Plastering in Selly Oak

Before your plastering in Selly Oak

Re-skimming walls inside your Selly Oak home doesn't need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Re-plastering more than half of an external wall can count as renovating a thermal element, which may bring in insulation requirements, so we check that at the survey.

New plaster needs a mist coat of watered-down emulsion before the first proper coat of paint.
Dry lining is quicker to dry than wet plaster on uneven walls.
An undamaged Artex ceiling can usually be skimmed or over-boarded without removing it.

Postcode district: B29
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 6 miles

Which option fits your home?

Re-skim walls and ceilings

A thin finishing coat of plaster, a few millimetres thick, applied over existing sound plaster or board after a bonding coat or PVA. Skimming gives a smooth, flat surface ready for paint. It's the quickest and most affordable way to refresh a room, but it won't fix plaster that has come away from the wall.

Artex and textured coating removal

Textured coatings are tested for asbestos first. If none is found, they can be scraped, steamed or skimmed over. If asbestos is present, the safest option is usually to leave the coating undisturbed and over-board or skim it without sanding. Where removal is needed, it's done by suitably trained people under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

How much should you budget in Selly Oak?

For a home in Selly Oak, our guide range is £220–£1,900 per room. Re-skim the walls and ceiling of a medium bedroom of about 3.5 × 3 m: usually £650–£950 per room.

Guide prices for plastering
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Skim one ceiling	£220 – £450 per room	Sound ceiling, average-sized room
Skim walls and ceiling	£550 – £1,100 per room	Small to large room, plaster sound
Full re-plaster of a room	£850 – £1,900 per room	Hack off, backing coat and skim

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Questions about plastering in Selly Oak

How long does plastering take?

A skim coat usually takes one to two days per room, and a full re-plaster two to four days. Drying time is extra: a skim generally needs several days to dry before painting, while thicker backing coats can take a few weeks, depending on the weather and ventilation. We'll give you a realistic date for decorating.

How do I book a survey in Selly Oak?

Send the form on this page, use the guide-price tool or call 0800 088 6248 free. We'll ask a few questions about your plastering and arrange a time to visit.

Can you skim over my Artex ceiling?

Usually, yes. Skimming or over-boarding avoids disturbing the coating, which matters if it contains asbestos. The texture is first sealed with a bonding coat, any loose bits are dealt with carefully, and then the skim is applied. We still recommend testing first, so everyone working in the room knows what's there.

Will I need permission from the council in Selly Oak?

Not normally. Re-plastering a large part of an external wall can bring in the Building Regulations insulation rules, and a listed building would need consent from Birmingham City Council.

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More services in Selly Oak

Room-by-room pricing starts with a free plastering survey in Selly Oak, where we tap-test every wall.