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What Is the Cost of Redoing Plaster Walls After Electrical Work?

After electrical work, particularly rewiring, it's often necessary to redo plaster walls where channels have been cut or damage has occurred during the installation. The cost of redoing plaster walls can vary based on several factors including the extent of the damage, the quality of the materials used, and labor rates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs and considerations involved:

Factors Influencing the Cost

1. Extent of Damage
• Minor Repairs: Small areas where channels were cut for cables.
• Major Repairs: Large areas or entire walls that need resurfacing due to widespread damage.
2. Size of the Area
• Per Square Meter Cost: Plastering costs can be estimated on a per-square-meter basis, which will vary depending on the amount of wall area that needs to be redone.
3. Quality of Materials
• Standard Plaster: Regular gypsum plaster, commonly used for most walls.
• Specialized Plaster: Higher-cost options, such as lime plaster or specialized finish plasters for particular aesthetic or functional requirements.
4. Labor Rates
• Geographical Variations: Labor rates can differ significantly based on the region. Urban areas generally have higher labor costs compared to rural areas.
5. Additional Preparation
• Surface Preparation: Costs can increase if the walls need significant preparation work, such as removing old plaster or ensuring the surface is ready for re-plastering.

Typical Costs

1. Minor Repairs and Patching
• Cost Range: £10 - £20 per square meter.
• Example: Patching small areas where channels were cut for electrical wiring.
2. Full Wall Re-Plastering
• Cost Range: £20 - £40 per square meter.
• Example: Re-plastering entire walls or rooms that have been significantly damaged during electrical work.
3. Skimming Over Existing Plaster
• Cost Range: £15 - £25 per square meter.
• Example: Applying a thin layer of plaster over existing surfaces to create a smooth finish.

Additional Costs and Considerations

1. Initial Inspection
• Cost: Some plasterers may charge a fee for an initial inspection and quote, typically £50 - £100, which might be deducted from the final cost if you hire them.
2. Material Costs
• Standard Plaster Bag: £5 - £10 per 25kg bag. The number of bags needed will depend on the size of the area being plastered.
• Finishing Materials: Costs for finishing materials like corner beads or plaster mesh may add £20 - £50 to the total cost.
3. Ceiling Plastering
• Higher Rates: Plastering ceilings usually costs more due to the increased difficulty and labor required. Costs can range from £25 - £50 per square meter.
4. Disposal of Old Material
• Waste Removal: If old plaster and debris need to be removed, there may be additional costs for disposal, typically £50 - £150 depending on the volume.

Steps to Get an Accurate Estimate

1. Obtain Multiple Quotes
• Comparison Shopping: Get quotes from several plasterers or plastering companies to compare prices and services offered.
• Detailed Quotes: Ensure that the quotes are detailed, including all potential costs such as labor, materials, preparation, and waste removal.
2. Check References and Reviews
• Past Work: Ask for references or check online reviews to gauge the quality of the plasterer’s previous work.
• Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had similar work done.
3. Plan and Budget
• Assess and Plan: Assess the extent of the plastering work needed and plan your budget accordingly. Consider any additional costs for high-quality materials or specialized finishes.
• Prepare the Area: Clear the work area of any obstacles or furniture to facilitate the plastering process and potentially reduce labor time.

Conclusion

The cost of redoing plaster walls after electrical work in the UK can vary based on the extent of damage, size of the area, quality of materials, and labor rates. Typical costs range from £10 - £20 per square meter for minor repairs to £20 - £40 per square meter for full wall re-plastering. Additional costs may include initial inspections, material costs, ceiling plastering, and waste removal. To get an accurate estimate, obtain multiple quotes, check references, and plan your budget carefully. Proper preparation and choosing a qualified plasterer will ensure a smooth and cost-effective repair process.