Cost of repairing stucco
Cost of repairing plasterwork 2026
Repairing plasterwork costs on average between €250 and €400 for small areas, or €10 to €25 per square metre for larger jobs. These costs depend on the extent of the damage, the type of plasterwork, and the location. Repairing plasterwork involves fixing cracks, holes, and damage in plastered walls and ceilings. Timely repairs prevent moisture damage and maintain the value of your home. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of repairing plasterwork and what to look out for.
What does it cost to repair plasterwork?
Repairing plasterwork costs an average of €250 to €400 for smaller areas up to 30 square metres, including labour and VAT. For larger areas, plasterers often work with a square metre price of €10 to €25 per m². The way the costs for repairing plasterwork are calculated depends on the scale of the job.
Costs of repairing plasterwork
Type of work | Average costs |
|---|---|
Repairing indoor plasterwork less than 30 m² | €250 to €400 |
Repairing indoor plasterwork per m² | €10 to €25 |
For smaller areas, plasterers work with a half-day rate because the preparation time carries more weight. This includes masking, covering furniture, and preparing materials. For larger areas, a price per square metre is charged, which is more economical because the preparation time has relatively less impact on the total costs.
All prices mentioned include 21% VAT (value added tax) and labour. For homes older than 2 years, the low VAT rate of 9% often applies, which makes the costs lower.
Costs of repairing plasterwork per type
The costs for repairing plasterwork depend heavily on the type of plasterwork in your home. Spray-on plaster is the most affordable to repair, while decorative plaster often requires the entire wall to be replastered. Below you can see what different types of plasterwork cost.
Type of plasterwork | Costs per m² | Details |
|---|---|---|
Spray-on plaster (Spack) | €10 to €15 | Easy to repair, spray machine makes work fast |
Smooth finish plaster | €15 to €20 | Even and smooth, ready to paint, manual work |
Wallpaper-ready plaster | €12 to €18 | Less smooth than paint-ready, only suitable for wallpapering |
Decorative plaster (spachtelputz, granol) | €20 to €35 | Repaired spots often remain visible, entire wall often necessary |
Exterior wall plastering | €25 to €40 | Water-repellent coating and extra preparation |
Ceiling plastering | €18 to €28 | Difficult working position, hard accessibility |
Bathroom plastering | €22 to €30 | Moisture-resistant materials required |
Price-determining factors for repairing plasterwork
The costs for repairing plasterwork vary per situation. What applies to one job may not apply to another. Below you can read which factors influence the total costs and how they affect the price.
Surface area size
The size of the surface to be repaired determines how the professional calculates the price. For areas under 30 square metres, plasterers work with a half-day rate. The preparation time for masking, covering furniture, and laying out materials then weighs more heavily. Above 30 square metres, a price per square metre is charged, which is more cost-effective as preparation time has relatively less impact.
Accessibility
Difficult-to-reach places increase the costs. Stairwells, sloping walls, voids, or high walls above 3 metres require scaffolding or ladders. The professional needs more time to work safely, which extends the labour duration. This increases the total price.
Complexity of the damage
Not all damage is equal. Filling simple cracks is faster than restoring structural cracks or touching up decorative plaster. For complex jobs, more steps are required, which asks for more time and expertise. This translates directly into higher costs.
Type of substrate
Different substrates require different approaches. Plasterboard, concrete, old decorative plaster, or painted walls each need their own preparation. Some substrates must first be treated with a primer or bonding layer. This extra step increases material and labour costs.
Levelling
When walls show unevenness such as pits, ridges, or remains of old tile adhesive, they must first be levelled. This is a separate work step before the actual repair work begins. Levelling requires extra time and material, which increases the costs.
Required materials
The price of plastering materials varies. Standard spray-on plaster is cheaper than moisture-resistant plaster for bathrooms or special decorative plaster. High-quality materials cost more but often provide a better result and longer lifespan.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher business costs, parking fees, and longer travel times in urban environments. The region in which you live therefore influences what you pay.
Urgency
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. The professional has to adjust their schedule, meaning other jobs must be moved. This flexibility comes at a price. Plan your job in advance to avoid unnecessary extra costs.
Weekend and evening hours
Work during the weekend or in the evening costs more than during the week. This is due to irregular hours for which higher rates apply. Choose weekdays to keep costs down.
Preparation by the customer
Good preparation saves time and money. Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible. Clear the room and cover furniture yourself where possible. The less preparation work the professional has to do, the lower the total labour costs.
Timely repair
Addressing small cracks in time is more cost-effective than repairing major damage. When cracks are not repaired, moisture can penetrate the wall. This causes larger problems such as loosening plaster or mould growth, which requires expensive restoration work.
Local professional
A local professional can be on-site faster and has lower travel costs. This saves on the total price. At Zoofy, you are automatically matched with a professional from your region, without call-out charges.
Transparent price agreements
At Zoofy, you know in advance what you will pay, without surprises. The affiliated professionals use fixed hourly rates and you only pay after completion of the job. This way, you stay in control of your budget and avoid unexpected costs.
Extra costs and surcharges when repairing plasterwork
The costs for repairing plasterwork can increase due to additional activities. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges.
Urgency surcharge: A surcharge applies to urgent jobs because the professional must adjust their planning
Weekend surcharge: Work on the weekend is more expensive than during the week
Removing old plaster: Loose or crumbling old plaster must be removed first, which takes extra time
Removing wallpaper: Wallpaper on the wall must be removed first at an additional cost
Levelling: In case of unevenness, the wall must first be levelled before plastering can take place
Corner profiles: For windows, sloping structures, and corners, extra corner profiles may be needed
Painting work: After plastering, the wall must be painted, which entails extra costs
How does the professional work when repairing plasterwork?
Repairing plasterwork follows a fixed method to guarantee a durable and even result.
Inspection and advice: The plasterer assesses the damage and gives honest advice. For structural cracks or moisture damage, it is advised to first solve the cause before the repair work begins.
Preparation of the workplace: The room is covered with tarpaulins. Loose old plaster or wallpaper is removed. The substrate is cleaned and, if necessary, treated with primer for better adhesion.
Sealing cracks: Cracks are filled with mortar based on cement, sealant, or filler. Reinforcement mesh or joint tape is applied over the crack to prevent recurrence.
Applying plastering: Depending on the desired result, the professional applies spray-on plaster, smooth finish, or wallpaper-ready plaster. For decorative plaster, the entire wall is often replastered for an even final result.
Drying and aftercare: The plasterwork must dry for 2 to 4 weeks before it can be painted. Painting too early causes mould and peeling. A living room of 35 square metres is usually finished in one day.
How can you save on repairing plasterwork?
There are several ways to lower the costs for repairing plasterwork without sacrificing quality.
Address cracks in time: Repairing small cracks and damage now prevents larger and more expensive restoration work later. Delaying increases the costs.
Do the preparation yourself: Clear the room, cover furniture, and remove any wallpaper. This saves labour costs as the professional can get started immediately.
Plan during the week: Do not book on the weekend or as an urgent job. Planning during the week saves surcharges for irregular hours and urgent work.
Bundle tasks: Have all the plasterwork repaired at once. The price per square metre is then lower because start-up costs are shared.
Ensure ventilation: Good ventilation prevents moisture problems that damage plasterwork and cause expensive repairs.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common causes of damage to plasterwork
Damage to plasterwork has various causes, from moisture problems to structural faults.
Hairline cracks versus structural cracks
Hairline cracks are smaller than 2 mm and superficial. They often arise from drying plasterwork and are not a danger. Structural cracks are larger than 2 mm and can indicate subsidence or foundation problems. If a crack increases significantly within a few months, consult a specialist before repairing makes sense.
Moisture damage
Brown spots, bubbling or loosening plaster, peeling paint, and a crumbly substrate point to moisture damage. The source of moisture must first be resolved before repairing is useful. Without this approach, the problems will return and the costs will rise significantly.
Painting too early
New plasterwork must dry for 2 to 4 weeks before being painted. Painting too early causes cracks, mould, and spots because moisture gets trapped under the paint layer.
Find the best professional for repairing plasterwork
Reliable help with repairing plasterwork prevents disappointing results and unnecessary extra costs.
When professional help is needed: For large areas from 30 square metres, structural cracks, moisture problems, ceiling work, decorative plaster, or when you want a completely smooth result. Applying plaster smoothly is a difficult trade; poorly plastered walls remain an eyesore.
No call-out charges: You only pay for the work the plasterer performs, never for the professional's arrival.
Fixed price in advance: At Zoofy, you know what you pay before the job starts, without surprises afterwards and with full control over the costs.
Fast booking without quote hassle: Provide three moments and you will be directly matched with an available professional.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay once the job is fully finished and carried out to your satisfaction.
Reliable plasterers: The affiliated professionals score an average of 9.2 and are checked for quality.
Frequently asked questions about repairing plasterwork
What does it cost to repair plasterwork?
The costs lie on average between €250 and €400 for smaller areas up to 30 square metres. For larger areas, plasterers charge €10 to €25 per square metre. The price depends on the type of plasterwork, the extent of the damage, and the accessibility.
Can you plaster over old plasterwork?
Yes, that is possible if the substrate is firm and not loosening. The wall must first be treated with primer for good adhesion. Loosening or crumbly old plaster must be removed first before replastering can occur.
Can plasterwork be applied over tiles?
No, plasterwork does not adhere well to tiles due to the smooth surface. The tiles must first be removed to guarantee a durable result. This requires extra time and increases the costs.
Is repairing plasterwork a DIY job?
Filling small holes can be done yourself, but for a professional smooth result, a plasterer is recommended. Without experience, the result is often disappointing and unevenness remains visible.
How long does plasterwork need to dry before I can paint?
A minimum of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the surface area and ventilation. Painting too early causes mould and peeling because moisture gets trapped under the paint layer.
What is the difference between smooth finish and wallpaper-ready plaster?
Smooth finish plaster is even and smooth, suitable for direct painting. Wallpaper-ready plaster is less smooth and only suitable for wallpapering. Smooth finish costs more because it requires more processing.
Why is decorative plaster more expensive to repair?
Repaired spots often remain visible due to the grainy structure. The plasterer therefore usually advises replastering the entire wall, which increases the costs.
When should I first have the substrate levelled?
In case of pits, ridges, old tile adhesive, or many unevennesses, the substrate must first be levelled. This is a separate work step that costs extra time and material before plastering can take place.
How many square metres can a plasterer do per day?
Average 25 to 40 square metres per day, depending on the type of plasterwork and the complexity. A living room of 35 square metres is usually finished in one day.
Why is a plasterer so expensive?
Applying plasterwork requires craftsmanship and years of experience for a smooth result. The preparation, materials, and precision work justify the price. Cheap work often yields disappointing results that must later still be repaired.
Book a professional for repairing plasterwork
Ready to have plasterwork repaired? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy matches you with a reliable professional who has been vetted. You only pay once the work is done. Book a professional directly now.