If a plasterer has left you with cracking, uneven surfaces, poor finish or work that simply is not up to standard, it can be frustrating and stressful. The best approach is to stay calm, document the issues properly, and give the contractor a fair chance to fix them.
In New Zealand, most disputes are resolved by clear communication, written records, and a practical plan to remedy the faults. If that does not work, there are formal pathways available. Here is how to handle it step by step.
1. Identify exactly what is unsatisfactory
Start by separating genuine defects from normal finishing variation. With plastering, common issues include cracks, hollow spots, poor feathering, visible joins, pinholes, sanding marks, bulges, and patchy texture. If the plaster is not ready for paint because the surface is uneven or poorly finished, note that too.
Take clear photos in daylight and from different angles. Write down where each problem is located, when you noticed it, and whether it affects the final paint finish or the durability of the work. Good records make it much easier to have a sensible conversation later.
- Take dated photos before any touch-ups
- Keep the original quote, scope, and messages
- Note any promises made about level of finish
- Do not repaint or patch over defects before documenting them
2. Put your concerns in writing and ask for a remedy
Contact the plasterer promptly and explain the issues clearly. Keep the tone factual rather than emotional. State what is wrong, what outcome you want, and a reasonable timeframe for a response. If there are health and safety concerns or the work is causing damage to surrounding finishes, mention that as well.
A good contractor should inspect the work and either correct it, explain why it has happened, or agree on another solution. In many cases, a simple written agreement about the repairs and timing is enough to move things forward. If the plasterer accepts the problem but keeps delaying, follow up in writing so you have a paper trail.
3. If the dispute continues, use formal next steps
If the plasterer refuses to put things right, get an independent opinion from another qualified tradesperson. A second set of eyes can help you understand whether the issue is workmanship, product failure, substrate movement, or something else entirely. That expert view is useful if the dispute escalates.
From there, you may need to use the dispute process set out in your contract, contact a trade body if the plasterer belongs to one, or seek mediation. For bigger jobs, legal advice can help you understand your rights under New Zealand consumer law and contract law. Keep all invoices, emails, photos, and notes from site visits.
If you are hiring someone to correct the damage, make sure they inspect the existing surface properly first. Sometimes the visible defect is only part of the problem, and rushing into repair can make the finish worse.
When to call Steve
If you are not sure whether the plastering is genuinely defective, or you need advice on what is fair to expect before painting, contact Steve, a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter. He can assess the finish, explain what needs to be fixed, and help you decide whether the surface is ready for decoration or needs more prep work first.
Steve works with homeowners and property managers across Auckland, including premium suburbs where presentation matters and poor plastering stands out quickly under paint. A careful inspection now can save time, money, and stress later, especially if you are trying to settle a dispute before the job moves on to painting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the plasterer says the finish is within tolerance?
Ask for that position in writing and compare it against the contract, scope, and any sample finish you agreed on. If you still disagree, get an independent opinion from a trade-qualified professional before deciding your next step.
Can I withhold payment for unsatisfactory plastering work in NZ?
It depends on the contract and the nature of the defect. Do not assume you can simply refuse to pay. Get advice, document the faults, and use the formal dispute process so you do not make the situation harder to resolve.
Should I repaint over bad plastering first and complain later?
No. Repainting can hide evidence and make it harder to assess the quality of the plastering. Photograph the defects first and keep the surface as it is until the issue is reviewed.
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.