"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."
"It has been a pleasure having Miguel complete work for our company. Every time we hire him and his crew we are treated like we are his only customer. He is very attentive to all of our companies needs."
"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."
"the job was completed by 2 men but the fence & gate are not lined up straight; more of a zigzag & gate did not close properly so I had to have someone else redo the gate closure. They did not use a plumb line; just eyeballed it... Luckily it's in my backyard so not many people see it. At least they got the job done quickly right after I moved into my new home & needed a safe place to keep our dogs. "
While you should consult with a ceiling professional for larger cracks, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing your ceiling to crack, you can certainly try to repair small cracks on your own. If you’re up for the task, here’s how to repair ceiling cracks for $150 or less.
You can repair plaster ceilings yourself after the cause of the ceiling damage has been addressed. However, the repair can easily take 5 hours and can be slightly challenging for those without previous experience. If you do decide to flex your DIY muscle, have a helper to help hold the ladder and pass you the tools for safety purposes.
Damp plaster does dry out, although the drying time depends on several factors, including the type of plaster, the surrounding temperature, moisture content, and the extent of the dampness. Sometimes, it can take weeks or months for wall plaster to dry naturally.
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.
Venetian plaster is a highly durable wall finish that becomes a rock-like substance once dried, making it last longer than most other wall finishes. Its lifespan can range from decades to centuries, potentially lasting a lifetime. Key factors influencing its longevity include the quality of the initial application, whether it's properly sealed against moisture, and how the wall is maintained and treated (e.g., how often it is touched or bumped). Due to its mineral content, it can also develop a patina over time.
The Vaughn, 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.
Who does plaster work? A plasterer, of course—one who’s gone through years of training to master this subtle construction art. Here’s what you need to know.
