A repair should address the damaged area and the condition around it. A patch can work for isolated, sound damage; loose plaster, recurring movement or moisture changes the job. Send wide photographs and close-ups so we can discuss a sensible scope for your London property.
What kind of plaster damage do you have?
Holes and chased services
Plumbing, electrical work or removed fittings can leave deep openings. The repair may need the void built up before a finish is blended with the adjoining surface.
Cracks and damaged edges
The cause matters. A small isolated crack and a crack that reappears after filling call for different conversations. Photograph the full wall and both ends of the crack.
Loose or hollow plaster
Finishing over a weak area is unlikely to make it sound. The extent of unsound material should be checked before deciding whether to remove, repair and finish locally or prepare a larger area.
Ceiling damage
Water stains, sagging board, old repairs and textured coatings need individual assessment. See our ceiling plastering and repairs page.
A local patch or a wider finish?
A local repair is appropriate when sound surrounding plaster can support a neat transition. If an entire wall has widespread cracking, unevenness or several previous patches, a broader skim or replastering plan may make more sense. A fresh finish cannot fix active damp or structural movement; those causes should be considered before cosmetic work.
We discuss where the repair will stop, whether adjoining surfaces will also be skimmed and what finish will be ready for decoration. Matching a new patch to an older painted or textured surface can remain visible until the whole area is decorated.
What should a repair quote say?
- Which wall or ceiling areas are included, and whether loose material is removed.
- What preparation, backing, reinforcement or boarding is proposed where appropriate.
- Whether the quote includes materials, protecting nearby surfaces and waste removal.
- Whether the surrounding wall or ceiling is being skimmed, or only the local patch finished.
- When decorating can begin after the chosen materials have dried.
See our plastering quote checklist for questions to compare across written quotations.
Send enough detail for a useful first conversation
Include your postcode, the room, a wide photo of every affected surface and close-ups of holes, cracks or staining. Tell us whether the damage followed a leak, whether it has returned after earlier repairs and whether fixtures need to remain in place. A visit may be needed to confirm the background and final scope.
Before arranging a plaster repair
Can one small patch be repaired without skimming the whole room?
Often, if the nearby plaster is sound. The boundary between a new patch and an older painted surface may still need wider decorating to look consistent.
What if a crack has already been filled and returned?
Tell us when it reappeared and send a wide photo. The underlying movement or weak background needs attention before a cosmetic finish is agreed.
Discuss your own walls and ceilings
Send a wide photograph, close-ups of damage, the rooms involved and your postcode. We can discuss the surfaces, preparation and a free, no-obligation quotation.
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