Summary
Plastering costs depend mainly on the condition of the existing surfaces, the area, whether walls need skimming or full re-plastering, ceiling work, access, and how much protection and waste removal is needed. Central London projects also carry parking, access and working-hours costs. The most accurate way to get a price is a survey or detailed photos and measurements.
The main cost factors
- Condition of the walls: a skim over sound plaster costs far less than hacking off and re-plastering.
- Area and room count: larger continuous areas are more efficient than many small rooms.
- Ceilings: ceiling work is slower than walls and may involve over-boarding or removal.
- Access: stairwells and double-height spaces need towers or scaffold.
- Materials: lime, polished plaster and specialist boards cost more than standard gypsum.
- Protection and waste: occupied homes need more protection; strip-outs generate more waste.
London-specific costs
In central and inner London, parking, congestion and ULEZ charges, loading restrictions, and building management rules on working hours can all affect the price. Good quotations list these rather than hiding them in the rate.
How quotes are usually structured
Small jobs are often priced per room or as a day rate. Larger residential jobs and commercial packages are usually priced per square metre with items for beads, making good and preliminaries. Commercial tenders should state inclusions, exclusions and assumptions clearly.
Getting an accurate price
Send photos of each wall and ceiling, rough room sizes, the age of the property and your timescale. For larger jobs we will visit to survey. We provide free written quotations with the scope itemised so you can compare like for like.
