What does the plasterer need at the job site?
Index
When you arrange for a plasterer to come into your home or building site to work, you need to be sure that you provide anything that is specified as part of your contract or work agreement.
If you are unsure about specific requirements you need to ask your plasterer before they arrive; however, many requirements are common to all jobs.
Safety First
If you have a plasterer coming on site, you first need to ensure that the site is safe and accessible. The preparation that you need to undertake for the plasterer may differ from preparations made for the other work that is being done, but regardless of the scope of the work, safety is essential.
What you can do to help ensure safety on the job site
- Make sure that there aren’t any exposed power wires or leaking water pipes. If you need to disturb any wiring or pipes, make sure you call a professional tradesperson.
- Ventilation is essential when working with plaster. Make sure the room or work site has plenty of fresh air and that all windows are able to be opened fully.
- Floors should be swept clear of any debris or rubbish and not have any large items such as wood or boxes in the work area.
- Make sure that you ensure the area can be kept clear of children and animals. Having children or animals at any work site is dangerous to the child or animal as well as the tradespeople.
What else may the plasterer need at the job site?
- Power – ask beforehand if they require access to electricity. Make sure they are aware if they need to supply extension leads and for what distance.
- Lighting – if the work site is naturally dark, make sure the plasterer is aware of this so they can bring portable lighting if they require it.
- Plaster – have you arranged for the plasterer to also supply the plaster? Make sure you know if the supply of plaster is part of the agreement.
- Other hardware – do you need to supply other hardware such as skirting boards? Ask the plasterer if this is part of the deal or if you need to have the required amounts on site.
- Parking – plasterers carry equipment so need to have reasonable access to parking at the job site. Let them know of any permits or restrictions beforehand
- Access – your tradespeople will need to get sheets of plaster and rendering equipment into the room that they are plastering. This can be made difficult if stairs or tight corners are involved.
- Water – have an outdoor tap available. Plasterers will need access to water and as this water will go into buckets everyone will be happier and more at ease if outdoor access to water is available.
- Amenities – if you have visitors at your home all day you would offer them access to amenities such as the toilet and fresh drinking water. Make sure that any tradesmen have access to facilities.
As with all business arrangements, things will always work better if everyone is clear as to what is expected of them and what they expect of the other party. Speaking to your plasterer before they arrive and asking what they need is the best way to make sure you get the service you want and the price you expect.