Plastering is applying a smooth finishing coat of plaster to walls and ceilings, either as a thin skim over sound surfaces or as a full re-plaster after removing failed plaster, creating a flat surface ready for decoration.
Homes across Gwynedd vary a great deal, so we price plastering and skimming only after seeing the property. Our coverage takes in Bangor, Gwynedd, Llandudno, Holyhead and Caernarfon and the surrounding districts. As a guide, expect £500–£1,450 including VAT in Wales; the final figure depends on size, materials and access. Any permissions are checked against the rules for Wales before we quote.
- Guide price
- £500–£1,450 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 1–3 days per room, plus drying time
- Planning rules
- Wales
- Price level
- About 8% below the national guide
- Towns listed
- 4
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
How much does plastering and skimming cost in Gwynedd?
Here is how the guide price for plastering and skimming breaks down in Gwynedd. We start from national figures and adjust for Wales, which comes out about 8% below the national guide. The resulting range, VAT included, is £500–£1,450, and a survey, at no cost to you, firms it up.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Gwynedd |
|---|---|---|
| Patch repairs or one wall | Repairing cracks, filling cable channels after a rewire or skimming a single wall. | £150–£450 |
| One room, walls and ceiling | Skimming or boarding and skimming the walls and ceiling of a typical room. | £500–£1,450 |
| Whole house | Skimming or re-plastering most rooms in a typical 3-bed house during a renovation. | £4,600–£11,000 |
What moves the price up or down:
- Total wall and ceiling area to be plastered
- Skim over sound plaster or full re-plaster back to brick
- Ceiling height, stairwells and access
- Number of corners, windows and openings to bead
Scope of the work
- Survey of walls and ceilings, including tap-testing for hollow plaster
- Floor and furniture protection with dust sheets and masking
- Removal of loose or failed plaster and old wallpaper
- Plasterboard fixed to ceilings or walls where needed
- Skim coat or full two-coat plaster to agreed areas
- Patching around new sockets, pipes and windows
Housing across Gwynedd
Slate defines much of Gwynedd, from quarrying villages such as Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog with their stone terraces to slate roofs across the county. Bangor and Caernarfon have Victorian and Georgian streets, Anglesey has stone cottages and bungalows, and resorts such as Pwllheli and Barmouth have Victorian terraces and newer bungalows.
Stone and slate homes need breathable lime render and pointing, and slate roofs often need careful repair rather than replacement. Terraces suit loft conversions, and bungalows commonly take extensions and window upgrades.
Eryri (Snowdonia) is among the wettest areas in the UK, and exposed coasts take strong wind and salt, so render and roof details need to be robust.
Do you need permission in Gwynedd?
The notes below cover Wales, which is where Gwynedd sits. Rules change and every property is different, so we speak to the council before pricing your job.
Internal improvements do not need planning permission in Wales unless the building is listed.
Building Regulations in Wales cover notifiable electrical work, drainage, ventilation and any structural change.
Rules change and every property is different, so we check the planning history and constraints for your address before we quote.
How does the job run?
A visit to your home
It starts with a survey at the property, free of charge. We check condition, access and services, ask how you want the finished result to look, and answer any questions you have about plastering and skimming.
Your fixed price
You get the price in writing, itemised so you can see where the money goes. As long as the specification stays the same, that is the price you pay for plastering and skimming.
Getting ready
Next comes planning the work itself. We set a start date that suits you, line up the right trades, and make sure any approvals for plastering and skimming are in place before the first day on site.
On site to finish
On site, the agreed plan is followed and any change is put in writing first. At completion we do a final clean, go through the snagging list with you and leave you with the relevant documents.
What you can expect from us
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission in Gwynedd?
It depends on the work, the size of the project, your property type and whether the building is listed or in a conservation area. Gwynedd is in Wales, so Wales's rules apply. Many smaller jobs need no planning application, but some still need building control approval. We check what applies to your address before quoting.
How much does it cost to plaster a room?
Skimming the walls and ceiling of a typical double bedroom costs £500–£1,450, depending on the room size, the state of the existing surfaces and whether new plasterboard is needed. As a guide, a skim coat costs roughly £15–£35 per square metre, while a full re-plaster back to brick costs more. Stairwells and high ceilings add access costs. We confirm a fixed price after inspecting the walls.
What is the difference between skimming and re-plastering?
Skimming applies a thin finishing coat, a few millimetres thick, over plaster or plasterboard that is still sound. Re-plastering removes the old plaster back to the brick or block and applies new base and finishing coats. Skimming is quicker and cheaper, but if the existing plaster is loose, hollow or crumbling, a skim will not hold. We tap-test walls to decide which is needed.
Who do I deal with during the job?
One point of contact manages your project from survey to handover. They schedule the trades working under our contract, keep you updated on progress, and are the person to call with any question. You don't need to coordinate builders, electricians or decorators separately, because that is part of what we do.
How long does new plaster take to dry?
A skim coat usually dries in a few days in a warm, well-ventilated room, while a full re-plaster can take one to four weeks depending on its thickness and the weather. Plaster turns from dark brown to an even light pink when dry. Keep windows open where possible, but avoid blasting heaters, which can cause cracking. We advise on drying before you decorate.
Towns in Gwynedd
Find your town below. Every place listed in Gwynedd is covered for plastering and skimming, with the same survey, written quote and fixed-price process.