What would be the cost to skim a 4m x 4m room?

Earlier this afternoon, a plasterer visited our house to evaluate our lounge area and provide us with a cost estimate for a skim. The space measures approximately 4 meters by 4 meters and may call for some minor repairs before the skim is applied. After assessing the room, the plasterer informed us that the beading around the fireplace would require replacing. Furthermore, he refused to use PVA as a bonding agent, instead insisting on employing a "proper" bonding agent that we would need to apply ourselves. The job would involve two individuals and would require two days to complete, with a total cost of approximately £530 for materials and labour. As we have not had any plastering work done for quite some time, I am uncertain if this price is reasonable. I am also sceptical about the need for two individuals to complete the task over two days, particularly at a rate of £100 per person, per day. If anyone could advise me on the appropriate expense for this work, I would be grateful for their assistance.

Greetings, dollydoodah, your plasterer mentioned that the projected price for the job should come to an "approximate" cost of £530. Is this a binding, precise quote or merely an estimate? I assume it is the latter explanation if the figures do not tally correctly. Although I understand that prices may vary depending on one's location, this amount seems excessive to me, even in my vicinity of Newcastle. This quote undoubtedly covers the ceiling too, for which the plasterer is requesting that you apply the PVA bonding agent. This is unorthodox, as it is typically the plasterer's responsibility to ensure that the bond is of good quality and that correct materials are employed. The duration of the job also seems unreasonably long, with two men taking two whole days to finish the task. In my experience, I can complete a similar-sized room on my own within three days, including preparing the walls with bonding agents and applying new beading. Admittedly, it is impossible for me to assess the condition of your walls, which I do not presume to be in good shape. If wallpaper covers the walls, there may be underlying problems and issues within the plaster hiding beneath. Subsequently, I only provide estimates for reskims once I can view the walls unobstructed. Considering all of the above, I believe that the cost for the job should amount to no more than £425, inclusive of materials.

In light of the lack of visual information and assessment of the walls, it would be prudent to receive recommendations from acquaintances and seek out two or three local plasterers. Evaluate each of them based on their confidence and competence levels, and request that they provide you with cost estimates. Through this process, you may obtain a sense of what the genuine cost of the job should be. Ultimately, the most crucial factor is not the cost alone, but the gut feeling you have towards the best vendor. Remember, what may seem like a minor financial saving could ultimately result in more significant problems and requires a need for care and consideration.