Estimating the price for house rendering services

Transforming Your Home Exterior: A Guide to House Rendering

Rendering, the process of applying a smooth layer of mortar to the exterior walls of a house, can significantly enhance a property's appearance and value. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of house rendering, from costs and materials to preparation and maintenance.

Choosing the Right Render

When it comes to house rendering, variety is the spice of life. From traditional cement render to modern acrylic, silicone, and monocouche finishes, there's a render to suit every taste and budget. Acrylic render, for instance, costs on average between £50 to £70 per square metre, while lime render can set you back £70 to £100 per square metre.

Cost Considerations

The cost of house rendering can vary greatly, depending on the render type, the size of the area to be rendered, and project-specific requirements. For instance, the cost of preparation work could increase by £10 to £30 per square metre if the current surface needs significant cleaning, repairs, or removal of outdated render. Scaffolding costs may also add to the overall cost, particularly for townhouses, where they could increase the total by up to £1,500.

Weather and Location

The ideal weather for rendering is moderate and dry. Possible delays or protective measures due to less predictable weather patterns may increase costs. Additionally, labour and material prices in urban areas, especially London and the South East of England, are typically greater compared to rural locations.

Finding the Right Tradesperson

For house rendering, the best tradesperson to hire are plasterers, preferably time served with City and Guilds qualifications. For external wall insulation, approach some EWI companies directly. In the United Kingdom, companies offering exterior plastering services for houses can be found through regional building and renovation firms, which can often be contacted directly via their websites or local listings.

Minimising Long-term Costs

Higher-quality materials may cost more upfront but last longer and require less maintenance, making them more cost-effective in the long term. For instance, while cement-based render may need to be painted every four years as part of ongoing maintenance costs, finishes like acrylic, silicone, or monocouche may just require a hydro wash every 4-5 years.

Value Added by Rendering

Enhancements in appearance, such as rendering, can raise a property's value straight away. The precise value added will vary based on factors including the type of render, quality of craftsmanship, and the local housing market.

Renovation Projects: Potential Pitfalls

Additional costs in renovation projects can be caused by insufficient surface preparation, repairs, incompatibility of materials, and unforeseen issues. To avoid these pitfalls, it's essential to invite companies or tradespeople to the project so they can see the work required, including any access issues, hacking off, and repairs. Get a minimum of four written quotations when pricing any element of building work. Always allow a contingency sum of at least 15% for a renovation project to cover unexpected challenges.

The Great British Insulation Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme, managed by Ofgem, is a government programme that helps British homes become more energy-efficient. Its aim is to combat fuel poverty and lower energy costs.

In conclusion, rendering your home can be a rewarding investment, not only in terms of increased property value but also in the enhancement of its aesthetic appeal. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision about the type of render, the costs involved, and the tradesperson best suited to your project.