If you are having plastering done before painting, yes — your plasterer should be insured. In New Zealand, insurance is one of the simplest ways to protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind if something goes wrong.
Plastering often happens close to finished surfaces, windows, flooring, and existing paintwork. Even careful work can involve dust, spills, cracking, or accidental damage, so it pays to know what cover the contractor has before the job starts.
Why insurance matters for plastering work
Plastering is prep work, but it is still hands-on trade work with real risk. A dropped trowel, cracked wall section, accidental mark on carpet, or water-related issue can quickly become expensive if the person doing the job is not properly insured.
For homeowners, the main concern is not just the plaster itself — it is what happens around it. If the work affects neighbouring property, common areas, or valuable interior finishes, insurance helps reduce the chance of a dispute becoming a costly problem.
- protects against accidental damage to your home during the job
- helps cover injury or liability issues on site
- gives you more confidence before painting starts
- can help avoid delays if a mistake needs to be put right
What insurance should a plasterer have?
At a minimum, ask whether the plasterer has public liability insurance. This is the most relevant cover for many residential jobs because it relates to damage or injury caused during the work. For larger or more complex projects, other forms of cover may also be relevant depending on the contractor and the site setup.
Do not be shy about asking for proof. A professional tradesperson should be comfortable explaining their cover and what it does or does not include. If the answer is vague, that is worth paying attention to.
- public liability insurance
- worker injury cover and compliance with site requirements
- any subcontractor cover if they use others on the job
- confirmation that the insurer is current, not expired
Insurance is only one part of getting the prep right
A plasterer being insured does not automatically mean the finish will be good. Homeowners should also look for clear communication, tidy site protection, proper surface preparation, and experience with the type of substrate in the home.
In Auckland homes, especially older villas and renovated properties, prep can be just as important as the plaster itself. Hairline cracks, uneven surfaces, previous patching, moisture history, and old coatings all affect the final paint finish. A good plastering job should be smooth, well-bonded, and ready for priming and painting.
- check that floors, trims, and furniture will be protected
- ask how cracks, gaps, or previous repairs will be handled
- confirm the surface will be ready for primer before painting
- make sure the scope is clear before work begins
When to call Steve
If you are not sure whether your plastering prep is suitable for painting, or you want a second opinion before work starts, call Steve. He is a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter, and he can help you understand what quality prep looks like and whether the plastering is up to standard for a lasting finish.
Steve can also talk through practical issues like protecting your home, spotting common prep faults, and making sure the job is ready for paint without surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for a plasterer not to be insured in NZ?
Not every job is automatically illegal, but working without appropriate insurance puts the homeowner at risk. It is sensible to choose an insured plasterer whenever possible.
Should I ask for a certificate of insurance?
Yes. Ask for proof of current cover and check that it applies to the type of work being done on your property.
Does insurance guarantee a good plaster finish?
No. Insurance helps protect against accidents and liability, but skill, preparation, and experience are what determine the finish.
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.