How Much Does Plaster Repair Cost?

How Much Does Plaster Repair Cost? Average Plaster Repair Cost Canada Explained

In numerous Canadian homes, you can find plaster walls and ceilings, particularly in older houses that were built prior to the 1960s. Although plaster is durable and it is timeless, plaster may crack, chip or even fall off with time. Cracks in plaster can diminish the aesthetic appeal and structural value of your house due to settlement, leakages of water, or even age. The question is, what does plaster repair cost in Canada?

The cost of plaster repair in Canada generally ranges between $200 and $1,500 for small to medium-sized jobs. However, larger or more complex restorations, especially involving ceiling damage or heritage homes, can easily exceed $3,000 to $5,000.

We will explain all the cost variables in undertaking plaster repair work at a national level in this extensive guide. Check the average cost of the small patch repairs to the large-scale ceiling restoration process, any hidden expenses, and what factors might affect your total plaster repair bill.

Key Cost Factors That Affect Plaster Repair Pricing

Size and Extent of the Damage

The scale of damage could be considered the greatest expense factor. A tiny hairline crack or a nail hole can be touched up in just a matter of moments and cheaply. However, when there is excessive cracking plaster or bulges in the walls, it might have to be overhauled with a lot of work done on it, i.e. removal and then reapplication.

• Minor repairs: They include repairs of small holes or thin cracks, which are usually less than 1 ft².

• Mid repairs: These may contain holes of up to 2–3 ft² or lixpexis more than one cracks on a wall.

• Significant repairs: These can involve cutting big areas of damage out and re-gluing lath and several layers of plaster being replaced.

Location of the Damage (Ceiling vs Wall)

Repairs on the ceiling are more costly than those on the walls. It is attributed to the fact that it comes with the complexity of overhead work, which involves using ladders or scaffolds. Damages to the ceiling will cost 30-50 percent more than similar ones to the walls.

• Fixing wall cracks: It is usually easier to repair wall cracks and takes a shorter time.

• Repair of ceilings: This might entail installation of a structural check-up or preparation to prevent being vulnerable to collapse due to the influence of gravity.

Type of Plaster 

Various kinds of plaster systems are used in Canadian homes, and the way to carry out repairs depends on the original system of construction.

• Lath and plaster (pre-1950s): Repairs take longer to carry out and are more expensive.

• Modern: Easy, cheaper to be repaired by using Gypsum Plaster on drywall.

• Venetian or Decorative Plaster: This kind of plaster needs special hand techniques, and it is the most costly to restore.

Some homes may have heritage plasterwork, and this can push the price up very quickly because of the craftsmen's work and meeting local heritage requirements.

Labour Costs

In Canada, the majority of the costs of plaster repairs are composed of labour. On average, plasterers charge between $50 and $90 per hour. The charged rates vary according to region, years of experience, and the nature of work performed.

Here are the estimated labour rates:

• Toronto / Vancouver: $75 – $90/hour

• Calgary / Edmonton: $60 – $80/hour

• Smaller towns / rural areas: $50 – $65/hour

Depending on a light or a heavy job burden, a simple job can be done in 2-3 hours, whereas a full room repair could extend to several days.

Access and Prep Work

When the damaged plaster is in an enclosed corner, in a high ceiling, or a room full of items, then more time is required to set up such easy ways like ladders, scaffolding, and safety precautions. Labour is increased to move furniture or to avoid soiling the floor tiles.

You will pay more in case:

• The room is taken or difficult to get to.

• There is elaborate material here and there of trim or cornice work.

• A lot of masking or cleaning up is needed.

Average Cost of Plaster Repair in Canada

• Small crack or hole repair: $200 – $400

• Medium wall section repair: $400 – $900

• Ceiling plaster repair: $600 – $1,500

• Full-room restoration: $1,500 – $5,000+

Cost based on the Type of Plaster Damage

Fissures in Plaster

• Hairline cracks cost between $100 and $300 to fix.

• Larger cracks or "alligatoring" (multiple cracks in a web-like pattern) may run $300 to $700, depending on size and depth.

It can be a sign of structural problems, so before working on any cracks, specialists might examine the areas behind the wall first to learn whether there is any movement or not.

Holes In Plaster Walls

• Small holes (from nails or screws): $150 – $300

• Medium holes (fist-sized): $300 – $600

• Large holes (over 1 ft²): $600 – $1,000+

Bigger holes can be costly to repair or reinforce the lath, which takes time.

Bulging Plaster/Sagging Ceilings

When plaster on a ceiling is sagging or even bulging, this is evidence that it has probably failed and lost its key bond with the plaster.

• Minor ceiling patching: $500 – $1,200

• Severe sagging or detachment: $1,500 – $3,000+

In some severe cases, it is possible to have a full extraction and reinstallation.

Water Damage Fixing

Leaks may cause water stains or bubbling, or plaster that has been festered in the plaster, which is very expensive to repair.

• Small water damage patches: $300 – $700

• Larger sections needing replacement: $1,000 – $2,500+

Also consider the price of the repair of the place where the fit comes out of, e.g., the price of the repair of the pipeline or the roof.

Secondary Expenses to Be Involved

• Repainting and Paint Matching:

When plaster is fixed, it has to be painted. This may prove a challenge in matching the existing colour.

• Spot repainting: $100 – $250

• Full wall or room repainting: $300 – $1,000

It may be required that you repaint the whole wall or ceiling to have a seamless finish.

• Ornamental Mouldings or Mouldings

If you have any plaster mouldings or cornices, be sure to replace them, whether you decide what they are or not. Reproducing heritage trim can cost $200 to $800 per section.

• Debris Removal

Repairing plaster is a dirty job. Some professionals even charge for haul-away or disposal of old plaster.

• Debris disposal fees: $50 – $150

• Moisture Treatment

Mould is a result of water damage and moisture. A mould treatment process is necessary before plastering.

• Mould remediation: $300 – $2,000 depending on severity

• Total Permit Costs:

Plaster repair involves very few permit requirements, but in the event that structural work or a significant renovation is required, then a permit may be required.

• Permit fees in Canada: $100 – $500, depending on municipality

DIY vs Professional Plaster Repair Costs

Do-It-Yourself Plaster Repair

The problem is that small patch jobs can be performed by the homeowner using a few tools and a plaster repair kit.

• Plaster patch kit: $25 – $60

• Joint compound / setting-type plaster: $10 – $40

• Putty knife, sanding sponge, drop cloths: $30 – $80

DIY can be money-saving with minor cosmetic jobs. Nonetheless, DIY is not suited to:

• Ceiling damage

• Water-related issues

• Systems of Lath and Plaster

• Heritage homes

• And bad DIY work will increase the losses or result in expensive rework.

When to Call a Professional

One should seek the services of a professional in the following cases:

• When cracks recur

• One can see some sagging or bubbling up

• You do not know what has caused cracks and plaster damage.

• The house is a heritage house or a listed one.

Repair work by professionals guarantees a fit and a finish without restructuring.

Regional Cost Variations Across Canada

Toronto, Ottawa (Ontario)

• An increase in the labour rates

• Toronto is known to have heritage homes.

• Speaking of payment, expect to pay 10-20 percent higher than the national average.

British Columbia ( Vancouver, Victoria )

• Premium cost because of high demand and the cost of living

• Climate in coastal areas can imply extra repair works on water damage

Albertan (Calgary, Edmonton)

• Mid-range pricing

• Still present in the pre-1970s houses 

• New homes' plastering costs more

Québec (Montreal, Québec City)

• They have some of the oldest plastered houses in Canada.

• Additional cost in repair may be steep in the case of a traditional or elaborate interior.

Atlantic Provinces

• The low average price

• They may also have to incur extra expenditures of skilled trades availability

How to Save the Cost of Plaster Repair

• Bundle Repairs: Consolidate work on a variety of locations so that a group of locations can be repaired at a single visit, in order to save labour costs.

• Cleaning the Space: Use the space, clear the room and relocate your furniture yourself.

• Compare Free Quotes: You must compare 2-3 free quotes from local professionals to know about services and prices.

• Winter Discounts: There are lower prices that can be enjoyed during the off-season.

• Enquire About Warranties: A good plasterer must provide a guarantee for his or her work.

Tricks That Would Prevent Repair Plastering

Once the crisis is fixed (the plaster), then preventative work will save you money later. Here is what can be done by Canadian homeowners:

• Control Humidity

Plaster is the enemy of moisture. Keep the indoor air at a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent in winter.

• HRV or Dehumidifiers.

• Bathrooms and kitchens should be ventilated.

• Fix up the roof and pipe leakages at the same time.

• Infancy Cracks Tracker

Always inspect the walls and the ceilings once a year. Minor cracks can also be filled in at an alarming rate due to seasonal changes, but this can be patched using joint compound.

• Younger cracks do not exceed 1 mm in growth.

• The structural reinforcing material is mesh tape, which is flexible and stiffening.

• Paint over with breathable paint.

• Avoid Impact Damage

Plaster will hold up, but when hit, it can crack. Avoid:

• Banging the doors (can shake the walls off you)

• Hanging massive works of art that lack anchors

• Putting holes in the plaster without pilot holes

• Paint Regularly

Plaster does breathe, and that is why we should use vapour-permeable paint. Use non-moisture-retentive paints, that is, avoid oil paints.

Environmental and Health-related Problems

Old Plaster May Have Asbestos

Older homes that were constructed before the year 1990 can have asbestos in the base coats and joint compounds. When it gets disturbed, it becomes risky.

• Asbestos testing: $200 – $400

• Removal (if needed): $1,000 – $3,500+

Always refer to the professionals in case of uncertainty

Choose plaster repair methods that are environmentally friendly. Try taking up lime-based plasters or VOC-free stuff. These options have:

• Less inside poisons

• Pets and children are safer as these are milder ones

• More sustainable

The Canadian eco-builders have started to sell plaster repair with natural hydraulic lime with clay-based products.

Final Thoughts

The cost of plaster repair can be expensive depending on the kind and size of damage, how old your house is and your location in Canada. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,500, with more extensive ceiling or heritage work running well beyond $3,000.

Whether it is repairing a heritage Victorian house in Toronto or repairing a crack in the hallway in Calgary, being familiar with what is factored into plaster repair pricing should help you plan your project and budget accordingly.

While it might be good to do a DIY project, you will get the best results by employing a professional with experience in both modern and conventional plaster finishes. Don't forget to inquire what are the hidden costs, such as the repainting process, the process of access and debris removal. Considering all the costs, you can finish your plaster repair project seamlessly.