If a plasterer’s work is rough, cracked, uneven or not fit for painting, it can be frustrating and costly to fix. In New Zealand, the best approach is to deal with it methodically: document the issues, notify the plasterer promptly, and give them a fair chance to put it right.
For homeowners and property managers, good records matter. The stronger your evidence and the clearer your communication, the easier it is to resolve the problem, whether that means a rework, a repair, or a formal complaint.
1. Check what is actually wrong
Before you complain, work out whether the issue is a workmanship defect or something else. Common plastering problems include visible trowel marks, poor sanding, cracking, hollow or loose areas, uneven surfaces, pinholes, poor corner finishing, or surfaces that were not properly prepared for paint.
Look closely in natural light and across different angles. If you are seeing issues after painting, check whether the problem was already in the plaster underneath, or whether it may also involve the painter or the underlying substrate.
2. Document the defects clearly
Good documentation makes a complaint far more effective. Take clear photos and short videos in daylight, and note where each defect is located. If possible, mark the area with low-tack tape so the plasterer can find it quickly.
Keep copies of the quote, invoice, messages, scope of work, and any promises made about finish level or timelines. If the job was part of a wider renovation, note whether the plastering was meant to be ready for a specific paint system or finish.
- Photograph the issue from wide and close angles
- Write down dates, locations, and what you first noticed
- Keep all texts, emails, quotes, and invoices
- Avoid making repairs before the defect is recorded
3. Raise the complaint the right way
Contact the plasterer as soon as possible and be calm but direct. Explain what is wrong, what evidence you have, and what outcome you want. In most cases, the first step is to ask them to inspect the work and confirm whether they will repair it.
Put your complaint in writing as well as by phone. A short email is usually enough if it is clear. Include the job address, the defects, the date you want a response by, and photos if needed. Keep the tone professional and stick to the facts.
If the plasterer does not respond or refuses to take responsibility, you may need to escalate the matter. Depending on the circumstances, that could mean using your building contract, seeking advice from the dispute resolution service that fits your situation, or getting an independent assessment of the workmanship.
4. Know when the problem needs an independent opinion
Sometimes the hardest part is proving whether the finish is acceptable. A second opinion can help if the plasterer says the work is fine but the surface is clearly not suitable for paint, or if the defects are affecting the rest of the decorating work.
An experienced tradesperson can tell you whether the issue is cosmetic, structural, moisture-related, or caused by poor preparation. That helps you decide whether to ask for a repair, a re-skim, sanding and patching, or a full do-over of the affected area.
When to call Steve
If you are unsure whether the plasterer’s workmanship is actually the problem, or you need a practical, honest assessment before making a formal complaint, contact Steve. He is a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter, and he can look at the finish, explain what is likely causing the issue, and help you work out the best next step.
Steve can also advise whether the surface is ready for painting, whether the defects are likely to show through, and what kind of remedial work may be needed. For Auckland homeowners and property managers, that kind of guidance can save time, reduce back-and-forth, and help you deal with the issue in a fair, professional way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I complain to about bad plastering work in New Zealand?
Start with the plasterer who did the job and ask them to inspect and fix the defects. If that does not resolve it, you may need to use your contract terms, seek independent advice, or pursue a formal dispute process.
What evidence should I keep for a plastering complaint?
Keep photos, videos, emails, texts, quotes, invoices, and notes about what is wrong and when you noticed it. Clear evidence makes it easier to show the workmanship issue and what needs fixing.
Can a painter tell if plastering is poor workmanship?
Yes, often they can. A trade-qualified painter can usually tell whether a surface has been poorly prepared, is not level, or will not finish well with paint. If in doubt, get an experienced opinion before taking the next step.
Need a hand with your project?
Happy to tackle some of it yourself? Great — but for anything you’d rather leave to a professional, Steve Lunjevich is a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter with 20+ years’ experience. Call or email for honest advice or a free, no-obligation quote.