Lime Render Costs

[youngy89]

Hi all,

Just after a bit of friendly advice.

I need to have the ground floor of my solid brick house lime rendered, following removal of the previous failed render that was letting water behind. The first floor dash render is still sound, so that is staying. The area to be rendered is around 54 sqm, although that includes window openings so the actual area is a little less. There is not too much detailed work involved — just 3 square window reveals, 2 door reveals, and a bellmouth above the DPC.

What sort of cost would you expect for a job like this? I am based in the North West if anybody has any knowledge of the pricing up here.

Thanks!

 

[a twig]

Rule of thumb I’d say £80 - £120 per square metre these days - given where you are and the fact it’s ground floor so no scaff you should be nearer £80 but that’s only a rough guide

 

[youngy89]

That’s kind of what I was thinking. Especially given its ground floor only and render has already been removed. Currently been quoted around the £150 per square metre

 

[skierhughes]

12 years ago we were paying £100s/m so for a quality tradesperson, £150 is not exorbitant.

 

[youngy89]

Ok, thanks. It’s good to know. As mentioned, never had to look into this before so I have no idea what is a high/low rate. Thanks!

 

[larry]

I found quotes varied wildly but had mine done with NHL for a bit more than £60sq m two years ago. Render was already removed and I sorted scaffolding. They've done a reasonable job but a few niggles which bother me, but they were the cheapest.

Be clear what type of lime you want though. Knowing what I know now I'd have probably considered lime putty not NHL or at least insisted they meshed the whole wall properly (which is my biggest annoyance as I actually had a roll of mesh ready).

 

[Kearn]

Not necessarily as easy as you say - lime guys won’t be wildly happy about finishing up against an existing inappropriate render above.

It may just be ground floor level, but that’s still above comfortable working height, especially with the effort of lime and the tons and tons of materials involved.

There’s also the trust required that the removal has been done to the required level, ready to plaster. Chances are that there will be prep work still needed before the scratch can go on which would be on someone’s mind.

External work also requires more tending and return visits, plus less ability to plan schedules for other work which incurs a cost.

For internal, 3 coat work, I wouldn’t expect to pay less than 160/m2 labour and mats as a guide.

I’d also add, that at this time of year all the lime guys will have fully booked schedules coming into the external operating window for lime work. Anyone who is quickly available you need to fully understand why - some things do fall through, but taking on a sizeable job like this isn’t something you just squeeze in because someone else pulled out.