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When looking for a plasterer, it can be difficult to make sure that you’re choosing a reputable tradesperson. One way to help with this is to check that plasterers are members of trade associations or hold plastering qualifications. Bear in mind that plasterers do not have to hold these qualifications. Plasterers who do not have qualifications or join trade associations may still be capable of carrying out high-quality work. Ask to see examples of plasterers’ recent work and base your decision on a range of factors.
Trade associations
Trade associations are organisations that represent tradespeople. They offer a variety of services and drive standards. Trade associations will often provide advice for consumers as well as tradespeople. Choosing a plasterer who is registered with a trade association means you know that their work is up to scratch. Trade associations may offer extra guarantees on work carried out by their members. They also sometimes run a separate complaints procedure if you have problems.
There is a variety of trade associations that cover the plastering industry. Read on to find out more about these trade associations and what they offer.
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS)
The FIS is a trade association that covers the plastering industry. They also cover the wider finishing and interior sector. The FIS provides a range of services for tradespeople and consumers. They offer advice and training. The FIS drives standards across the sector by communicating with government and other industry bodies. Make sure FIS members undertake plastering work, as the FIS itself covers such a wide sector.
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
The Federation of Master Builders is the UK’s largest trade association in the construction industry. They operate across the entire building sector. The FMB have tradespeople who provide a range of services as well as plastering companies.
There are several benefits to choosing a plaster who is a member of the FMB. The FMB requires that their members have been trading for at least a year and hold the correct insurance. They also carry out an independent inspection of the work of their members. The FMB also operate their own complaints procedure in the unlikely event of a problem with one of their members.
Guild of Master Craftsmen (GMC)
The Guild of Master Craftsmen is another trade association for the plastering industry. They also operate across a range of sectors. The GMC assess tradespeople who register with them to verify that they carry out work to a high standard. The GMC also check that their members have appropriate insurance and qualifications.
British Gypsum Certified Plasterer Scheme
The Certified Plasterer Scheme from British Gypsum is a scheme which offers certification for plasterers. This scheme is operated by a plaster company. This means that the scheme has been designed specifically for plastering. All members of this scheme have their work assessed by British Gypsum and must offer at least a 2-year guarantee. Tradespeople on this scheme must have at least three years plastering experience in the residential area.
Qualifications
Plasterers are not required to hold any qualifications. Many plasterers learn their trade through an apprenticeship rather than getting a qualification. However, there are many in the industry who do undertake qualifications. Some of the qualifications to look out for are:
- City and Guilds Diplomas levels 1-3 in Plastering (6708)
- NVQs in Plastering
- Level 3 Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction)
You may find plasterers who are members of these trade associations or hold some of the above qualifications. If you’re struggling to choose between plasterers, use these as part of how you compare. Bear in mind that many professional plasterers are not qualified or a member of a trade association and can still carry out high quality work. Make sure to check out tradespeople’s reviews. You could also ask for references from previous customers or examples of previous work.
