Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect ceiling and identify areas for full board replacement, local patching or skim coat

• remove loose plaster and take down damaged plasterboard sections where required

• fix new plasterboard or apply skim coat, tape and sand joints to produce a smooth finish

• prime and apply two coats of ceiling emulsion, cutting in around lights and vents

• protect floors, furniture and fixtures with dust sheets and use dust-control while sanding

• remove and dispose of building waste and leave area ready for redecoration

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small patch and paint: 4–8 hours. Full ceiling board replacement, skim and two-coat decoration: 1–3 days, allowing for jointing and drying time. factors that extend duration include scaffold hire, extensive water or structural repairs, slow drying in cold conditions and discovery of mould or suspect asbestos requiring specialist removal

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• are you a plasterer and decorator or do you subcontract either trade

• will you replace boards or patch and skim and why do you recommend that option

• how do you control dust and will you use PPE and dust extraction when sanding

• what exactly is included in the written quote — labour, materials, disposal and any scaffold hire

• how long between skim and painting and do you allow drying time within the price

• do you have public liability insurance and can you show recent references for similar jobs

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear the room of furniture or confirm protection will be provided

• give accurate access and parking details so vans and scaffold can be arranged

• tell the tradie about any water damage, mould or suspect asbestos before work starts

• agree who organises scaffolding or tower hire and confirm that cost in writing

• arrange to isolate electrics for lighting work and book an electrician if needed

• confirm waste removal method and any access restrictions from management or neighbours