"Mike Sauer and his crew did a great job. They not only repaired plaster but also removed fixtures (like tv brackets) and repaired the plaster after removal. Mike went the extra mile by painting after plastering, getting someone in to repair some grout and also remembered to install a door stop. He and his crew were organized and easy to work with and finished in a very timely manner. They also were very careful with our wooden floors that had just been refinished. I wish everyone I hired to do work in our home was this responsible. I highly recommend Mike and his crew."
"The crew showed up every morning on time. They patched/drywalled and textured numerous small areas. The texturing was so good, that it is almost impossible to detect where the repairs where made. They also framed, drywalled and textured the kitchen area for recessed lighting installation. They repaired an area where there was a shower leak. They replaced the drywall and textured an area where a closet had been removed. On every part of the project, they exhibited superior workmanship. And at the end of every day, they cleaned up after themselves. Hire them again? Definitely yes! "
"Ruele did a terrific job replacing the stucco on our home and our casita. Their crew is great - very professional, competent, friendly and considerate. I really appreciated the thorough and careful way they approached their work and their attention to detail. I would highly recommend Ruele."
"Bill did an excellent job of filling, sanding, and painting the columns, vigas, and latillas. For the wood under the portal where we wanted to maintain stain, he did a beautiful job of matching the wood and making the filled areas look natural. He also painted our ductwork and other metal components to color match the stucco, repairing the stucco in a few places along the way. Bill is extremely reliable, meticulous in his cleanup, and fairly priced. Our next door neighbors saw Bill's work and hired him for their project."
"I made the appointment to redeem my Big Deal with no problem. Even so, no one showed up at the appointed time. A half hour after the service provider was to arrive, I called the owner, Michael Ortiz, who apologized and got off the phone to call his crew. He called me back in a few minutes, and said that he would personally come over and do the job himself. He arrived promptly 20 minutes later and swiftly and expertly completed my drywall repair job. He was very professional and courteous. I will use hime again. "
Although they are used for similar tasks, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum and is primarily used for large-scale projects like taping and finishing seams on new drywall. Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it a thicker compound best suited for small wall repairs like filling nail holes or cracks, as it dries quickly and is easy to sand. For small repairs, either product can be suitable. However, you can use joint compound for small jobs in place of spackle, but you cannot use spackle for large-scale taping and mudding projects.
While it is possible to repair minor plaster cracks or holes yourself, it is generally not recommended for larger jobs or if you want a professional result. Plaster repair can be difficult in practice; proper wall preparation and achieving a smooth, seamless finish that blends with the existing wall requires experience, especially on textured surfaces. Hiring a professional ensures the repair will be durable and last longer, potentially saving you money over time. A pro can also determine if the cracks are from normal expansion or a more serious underlying issue.
You’ll want to inspect your plaster walls for signs of damage before painting. If you notice soft spots, deep cracks, bubbling, or areas where the plaster is crumbling or pulling away from the wall, it likely needs repair. While small hairline cracks are common and likely cosmetic, you should address larger issues before painting to ensure a quality, smooth finish.
Plaster repair costs range from $4 to $10per square foot for refinishing, while skim coating can be less expensive, usually between $2 and $5 per square foot. The price you pay for plaster repairs will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of plaster you have on your walls, and the accessibility of the damage. Plaster repair on the exterior of your home tends to be more expensive, as there’s a higher chance that ladders or scaffolding will be necessary to carry out the repair.
Plaster is a pretty tough surface, but it can still sustain damage from things like bumping against it, water issues, dampness, extreme humidity changes, and plain old age. Most plaster walls last hundreds of years and will only be taken down to the base layer when major repairs are required. Being cautious around the wall, not placing furniture against it, and ensuring stable humidity are all great ways to reduce possible damage.
The Navajo, NM homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Venetian plaster can add depth and texture to your aesthetic. Learn how much Venetian plaster costs based on factors like square footage and whether you hire a pro to help.
You can find plaster walls in a lot of older homes. What’s behind these walls—whether that’s lath or calcimine—can have an impact on how long they last. Finding out the age of your house can help you determine what you’re dealing with.
