Several types of ceiling problems would require immediate attention to protect your home. Some of the most common types of damage include:
- Ceiling Stains - A common cause of ceiling stain is water. This may be caused by leaky pipes or leaking roofs. At other times, clogged roof gutters can soak up the wall, leaving brown stains on your wall.
- Cracks - These are often due to temperature fluctuation in the building's attic or the room's settling temperature. These factors cause consistent expansion and contraction of the ceiling after a prolonged period, resulting in the appearance of cracks. It is best to apply fresh plaster once you notice a crack.
- Sagging ceiling - Water is a leading cause of this kind of problem, which occurs when it pools at a point on the roof, with the weight causing the ceiling to sag.
- Paint peeling - This occurs as a result of age. After many years, the paint on the ceiling will start to peel. You would notice paint flakes on the floor when this happens.
How Much Does a Typical Ceiling Work Cost?
Ceiling work costs vary based on the work to be done and the type of tools and materials to be used. It also depends on your location, as labor rates differ from state to state. The cost of ceiling installation ranges from $600 to about $1800. On average, it costs $1310 regardless of the type of ceiling installation, whether it is drywall, tray, or drop ceiling. Ask your contractor for their specific charges, which you can also compare with other contractors near you to get the best deal.
Below are some types of ceiling and their approximate installation costs per square foot:
For ceiling repairs, the average cost is typically within the range of $352 to $1254. Repairs may cost between $60 and $90 per hour charge for a professional repair service. The average price range for ceiling repair per square foot is between $45 and $90. Nevertheless, it usually depends on the kind of repair needed and how much ceiling space is required to be repaired. Also, it may cost more to repair the ceiling of some sections of the house such as the bathroom and garage in keeping with best building practices. Some common ceiling repairs and their costs per square foot are listed below:
What are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Ceiling Work?
The most crucial factors that affect the cost of ceiling work include;
- Cost of labor - Minimum wages affect the cost of labor for typical ceiling work. In states where the minimum wage is higher, the cost of installation is higher. The reverse is the case in states where the minimum wage is lower.
- The type of work required - The extent and scope of work needed also play a crucial role in determining ceiling work costs. Work that only involves patching of a hairline crack would consume much less material and require less labor to complete. On the other hand, certain works such as repairs of sagging ceilings would require much resources.
- The type of ceiling - The kind of ceiling in question also determines what the cost will be. For instance, the cost of repairs for a suspended ceiling would vary from the cost of repair for conventional ceilings and so on.
- The type of material - Whether it is wood, ceiling tins, drywall, or any other material, different ceiling materials have their different costs, and the cost of the material influences the general cost of ceiling installation or repairs. Some house areas may also demand specific ceiling materials. For example, your bathroom ceiling may require water-resistant materials and so may cost more than the sitting room.
What Qualifications Should a Licensed Ceiling Work Contractor Have?
Ceiling work contractors do not require any formal education. The basic education they have for the job is often through on-the-job training, internship, or apprenticeship. On-the-job training involves working under a more experienced contractor to acquire the skills and knowledge to practice the trade. While for internships, there is a combination of on-the-job training with the right formal instruction. The apprenticeship would usually last for about 2-4 years.
Most bodies that offer apprenticeships would often require candidates to have at least a GED or a high school certificate before they qualify to join a formal apprenticeship. For advancements, there are various training and certification options available to such contractors. According to the recruitment expert firm, Zippia, about 8.6% of ceiling installers have a bachelor's degree, while 2.9% have a master's degree. Still, a high school diploma is a standard qualification among contractors.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Ceiling Work Contractors Professional?
A ceiling work contractor is a specialist while a handyman is not. It is recommended to use a ceiling work contractor near you when you are looking for a nicely completed job that meets all the requirements of your local building codes and safety measures.
What are Common Post Ceiling Work Expenses?
Ceiling work expenditure does not end after the installation of the ceiling. Depending on how neatly the work was executed, you may still spend some money and time on post-ceiling work exercises. The typical post ceiling work expenses include:
- Painting of the walls: if the wall was scratched or dirtied considerably during the ceiling work, you might have to repaint parts of the wall. At other times, you may consider repainting the whole house to ensure that the walls are evenly painted.
- Cleaning: The ceiling work contractor has the responsibility of leaving your home reasonably clean after the installation. However, not all contractors do this. Besides, after they might have cleaned up the place, your home furnishings may still be covered with fine dust. To clean up the house thoroughly, you could either do it yourself or hire a professional cleaner.
- Waste disposal: Ceiling work contractors may dump the debris from the installation outside of your house. This is not environmentally friendly and the debris should be disposed of properly. You should contact a local waste disposal service to attend to this.
Does Your Insurance Cover Ceiling Work Expenses?
The answer to whether homeowner insurance covers ceiling work or not is not clear-cut. Your insurance will generally cover your ceiling work if it is due to an accident or act of nature. If problems arise from a roof that has exceeded its lifespan or from wear and tear, insurance will not cover it. This is because the deterioration falls under the general maintenance of your property, which is expected of you.
Can I Use Digital Payment To Pay My Ceiling Work contractor?
Ceiling repair contractors near you are likely to accept digital payments such as bank transfers and debit/credit cards. Compared to traditional means of payment such as paper checks, digital payments are more efficient, faster, and more secure. You no longer need to depend on banks' working hours and other protocols to get your transactions done as you can process payments with just a few simple clicks on a mobile app. The use of digital payment continues to gain acceptance among small business owners including ceiling installers. According to an eMarketer survey, total mobile payment in 2019 is over $98 billion, from $12.8 billion in 2012. However, some small businesses are yet to embrace such means of payment. Endeavor to verify from your contractor, to know which payment option suits them.