Yes. The Standard System requires separate measurement for different types of plaster finishes. Roughcast, textured, sponge-float, or wood-float finishes vary significantly from smooth trowelled finishes in terms of application method, material consumption, and labour intensity. These are measured in square metres, and the finish must be fully described in the BOQ to ensure accurate pricing. Grouping unlike finishes under a single rate could result in under-recovery of cost or future disputes.

It should be measured separately. Plaster features such as shadow-line details, cornices, bands, or coves are decorative elements that require precision moulding and skilled labour. These are not part of the general wall plastering and are typically measured in linear metres. Their description must clearly define the profile, location, and whether they are formed in-situ or prefabricated. This ensures the pricing reflects the added complexity and craftsmanship.

Not ideally. While small offsets and minor undulations are generally absorbed within the standard rate, extensive architectural features—such as pilasters, deep recesses, or projecting bands—require extra labour and careful execution. These should be measured separately to recognise the time and detail required to apply plaster to irregular surfaces, corners, and shadow lines.

While still measured by area, sloped surfaces should be described separately where they influence working conditions, access, or material usage. Stairwells, raked ceilings, or irregular angles may require scaffolding, special trowelling techniques, or increased setup time. Highlighting these in the BOQ allows for appropriate pricing and avoids assumptions based on flat horizontal work.

Reinforcement mesh—whether metal lathing or fibre mesh—must be measured separately in square metres. It’s not included in the standard plaster rate because it adds material cost, installation time, and often requires additional fixings. The plaster applied over mesh is measured as normal, but the BOQ must specify the type of mesh, its location, and whether it’s applied to all or only high-risk areas.

Yes, but only if the individual openings exceed 0.5m² each. Smaller openings are deemed included under the general area. For larger openings, the area is deducted from wall measurements, while additional surfaces—such as reveals, soffits, and sills—must be measured separately. Reveals are usually in square metres or linear metres depending on their width and geometry. Accurate deduction ensures neither overstatement nor under-valuation of plastering quantities.

Yes. Flush edges, arises, reveals, chamfers, or any other special edge treatment require precision work and are not included in flat surface plastering. These details are usually measured in linear metres, with the profile and size fully described in the BOQ. Overlooking these may lead to under-pricing and disputes during interim valuations or final accounts.

No. Although both are measured by area, plastering to soffits, beams, or stair undersides is treated as a separate category. These areas involve different access methods (e.g., overhead working), different substrate bonding preparation, and often more challenging finishing. Each component should be clearly identified (e.g., “plastering to soffit of slab” or “underside of beam”) and measured individually to allow accurate costing.

Yes, potentially. While measurement is still based on surface area, the method of application—particularly if proprietary or non-traditional—must be noted in the description. Spray-applied finishes can differ in texture, thickness, curing time, and application speed. If this method results in a material cost or labour variance, it may justify a separate rate or extra-over allowance.

No. Colour banding, texturing, or multi-layered finishes require additional masking, precision work, and staging. Each band—particularly if using different pigment or plaster types—must be described and measured separately. This level of detailing has a significant cost implication and cannot be grouped under basic wall plastering.

No. Formed drip edges, throats, or weathering grooves in plaster require added labour, often involve the use of formers or templates, and introduce a greater degree of skill. These are measured separately in linear metres and should be described with size and location. Failure to identify them may result in contractors excluding them from base pricing or undervaluing their effort.

Not unless the coats serve distinct functional purposes. Under the Standard System of Measuring Building Work (7th Edition), a plastering system—whether it involves two or three coats—is typically measured as a single composite item, described simply as "2-coat" or "3-coat" plaster. The measurement assumes that the application of all coats forms part of a unified plastering process, regardless of whether they are applied on the same day or over multiple days.

However, if the specification calls for different types of materials or performance characteristics for each coat—such as a waterproof base coat, a thermal insulation layer, or a fire-resistant undercoat—then those coats are no longer part of a single standard system. In such cases, each functional layer must be measured and described separately to ensure clarity, proper pricing, and correct sequencing on site. Staging the coats over different days does not, on its own, justify separate measurement—this is more a matter of the contractor’s method and programme rather than a change in scope.

Yes. Additives like water-resisting agents, bonding liquids, plasticisers, or retarders represent a change in material and should be measured either separately or as an extra-over item. The BOQ should clearly specify where these are required (e.g., “plaster with water-resisting additive to wet areas”) to ensure the contractor applies correct rates and avoids claims for extras.

No. Decorative or ornamental plasterwork—such as ceiling roses, scrolls, and medallions—is highly specialised and falls outside the scope of general ceiling plastering. These items are typically measured in number, with detailed descriptions regarding size, pattern, and installation method. They often require moulds or templates and should be treated as a separate trade element in the BOQ.

Not quite. Rhinolite is a proprietary finish and must be described by name or type in the BOQ. While still measured in square metres, it should not be grouped with standard cement-based plaster. Its one-coat application, lower thickness, and smooth finish differ in labour and material characteristics and should be reflected in the item description.

Yes. Where surfaces require special bonding agents or primers before the Rhinolite is applied (e.g., over painted, smooth concrete, or previously finished surfaces), the Standard System allows for this preparatory work to be measured separately. The bonding coat should be described with product type and application method and priced distinctly from the plaster layer.

Yes. If a different material—such as a moisture-resistant or waterproof plaster—is used in lieu of standard Rhinolite, and it differs in cost, performance, or installation method, it must be measured separately. Changes like this constitute a variation, and the new item should be described clearly in terms of its technical characteristics and area of application.

Not ideally. Even if the same plaster product is used, the substrates differ significantly in preparation and fixing method. Plaster over drywall (e.g., jointing and skim) and plaster over concrete soffits (e.g., bonded skim coat) should be measured as separate items. This distinction helps capture variations in cost, labour, and required thickness.

No. Forming neat arrises, returns, reveals, or recessed details—particularly with a lightweight plaster—requires extra care and labour. These should be measured in linear metres where they fall outside standard wall or ceiling surfaces, with a description of the profile or edge treatment required.

Mock-ups are typically not measured in the BOQ unless explicitly included in the preliminaries or instructed as a provisional item. However, if the mock-up was requested or required by the Architect post-tender, and no prior provision existed, it may be considered a variation. If the substrate inconsistency was foreseeable or within the contractor’s control, it becomes more of a contractual debate than a measurement issue. QS judgment and contract review are key.

No. Venetian plaster—especially over curved surfaces—is a specialist finish requiring multi-layered application, burnishing, and sometimes tinting or waxing. This type of work falls under decorative or specialist finishes and must be measured separately with precise descriptions. Columns and curved surfaces must also be measured by surface area and not grouped with standard flat wall rates.

The Standard System generally treats patch repairs and chasing as part of the background preparation and expects the final plaster to be measured as a single continuous finish. However, if the extent of surface irregularity is significant and requires a scratch coat or re-profiling before final plastering, a case can be made for a two-coat system with each layer described. This should ideally be identified early through inspection and provisional quantities.

Not under standard rules. The Standard System measures plastering by area (m²), with decorative features sometimes measured in linear metres or by number. Weight-based measurement is not used unless dealing with pre-cast or off-site fabricated elements under a supply contract. For sculptural forms, the QS must work with the design team to determine how best to quantify the work, likely as provisional items with detailed descriptions and potential lump sum allowances.