Things to Keep in Mind before Hiring Plastering Companies

The time has come to invest money into one's home. Perhaps in the form of renovations. What usually comes to mind are services like construction, interior design and painting. However, the most important service necessary for making essential repairs and structural changes is plastering services.

To do exactly that, one must hire reliable plastering companies in Warragul. The question is how to find plastering companies who can be trusted with such an important task. Truth is that there are multiple aspects to consider. Having a clear idea of all these aspects will help make the challenge of hiring the ideal plastering company should become much easier.

Keep reading to find out more!

What is the Function of a Plastering Company?

A plastering company deals in all types of plastering services which include applying plaster to walls and giving an interior space a finished look. They may also provide professionals to manage plastering construction and repairs on large buildings and commercial complexes. Furthermore, not only do plastering companies execute basic construction and repair but can also work on derailing fresh architectural designs which can change the overall look of a space.

How does Plastering take place?

Most standard plastering jobs involve applying plaster over either a solid surface or a wire lathing that is attached to the surface. In many cases, gypsum is applied to help prepare the surface for plaster adhesion. This is specifically useful when applying plaster to a concrete wall.

After applying the gypsum, the plasterer will typically apply something called the 'finish coat' which is plaster formulated with a lime base. If the plaster is working with a surface with lathing over it, he will employ an additional tool known as the hawk used to hold the plaster while being applied.

The basic method of applying plaster can be executed in several variations. It is effective in plastering both ceilings and walls. The precise ingredients or composition of the plaster depends on whether the plaster is being applied to the exterior or interior of the premises. In the case of exterior plasters, the plasterer may add pigment to the mix or apply an additional coat of gypsum to the wall, especially over those surfaces which are particularly rough.

Besides covering standard flat surfaces, plastering can also be used to create several aesthetic design elements in the house or for restoring ones that have withered with time. In this case, the plasterer will need to employ certain sculpting tools.

Different Types of Plastering Services

Types of Plasters

• Lime Plaster: A shrinkable material comprised of sand and lime, which is mostly used for restoring old structures.

• Cement Plaster: It is created by mixing grey cement and water. Only skilled labourers can be employed to apply this type of plaster. Can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces of buildings.

• Gypsum Plaster: Known as the most durable and hence the most popular type of plaster. This can be applied as both a finishing or an undercoat.

Types of Finishes

• Smooth Finish: Gives a sand-faced or finely-grained finish to the surface and is applied typically over internal walls.

• Rough Finish: Also known as the Splatter dash finish, it offers a rather durable and decorative appeal to the surface.

• Sand Finish: Offers fantastic thermal insulation and is applied in two coats. It is comprised of sand and cement which functions as a sustainable base.

• Pebble Finish: this mixture is formulated by mixing lime, sand and solid pebbles which are pressed down. This gives the walls an aesthetic finish that looks smooth on the surface.

• Scrapped Finish: Typically applied as a final coat. Given its thickness, it takes several hours to dry which provides ample time to use a saw blade to scrape the surface and give it a stylized finish.

Questions to ask a Plastering Company before Hiring

When finalizing a plastering company, one should clear all doubts before work is initiated. The following questions should give an idea of what to look for in a truly professional plastering company;

Is their Business Licensed and Insured?

This should always be the first enquiry put in front of a business up for hire. Many individuals who have hired unlicensed teams in the past, may it be for plastering or anything else in the hope of scraping a few bucks off the top regretted it. In some cases, it is pretty much deemed illegal to work with an unlicensed or uninsured company when it comes to projects related to renovations, construction and repair. Insurance is necessary for ensuring that the homeowner is not held liable for bearing the expense of any damages that might take place while plastering.

Have they worked on projects similar to their current ones?

The primary reason for hiring a third party to take care of any changes on one's property is to relieve the property owner of any stress related to the job. Therefore, it is always wise to hire a professional who is experienced in that specific category of work, which in this case is plastering. If the plastering company or contractor for hire has worked on a similar project before, it would put the property owner at great ease.

How long have they been in business?

Asking this question will enable the individual to understand the plasterer's level of experience. Doing so will help the owner rely on the service provider with ease. It will give them a huge confidence boost concerning their choice of hiring.

How long will it take to complete the plastering work?

Keep in mind that the property owner will need to adjust their schedule following the plastering company's duration of work. Asking this question will enable the owner to gain clarity over when the plastering contractor will begin their work and by when can they be expected to finish it.

What precautions will they take to protect the property?

There is truly a lot of mess involved in plastering work. However, it is the responsibility of the plasterer to ensure that their activities do not affect any other item or the surrounding of the property owner. Therefore it is imperative to find out what precautions might the plasterer take to protect the property.

Will there be any extra charges?

In many instances, it has so happened that the final bill does not match the amount initially quoted by the plasterer. It is best to keep no surprises pending for the final moment. The owner can either ask for a one-price-cover-all figure. Also read all the clauses of the contract so the contractor can be held accountable for any unsolicited changes.

Last but not the least, consider the type of plastering materials to be used by the plasterer. Usually, the company provides their materials for the job but if the owner decides to save a few bucks on materials, they buy them at a plastering company's Sale for a much more affordable price.