Poor Plasterer - My Ceiling Just Collapsed - Resolved and restored :)

[Boat]

I have artex ceiling throughout my house which I wanted to get smooth

 

When the plasterer came around he said that he would simple apply bonding, then skim the ceiling to a smooth finish.

 

I suggested that he reboard the ceiling and then skim, however he was adamant that just skimming would be fine 'as he does this all the time'.

 

Well less than 24hrs after skimming my room, the entire ceiling collapsed (with my mother in the room)

 

I immediately called the plasterer and he tried to sherk responsibility.. then begrudgingly stated that he will come around later to inspect the ceiling

 

I found this guy on a website like check-a-trade and I paid him via cash (never again)

 

I would like to cover all my bases, so I would like advice on what I should do in this situation

 

He said that I can clean up the plaster, but I have left it on the floor as proof and am I right in saying that he should be responsible for the clean up?

 

[citizenB]

Does he have insurance ?

 

I would say yes, he is responsible for the clean up.

[Old Cogger]

check a trade, -- yuk never again will I either, they are just advertising their own so called skills and pay the site for the response use of it.

 

need a proper site that has Real tradesmen advertising with Full Apprenticeship 5 years at least like old time hands on), and at least 10 years experience.

[Boat]

Does he have insurance ?

 

I would say yes, he is responsible for the clean up.

Update

 

He came over and stated that 'he couldn't have foreseen the ceiling collapse, as he did not know whether paper was underneath the artex

 

Interestingly, when I asked whether my kitchen and bedroom ceiling would collapse, he said 'No' as he checked and their was no paper.

 

Nevertheless, the plasterer has agreed to return tomorrow morning to sort out the ceiling at no cost, so that's a positive sign

 

check a trade, -- yuk never again will I either, they are just advertising their own so called skills and pay the site for the response use of it.

 

need a proper site that has Real tradesmen advertising with Full Apprenticeship 5 years at least like old time hands on), and at least 10 years experience.

I agree

[maroondevo52]

Update

 

He came over and stated that 'he couldn't have foreseen the ceiling collapse, as he did not know whether paper was underneath the artex

 

 

Have to say I'd tend to agree with that quote, unless he was positive there was no paper under the Artex then there was no way he was to know it would soak through and pull the new plaster down.

Having said that, he should have made sure in the first place (not always easy to tell) and It's right he comes back and does the job again.

 

Hopefully you'll get it sorted out tomorrow.

[Boat]

Update:

 

I'm glad to say that everything has been sorted now. The plaster was apologetic and he's done a fine job with the ceiling

 

I offered him some cash and a drink, but he refused. Nice chap and will definitely use again (assuming the other rooms don't collapse:)

 

Finally, thanks guys for your help and advice.. You're always brilliant!

[citizenB]

Very pleased to hear this has now been resolved I will amend your thread title to reflect this.

[maroondevo52]

Glad you got that sorted Boat