1. Size and type of damage
A small dent or nail-hole is quick to fill. A fist-sized hole needs backing and a new piece of plasterboard. A sagging or water-damaged section needs cutting out and replacing. Each step adds materials and time.
2. Number of repairs
Several repairs in the same property are usually much better value done together than one at a time, because travel and setup are shared and every repair can be set in the same visits.
3. Number of visits
A proper repair is set in coats, and the compound has to dry before it can be sanded. We set the repair, then come back the next day to sand it smooth with our vacuum (dust-free) sanding machine. Rushing it into one visit usually shows through the paint.
4. Water damage and mould
If the board is wet, soft or mouldy, it needs to come out and be replaced — and the leak must be fixed first, with the area dry before new board goes up.
5. Access and location
High ceilings, stairwells, tight apartment access and parking can all affect the time a job takes. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
6. Board type and finish
Wet-area, fire-rated and sound-rated plasterboard cost more than standard board. Matching older hard-plaster or textured surfaces can also take more work.
How to get an accurate quote fast
Send a plasterer:
- A wide photo of the whole wall or ceiling
- A close-up of each damaged area
- Something in the photo for scale (a hand, power point or tape measure)
- Your suburb and the type of property (house, unit, commercial)
- Whether there's been a leak, and whether it's fixed
- When you need it done
Questions
Can I get a plaster repair quote from photos?
Often, yes. Clear photos with something for scale let a plasterer understand most small jobs. Some jobs still need an onsite look.
Is it cheaper to do all my repairs at once?
Usually. Travel, setup and drying time are shared across every repair.
Why won't you give me a price over the phone?
Because two repairs that sound the same can be very different jobs. We'd rather see photos than guess and get it wrong.
Written by Sydney Plastering Service, family-owned 2nd generation plasterers in Sydney. Updated October 2026. About us
