FAQ
Questions and answers
Straight answers about the work, the process and the estimate.
What areas do you cover?
LS Plastering & Finishes works across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, for both residential and commercial projects.
Are estimates free?
Yes. Estimates are free and written for your actual project rather than taken from a price list.
Are you insured?
Yes, the business is fully insured.
What is the difference between plaster and drywall finishing?
Veneer plaster is a hard coat applied over blueboard across the whole surface. Drywall finishing builds up compound at the seams and fasteners only. Both can be painted; they behave differently under light and impact.
Do you take on small repairs?
Yes. Cracks, holes and water damaged sections are regular work alongside larger plastering and drywall projects.
What do you need to give me a price?
Photos of the area, rough measurements, the town and state, and a short description of what you want the finished surface to look like.
Do you work on commercial projects as well as homes?
Yes. LS Plastering & Finishes works on both residential and commercial spaces.
Can you work as a subcontractor for a general contractor?
Yes. Send the scope, location, schedule window and any plans or photos, and you will receive a free estimate for that scope.
What should I send to get an estimate?
Photos of the walls or ceilings, rough sizes, the town and state, and a short description of the finish you want.
Do you clean up afterwards?
Yes. Floors and openings are protected during the work and the area is cleaned before it is handed back.
Service specific questions
Veneer Plaster & Blueboard
Is veneer plaster harder than a drywall finish?
Yes. A cured veneer plaster surface is denser and more resistant to everyday knocks than joint compound over paper tape.
Can veneer plaster be painted?
Yes. It is normally primed and painted once it has dried, following the paint manufacturer's guidance for new plaster.
Does the whole room have to be blueboard?
Plaster performs best over blueboard, so mixed surfaces are reviewed on site or from photos before the estimate is written.
Skim Coating
Can you skim coat over textured ceilings?
Often yes, once the texture is assessed. Some coatings need to be scraped or stabilized first, which is confirmed before work starts.
Is skim coating cheaper than new drywall?
It depends on the condition of the existing surface. Both options are quoted on the actual project rather than a fixed rate.
How much dust does it make?
Preparation and sanding create dust, so floors and openings are protected and the area is cleaned at the end.
Drywall Installation
Do you also finish what you hang?
Yes, hanging and finishing can be quoted together or separately depending on what the project needs.
Can you work from a general contractor's schedule?
Scope, location and the schedule window are discussed before the estimate so expectations are clear on both sides.
Do you install moisture or fire rated board?
The board type is matched to the room and the specification for the project.
Drywall Finishing
What is a level 5 finish?
It adds a thin skim over the whole surface so joints and field read the same under critical light. It is described in plain terms in our guide.
Do you prime as well?
Priming is normally handled by the painter, but the surface is left ready for primer.
Can you finish work another crew hung?
Yes, after the existing board is reviewed from photos or on site.
Plaster & Drywall Repairs
Can a repair be invisible?
A well blended repair usually disappears once painted, though very glossy paint and strong side light are the hardest conditions.
Do you paint the repair?
Repairs are left ready for paint. Painting is discussed case by case.
Do you repair old horsehair plaster?
Older plaster is common in this region and is assessed before the estimate so the right repair method is used.
Ready for a straight answer on your walls?
Send photos and a short description. Estimates are free and specific to your actual project.