Hidden Cost when renovating your house.
This is one of them.
When I renovated my house recently, I quickly realized that the initial quotation I received didn’t cover everything. One surprising hidden cost I encountered was the plastering and smoothing of walls after demolition and carpentry work. Many painters and contractors include only the painting itself—applying sealer and paint—without accounting for the condition of the walls underneath. During renovation, walls often suffer damage from electrical work, carpentry, or removing old fixtures. This leaves uneven surfaces, residue, and hairline cracks that need more than just paint. Proper plastering or re-plastering is essential to smooth out these imperfections to achieve a quality finish. Without this step, paint can look patchy and degrade faster. At first, I didn’t ask if plastering was included and assumed it was part of the painting service. But after consulting with my painter, I learned that plastering is sometimes a separate service that will increase the cost. It’s vital to clarify this upfront with your contractor or interior designer. Make sure to ask if their quotation covers plastering, smoothing, and preparation of walls, or if that is an additional charge. In my experience, budgeting an extra amount for plastering helped avoid unexpected bills later. It also improved the final appearance and durability of my paintwork. For anyone renovating, I recommend carefully reviewing all quotations to identify any missing items, especially wall preparation. Transparent communication with your renovation team about plastering will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
