Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• inspect and measure the area and prepare a work plan

• supply, cut and fix plasterboard to walls or ceilings to stud or substrate

• tape, joint and apply base coats to joints and screw heads

• apply one or two skim coats to achieve the specified finish

• sand, spot‑repair and prepare surfaces ready for decorating

• protect nearby surfaces, manage dust with sheeting and extraction and remove waste

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small jobs such as boarding and a single skim on one room typically take 1–3 days including preparation and sanding; drying between skim coats can add 24–48 hours per coat and larger rooms or high ceilings can extend this to 3–7 days

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• do you have experience skimming plasterboard to the finish I want and can you show examples?

• how many skim coats will you apply and what drying time should I allow between coats?

• will you remove existing plasterboard or plaster and is that included in the quote?

• are you insured and can you provide a written quote with start and completion dates?

• who is responsible for priming/painting after skimming and for rectifying any defects?

How to Avoid Surprises

• clear furniture and cover floors to speed up setup

• arrange parking or let the tradie know if access is restricted

• point out hidden services (electrics, plumbing) and note any damp or mould issues beforehand

• confirm who supplies materials and whether removal of old plasterboard is included

• check for permits or building management rules for scaffold or noisy work in flats

• keep pets away from the work area and expect some dust despite protection measures