most critical decision of the renovation. Unfortunately, most owners choose with the sole criterion being the lowest price per square meter, often ending up paying double in patches and lawyers. Let's see how you can properly evaluate professionals and how you can compare their quotes like an experienced engineer.
The golden rule of construction is one: No serious quote is given over the phone. If you call a contractor, tell them "I have 200 square meters" and they give you a final price straight away, cross them off your list.
A proper professional will demand to see the space up close to check:
When the contractor comes to your space, do not just let them measure and leave. Ask them the following questions to test their professionalism:
If you agree that they will also provide the materials, ask them to tell you the brands and types. Will they use ready-mixed industrial render with CE marking, or will they bring loose sand with the truck? Will they use stainless steel corner beads or cheap galvanized ones that will rust in the first rain?
This is a trick question. If they answer "mesh is not needed, my mix is strong", reject them. They must tell you that they place mesh at the concrete-brick joints, over the electrical chases and diagonally ("swallows") at the windows.
As we saw in a previous article, hidden costs are huge. Ask for the final price to be "turn-key".
Clarify from the start whether the square meters of the windows will be deducted from the final bill or if they "close" to cover the turns on the reveals.
When can they start and how many days will they need? In case the agreement is "on day rate", a slow craftsman will cost you much more than a more expensive, but fast one.
Never compare only the final number at the bottom of the page. To compare "apples with apples", quotes must be written and analytical. See an example:
| What the "Vague" Quote Says (Danger) | What the Professional Quote MUST Say |
|---|---|
| Plastering house internally and externally. | Application of traditional 3-coat render (dash, body, marble) on walls 250m². |
| Our materials. | Included ready-mixed renders (Brand/Type CE), quartz primer for columns and stainless corner beads. |
| Price: 12€/m² | Price 14€/m². The price includes scaffolding rental (1 month), 2 debris skips and floor protection with corrugated cardboard. |
The vague quote looks cheaper (12€/m²), but in the end the contractor will ask you for extra money for the scaffolding, the skips and the primer, skyrocketing the real cost to over 16€/m².
The Private Agreement is Essential: Your greatest security is paper. Demand the signing of a simple private agreement that will state the final price, the materials, the measuring method and the delay penalty clause (what happens if they do not deliver on time). A proper professional has no problem signing.
It is logical for the contractor to ask for a deposit (e.g. 20-30%) to order the materials and "book" the date. But if they ask you for 60% or 70% upfront, there is a serious risk that they will take the money and never appear. Payments should be made in installments, depending on the progress of the project.
If the craftsman comes into the house and starts swearing at the bricklayers, electricians or engineers, saying that everyone made a mistake except themselves, beware. Usually, they are looking for excuses in advance for their own future bad workmanship ("the wall didn't come out straight because the brick was crooked").
If they hesitate to give you photos of their previous work or to refer you to an old client for recommendations, they probably don't have a good track record. A proud craftsman always wants to show off their work!
Return to category.
Go to categoryReturn to the central guide.
Go to guide
