Why render is often priced by area, and why that is only part of it
Rendering is often discussed in terms of the area of wall to be covered, because the amount of material and the time spent applying it both grow with the size of the wall. That makes area a useful starting point when you compare one job with another.
But two walls of the same size can lead to very different quotes. A plain, flat gable end with good access is a straightforward job. A front elevation broken up by windows, doors, bays, pipes and meter boxes takes longer, because every opening needs careful edges. The state of the existing wall, the height of the work and how the finish needs to look all add or remove time. So a figure based on area alone rarely tells you the full cost of a particular house.
Wall condition and preparation
Preparation is often the biggest unknown. If the wall is sound bare brick or block, it may need relatively little before rendering. If there is existing render, the question is whether it is firmly bonded. Hollow or cracked render usually has to be hacked off, which takes labour and creates waste that must be removed from site.
Once old render is off, the wall underneath may reveal damaged brickwork, old repairs or loose material that needs dealing with first. Metal beads may be fitted to corners, window reveals and the base of the render to give clean, protected edges. Any cause of damp, such as a leaking gutter or a cracked sill, should be repaired before new render goes on. Each of these steps adds to the job, which is why an accurate price usually needs someone to look at the wall in person.
Access and scaffolding
How the wall is reached has a large effect on cost. Low walls, garden walls and ground-floor sections may be reachable from steps or a platform. Anything higher needs safe, stable access, usually scaffolding or a tower, for the whole time the work is carried out.
Scaffolding may be arranged separately or through the contractor, so check whether it is part of the quote or an extra. Access also depends on the site: narrow side passages, conservatories, steep ground or neighbouring property can make setting up harder. If you are having other outside work done, such as roofing or gutter replacement, sharing scaffolding between trades can be worth discussing.
Finish and detailing around openings
The finish you choose affects the work involved. A simple, plain finish takes less time than a more decorative texture, and some finishes need additional coats or painting. Where render meets windows, doors, sills, eaves and corners, the detailing needs care to look neat and keep water out, and houses with many openings take longer for this reason.
Painting is another point to clarify. Some render is painted after it dries, which may be priced separately or carried out by a decorator. When you compare quotes, check what finish each one assumes, whether painting is included and how the edges and junctions will be treated.
Repair or full re-render
If your existing render is mostly sound, repairing the damaged areas is usually less work than re-rendering the whole wall. A patch repair suits a cracked panel under a window or a blown area near a downpipe. However, if hollow patches are widespread, repeated patching may cost more over time and look uneven.
Re-rendering a full elevation means removing the old render, preparing the whole wall and applying new render from scratch. It is a bigger job but gives a consistent finish. The render repair page explains how to tell which approach your wall needs.
Getting an exact quote
The only reliable way to know the cost of your job is to have the wall looked at. To help, gather a few photos of each wall involved, a close-up of any damage, a note of the height and access, and any history you know, such as earlier repairs or leaks.
When comparing quotes, check that each covers the same scope: removal of old render, repairs to the wall, beads, access, finish, painting and clearing away waste. If you are budgeting for indoor work as well, our plastering cost guide covers what affects interior jobs. Stephen O’Brien, based in Headcorn, offers free quotes up to 25 miles away. Call 07852 191811, Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 6:30pm.
More about this topic
Why do rendering quotes vary so much?
Quotes can be based on different assumptions about preparation, access, finish and what is included. Check each quote covers the same work, such as removing old render, repairs, beads, scaffolding and painting.
Is scaffolding included in a rendering quote?
Not always. Some contractors include it, while others expect it to be arranged separately. Ask directly so you know whether access is part of the price.
Is it cheaper to patch render than re-render?
For a small, local problem on otherwise sound render, a patch repair is usually less work. If hollow areas are spread across the wall, re-rendering may be better value in the long run.
Does old render need removing first?
Render that is loose, hollow or badly cracked usually needs removing so the new render has a sound base. Firmly bonded render can sometimes stay, but it needs checking first.
How do I get an accurate rendering quote?
Arrange for the wall to be looked at in person, and share photos, measurements if you have them, and any history of repairs or damp. Stephen offers free quotes across his area.