Fahison
Missing mesh at joints
High- Cause:
- Forgotten or saving on materials.
- Impact:
- Long cracks that keep returning however often you repaint.
Stage 4: Finishing WorksPlaster Inspection
Plaster Inspection
In 3 Stages
From preparing the wall before plastering, to the plaster while it is still fresh, to the final inspection before painting. And if you are dealing with the plastering contractor directly, we sit down with them before work starts and set the plan.
From 700 AED
80+items across 3 stages
3–5hours per inspection
3+1inspections and pre-planning
- Specialised Engineers
- Photo Report
- All Emirates
What Does Plaster Cover?Illustration
Hides defects if not inspectedWhat we inspect in this service
What Is Plaster Inspection?
Plaster is the cement and sand layer that covers blockwork and concrete and prepares the wall for putty and paint or for cladding. The plaster inspection is an engineering visit in which our engineers check the quality of this layer. It is carried out in three stages because each stage has its own mistakes, and some of them cannot be detected once the next layer covers them.
The inspection matters because plaster defects do not disappear; they carry through to the paint: a wavy wall shows its waves under the light, cracks reappear after a few weeks, and plaster that has separated from the blockwork cracks and falls off over time.
Pre-Planning and the Three Inspections
Start by planning with the plastering contractor before work begins, then the inspections at the right time. Each service can be booked on its own.
Before the Plastering Contractor
Pre-Planning with the Plastering Contractor
For: Owners who deal directly with subcontractors (owner-builders).
When: Before the Plastering Contractor starts work.
Our engineers sit down with the plastering contractor on site before work begins to align standards, explain quality requirements and agree on the correct method of execution, so you avoid common mistakes and guesswork from the start.
What Do We Agree on with the Contractor?
Acceptance Criteria
We explain to the contractor how their work will be accepted, before they start.
Surface Preparation
Mesh at joints, spatterdash coat, and a clean, dampened surface.
Levels & Thickness
How flatness, corners and the required thickness will be controlled.
Method of Execution
Work sequence between rooms and facades, and finishing around openings.
Water Curing
Who is responsible for spraying with water, and for how many days.
Inspection Schedule
When we come back for the preparation inspection, the pre-drying inspection and the final inspection.
What Does Pre-Planning Prevent?
Guesswork
Every contractor works their own way if you have not agreed the standards with them.
Rework
Correcting a mistake before it happens is cheaper than breaking out the plaster and redoing it.
Disputes with the Contractor
Requirements are clear and agreed before execution, not after.
Inspection 1 of 3
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Preparation Before Plaster
When: After the blockwork and services are complete, and before the contractor starts the plaster work.
Plaster is only as good as what lies beneath it. Any shortfall in preparation shows up later as hollow spots and cracks, and after plastering it can only be fixed by breaking out.
Key Items We Inspect From over 80 items across the three stages
Mesh at Joints
Where blockwork meets columns and beams, and over service chases.
Surface Cleanliness
Free of dust, oil and mortar residue.
Spatter Dash Coat
Covers the entire surface and is well bonded.
Screeds and Corners
Corner beads and level points set with a level before starting.
Services
Electrical boxes and pipes secured and not protruding beyond the wall line.
Wetting the Surface
Blockwork sprayed with water before plastering so it doesn't absorb water from the mix.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Weak or incomplete spatter dash
High- Cause:
- Rushed work or a weak mix.
- Impact:
- Plaster detaching from the blockwork (hollow spots).
Protruding services
Medium- Cause:
- Pipes and boxes not set at the correct level.
- Impact:
- Thin plaster over them that cracks.
Inspection 2 of 3
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After Application, Before Drying
When: Immediately after the plaster is applied to the walls, and during the curing days.
While the plaster is still fresh it can be corrected easily without breaking out, and it's a chance to check thickness and curing before mistakes set in.
Key Items We Inspect From over 80 items across the three stages
Thickness
Layer thickness matches the specifications, neither more nor less.
Flatness
Running a straightedge over the fresh surface to reveal waviness.
Corners and Angles
Straight corners and square angles before it dries.
Water Curing
Spraying the plaster with water regularly during the curing days.
Heat Protection
Protecting walls exposed to sun and wind from drying too fast.
Around Openings
Finishing around doors, windows and boxes.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Neglected water curing
Medium- Cause:
- Plaster left to dry too fast.
- Impact:
- Hairline cracks that appear under the paint.
Incorrect thickness
Medium- Cause:
- Screeds not followed.
- Impact:
- Thick layers crack and thin ones are weak.
Correctable waviness
Medium- Cause:
- Rushed work and too little use of the straightedge.
- Impact:
- Easy to correct now; after drying it needs redoing.
Inspection 3 of 3
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Final Inspection Before Painting
When: After the plaster has dried, and before the painter starts the filler.
The last chance before filler and paint cover the defects. A wavy wall shows its waviness under lighting, and detached plaster cracks and falls over time.
Key Items We Inspect From over 80 items across the three stages
Surface Flatness
Running a straightedge over walls and ceilings to reveal waviness.
Wall Plumb
Checking with a level and laser that the wall isn't leaning.
Angles and Corners
Square room corners and straight corner edges.
Bond and Hollowness
Tapping the surface to detect detached plaster.
Cracks
Crack type, direction and width, and whether it needs further study.
Moisture and Salts
Measuring wall moisture and detecting efflorescence before painting.
Most Common Problems at This Stage
Hollow and detached plaster
High- Cause:
- Weak spatter dash or an unclean surface when plastering.
- Impact:
- Cracking and pieces falling over time.
Crooked corners and angles
Medium- Cause:
- Corner angles not set with a level.
- Impact:
- Problems installing cabinets, tiles and gypsum.
Efflorescence and moisture
Medium- Cause:
- Trapped moisture or salts in the materials.
- Impact:
- White stains and peeling paint.
Equipment We Use
From the Fahison equipment featured on our home page.
Spirit LevelLaser LevelSquare RulerCrack Width GaugeMoisture MeterSounding HammerThermal Imaging Camera
Tips Before the Inspection
To help you get more out of the visit.
Do
- Request the inspection before the painter starts applying putty.
- Book all three inspections if you want full coverage of this stage.
- Have the drawings ready if available.
Avoid
- Delaying the inspection until after putty, because defects disappear under it.
- Starting plaster work before the preparation and mesh inspection.
- Accepting crack repairs with putty alone without knowing their cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Plaster Inspection.
Is every crack in plaster dangerous?
No. Most hairline cracks are superficial and caused by drying, but diagonal, wide or recurring cracks at joints need assessment by our engineers to find their cause before repair.
What is pre-planning?
An on-site session with the plastering contractor before they start, where we agree on quality standards, method of execution and inspection dates. Suitable for owners dealing with subcontractors directly, from AED 500.
Do I have to book all three inspections?
No, you can book any one of them on its own. But all three together cover the whole stage, because preparation mistakes, for example, cannot be seen once the plaster is applied.
How long does the inspection take?
3 to 5 hours.
How many items do you inspect?
More than 80 inspection items across the three plaster stages.
Do you inspect every room?
Yes, our engineers go through the walls and ceilings of the home according to the agreed inspection scope.
The contractor said putty will cover the defects. Is that true?
Putty only covers very small defects. Waviness, out-of-square corners and hollow-sounding plaster cannot be fixed with putty, and they show after painting.
How much does a plaster inspection cost?
From AED 700.
Inspections in the Same Stage
Finishing Works.
Plastering Finished?
Book the inspection before the painter starts, and we will arrange a visit time with you.