"We had fantastic work and timeline from Bob. They replastered our textured ceilings over 4 days and did a fantastic job. Bob was quick and easy to communicate with, as well as scheduling (estimate and work days). Several other contractors who came through the house complimented their work and the speed of the job."
"We live in a mobile home and noticed that the paint on the exterior was starting to look dingy. So, we started looking around for painters and found Urbano Painting. They were very courteous, professional, came out promptly to estimate, and gave us a good price. That courtesy and promptness carried through when we made the decision to hire them. They helped us pick out a good color, powerwashed and prepped thoroughly, the whole crew was very kind and professional (no foul language to even each other, messiness, or anything like that), and the paint job they did looks beautiful. It looks practically brand new! We are very happy with them and would recommend them to anybody; especially elderly people like ourselves. They were just so kind and conscientious at every step and that helped us feel safe with hiring them."
"Thrilled with the work they did - replacing some drywall and a few cracks. Very professional - looked beyond the immediate job to identify possible issues with no pressure. Did excellent work and cleaned up afterwards. Nice guys too! Will hire again."
"My husband and I hired Chuck to finish some drywall mudding and painting for my kitchen. He was timely and gave a reasonable rate! He was great to work with and my kitchen is amazing! Big thank you to chucks paint and handyman service!"
"Matt did an awesome job fixing our ceiling and walls in our bathroom . He was professional and reasonably priced! I give M.G & Sons paining a 5 star review!!"
"They did a fantastic job with my driveway. They managed to expand it so it can park all my cars and so I can pull in and out easily. I highly recommend them for everyone who wants their project to be done as soon as possible because they have great availability."
If the holes in the plaster are small, you can fill them with layers of patching plaster until they’re filled. After it dries, you can sand the plaster and paint over it. If the hole is much larger, consider using bonding plaster first and then a layer of patching plaster, completing the process with sanding and a layer of paint.
You should leave a gap between drywall sheets because they naturally expand and contract along with the building framing as temperature and humidity change. Most pro drywall installers leave a gap of about ⅛ inch between drywall sheets, allowing the sheets to expand, contract, and shift without cracking or becoming damaged. If you don’t leave enough gaps between slabs, the edges will press against each other when they expand, and the pressure can cause visible cracks.
All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.
Here's how to tell the difference:
Cosmetic Cracks: Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.
Structural Cracks: Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.
For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.
Your walls are likely cracking due to fluctuations in the temperature outside. Drywall tends to expand and contract when temperatures and humidity levels change, and this repeated movement can lead to cracks in your walls, particularly around door frames. If you have multiple diagonal cracks, you may want to have your foundation inspected, as cracks can also be a sign of a bigger issue.
The best tool for skim coating drywall is a skim coating blade, which can smooth out joint compound in wide stretches. While you could use a smaller drywall knife for skim coating, the smaller size means it’ll take longer to smooth out each section. Instead, consider investing in a skim coating blade for the quickest application.
The Leominster, MA homeowners’ guide to drywall services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Find out the average drywall repair cost in Boston, MA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local wall patching services and get your home looking like new.
Installing drywall is the most common way to finish your home’s interior. Use this drywall installation cost guide to see what your project is likely to cost in Boston, MA.
Find out the average soundproofing cost in Boston, MA. Learn what you can expect to pay for acoustic materials and local labor to keep your home quiet.
Understanding the plaster vs. drywall debate is key to giving your home’s walls the perfect finish. Learn more about the pros, cons, and costs with our advice.
The terms drywall and Sheetrock are often used interchangeably, but one is a brand and one is a specific product. Find out which one you need in this guide.
Thick gaps and extra joint compound can alter the look of drywall. So, should drywall be butt up against a wall? Review this guide for seamless installation.
