Replastering a whole house is one of the most disruptive but transformative home improvement jobs. Old plaster cracks, blows and fails over time — particularly in Victorian and Edwardian properties. Here is what to expect in terms of cost, timescales and process.
Whole House Replaster Cost by Property Size
| Property size | Typical cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £2,500–£4,000 | 3–5 days |
| 2-bed house | £3,500–£5,500 | 5–7 days |
| 3-bed house | £5,000–£8,000 | 7–10 days |
| 4-bed house | £7,000–£12,000 | 10–14 days |
What is Included in a Full Replaster?
A full replaster typically involves hacking off all the old plaster down to bare brick or block, applying bonding coat, then a finish skim coat to all walls and ceilings. The costs above include materials and labour but exclude decoration (painting or wallpapering after plaster dries).
How Long Does New Plaster Take to Dry?
New plaster takes 4–6 weeks to fully cure before painting — longer in winter or in poorly ventilated rooms. The plaster will change from dark grey to pale pink/cream as it dries. Do not apply emulsion paint until fully dry; use mist coat (heavily diluted emulsion) for the first coat.
Should You Stay During Replastering?
Most homeowners remain in the property during replastering but have specific rooms out of action each day. The dust is considerable — professional plasterers will dust-sheet thoroughly, but you should expect some disruption to kitchens, bathrooms and living areas. For a whole-house job, some people choose to stay with family or use an Airbnb for the plastering week.
Getting Quotes for a Full Replaster
For a job of this size, always get at least three quotes. Prices vary significantly between tradespeople and the scope of work (whether they hack off or skim over existing plaster) affects both price and quality. Use our free service to compare up to 3 vetted local plasterers.