Questions and answers
Straight answers about plastering, bathrooms, quotes and how we work.
Plastering
Do you plaster single rooms?
Yes. One room or the whole house.
Can you skim over existing walls and ceilings?
Yes. Skim plastering is a thin, smooth coat over existing walls and ceilings.
Do you plaster new builds and extensions?
Yes. We float and set on block, brick and concrete, and take on full-house packages for builders and developers.
What is dry lining for?
Plasterboard is bonded to the wall and then skimmed. It is good for thermal upgrades and damp walls.
Do you repair cracks and holes?
Yes. Cracks, holes and chases left after electrics or plumbing are filled and blended in.
Do you fit coving?
Yes. Coving and cornice supplied and fitted with mitred corners, new installs and repairs.
What is skimming?
Skimming is a thin finishing coat of plaster, usually a couple of millimetres thick, applied over plasterboard or existing walls to leave a smooth surface ready for painting.
Can you skim over artex or old walls?
Yes. We prepare and skim over artexed, tired or uneven walls to give them a fresh, smooth finish without the mess of removing everything first.
How soon can I paint a freshly skimmed wall?
Fresh skim generally needs a few days to dry out fully before painting. We will advise on timings for your job and conditions.
What is dry lining?
Dry lining is the process of fixing plasterboard to walls or ceilings to create a smooth surface, ready for a skim coat or for taping and decorating, without traditional wet plastering.
Is dry lining cheaper than wet plastering?
Dry lining is often quicker and tidier, which can make it more cost effective, especially on uneven walls or larger areas. We can advise on the best option for your project.
Can dry lining help with insulation?
Yes. Insulated plasterboard can be used when dry lining to improve warmth and reduce heat loss, which is popular for older or colder rooms.
What is plasterboarding?
Plasterboarding is fixing sheets of plasterboard to walls or ceilings, either directly or onto a timber or metal frame, to create a flat surface ready for skimming or decorating.
Can you build stud walls too?
Yes. We build and board stud partition walls to divide or reconfigure rooms, and can skim them to a smooth finish ready for painting.
Do I need to skim over plasterboard?
You can either skim the boards for a smooth seamless finish or tape and joint them for decorating. We will recommend the best approach for your room.
What is wet dash?
Wet dash is a traditional external render where an aggregate and mortar mix is thrown onto the wall, giving a textured, very weather-resistant finish. It is also known as harling or roughcast.
What is the difference between wet dash and pebble dash?
With wet dash the stone is mixed into the mortar and thrown on together, while pebble dash has the stones thrown onto a wet coat separately. Both give a durable textured finish.
Can you render over old or cracked render?
In many cases yes, once the surface is sound and prepared correctly. We assess the existing wall first and recommend patching or re-rendering as needed.
Bathrooms
Do you handle the whole job?
Yes. We manage every part of the job (design, plumbing, tiling, electrics and finishing) so you have one point of contact.
Do you fit wet rooms?
Yes. Wet rooms and walk-in showers are fully tanked and tiled, with level-access designs available.
Can you work with a small room?
Yes. En suites and cloakrooms are planned to use every inch, with space-saving layouts and wall-hung suites.
Do you supply the fixtures?
Yes. We can source the fixtures as part of a full suite installation.
Is the price fixed?
Yes. You get a full design and an itemised fixed price, with no hidden costs.
Is the work guaranteed?
Yes. Workmanship is guaranteed on every project.
What does a bathroom fitter do?
A bathroom fitter manages the whole installation, including removing the old suite, plumbing, tiling, fitting the new units and finishing, so you have one point of contact.
How long does it take to fit a bathroom?
A like-for-like bathroom fit usually takes five to ten working days. A bigger layout change or wet room conversion can take two to three weeks.
Do you supply the bathroom suite or do I?
Either way. We can supply and fit a full suite or fit one you have already bought, and we are happy to advise on what will work best for your space.
Can you fit an en suite in a small room?
Yes. We make compact en suites work by choosing space-saving units and layouts that fit awkward or small rooms without feeling cramped.
Do I need planning permission for an en suite?
Most internal en suite installations do not need planning permission, but building regulations can apply to plumbing and ventilation. We will guide you through what is needed.
Will an en suite add value to my home?
A well fitted en suite is a strong selling point and generally adds both comfort and resale value, especially on a main or guest bedroom.
What is the difference between a wet room and a normal bathroom?
A wet room is fully tanked and waterproofed with a level-access shower and no separate tray or enclosure, so the whole floor drains away. A normal bathroom keeps the shower contained.
Are wet rooms good for accessibility?
Yes. Level-access wet rooms remove the step over a bath or tray, making them a popular choice for anyone with limited mobility.
Will a wet room leak?
Not when it is tanked correctly. Proper waterproofing and floor falls are the key to a good wet room, which is why it is worth having it fitted by an experienced team.
Should I replace my bath with a walk-in shower?
If your bath is rarely used, swapping it for a walk-in shower can free up space and make the room easier to use day to day. We can advise based on your home and needs.
What is the difference between a shower room and a wet room?
A shower room has an enclosed shower with a tray or screen, while a wet room is fully tanked and open with a level-access floor drain.
How long does a shower room take to fit?
Most shower rooms are completed within about a week, depending on the tiling and whether the layout is changing.
What is included in a bathroom suite?
A bathroom suite normally includes a matching bath, basin and toilet. Many people add a shower, taps and storage to complete the room.
Can you fit a suite I have bought myself?
Yes. We are happy to fit a suite you have already purchased, or supply one for you if you would prefer a single point of contact.
Do you remove the old bathroom suite?
Yes. We strip out and dispose of your old suite as part of the job and leave the room ready for your new one.
Quotes and visits
Are you insured?
Yes, fully insured.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Free visit, written quote, no obligation.
How quickly will you reply?
We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours.
Do you tidy up afterwards?
Yes. We keep the house tidy during the job and clean up after every one.
Get a free quote
Tell us about the job and we'll come back to you within 24 hours.