Lime plasterers near Newbury, Berks

[ajbaker]

Hi all.

I am trying to obtain quotes for the lime plastering of two ceilings and four walls in a living room. I live near Newbury in Berkshire or Basingstoke in Hants, but would be happy to accept quotes from anyone willing to do the work! The work is an insurance claim after a water leak.

So far I have rung around 50 plasterers. Many either did not do lime, or 'did' lime but did not fill me with confidence. Of the 4 or 5 that did come to quote, I have had a response from 2!

Does anyone have any recommendations or is willing to quote for this work?

If so please email me at ajbaker@mac.com and I will reply or call you as requested.

Quotes required:
1. Lime wash 4m square ceiling
2. Lime plaster 22m sqaure walls
3. Lime plaster 9m sqaure walls
4. Lathe and plaster 11m square ceiling and lime wash

I would be grateful if anyone quoting would treat these as independent jobs. The reason is 1 must be done, 2 and 3 are mutually exclusive (if one done, the other not necessary, depends how generous the insurance company is) and 4 is a different job entirely but in the same house.

If you need any further information please do either reply or drop me an email.

THanks in advance.

Andrew

 

[Ian Bond]

This is not really an answer, but I can well imagine the difficulty you are having finding someone to do the work. Been there, done that with everything else on my house.

So in the end I've taught myself to do various things, including plastering. It frees your from the problem of trying to find a willing and capable tradesman, is cheaper and you can do things at your own pace, making small repairs or doing more substantial work.

The trouble is, even if you do get someone to do the work, can you be sure they will do it properly and not try and rush it along? We had a post recently concerning lime plaster that was crumbly and soft after many months - mine sets firmly enough in a matter of days.

I wonder what the position would be if you wanted to DIY the plaster - would the insurers agree, and would they just pay out for your materials, or could you add in a reasonable amount for your labour? I'd probably take at least 4 times longer than a pro, but I know I'd do the job properly and not just chuck a bit of lime into the gypsum mix.

 

[ajbaker]

Thanks Ian for your response. As it happens I have myself and a few friends booked for a lime plastering course in September. I am more than willing to give it a go.

Unfortunately at the moment our living room is not habitable since the walls are bare and the room is very dusty. So in the mean time, if I could get someone in and the cost was covered, I would.

 

[NT]

Settle for cash instead, then you can do the job as you please, as long as you get it sorted. 2 quotes would do for insurance, esp if you give them a list of 50 companies youve asked to quoite but refused. Once they see its a nightmare job theyll be happy to pay you to go away. Usually. There are of course exceptions.


NT

 

[RobT]

Andrew,

give this company a call:

http://www.ijp.co.uk/brochure.html

This kind of job may be too small for them, but they should be able to recommend a decent lime plasterer.

They are based on the outskirts of Reading.

regards

Rob

 

[Ian Bond]

Understood, Andrew. The course is a great plan, and something I should have done really. I did eventually buy an instructional DVD!

My house has been a bit dusty, with holes in ceilings and plaster missing from walls, so I know how you feel. Unfortunately my house has been like that since 1999

Hope you find someone - but tell them to leave at least something for you and your mates to practice on, after your training course.

Good luck,

Ian

 

[Keycare]

If your walls are dusty and you intend to plaster them later, why not mix up a batch of lime wash and give them a coat or two. It will cut down the dust and not preclude plastering at a later date.

 

[pete]

aj,

It may be worth trying Oxley Conservation for advice/recommendations if nothing else. They are up in Henley, so not that far.

- Pete

 

[ajbaker]

Many thanks for all of your replies to my original question. The insurance company finally agreed to cover the cost of lime plastering the entire room, and it is now virtually complete. Within a few days I should be able to limewash the walls and the room (at least walls!) will be complete. Already the room looks and feels 'different', and more attractive.

Sadly the contractors 'forgot' my request to leave a small wall for me practice my new found (Sep 15) lime plastering skills on. Having seen how easy it was to remove the plaster though I have designs for the dining room!!

So anyway, thanks again for the advice you posted. It was appreciated. Next two projects in this room will be the floor and fireplace but they will be subject to different posts on this forum!

 

[BMcD]

These people are based in Leighton Buzzard and may travel to you

http://www.albarius.co.uk

You could also try this site

http://www.plaistererslivery.co.uk/