Plasterer/Decorator

Job Title: Plasterer / Decorator - Voids and Repairs

Location: South Manchester

Contract Type: Temporary

Hourly Rate: ~£25 per hour

1. Job Purpose

To undertake plastering, decorating and associated internal finishing works across the housing association's housing stock, with a primary focus on void properties, responsive repairs and planned maintenance.

The postholder will be responsible for delivering high-quality plastering, preparation, painting and decorating works to ensure properties are maintained, repaired and returned to a safe, clean and lettable standard within agreed timescales.

The role will involve repairing damaged plasterwork, preparing surfaces, applying paint and decorative finishes, making good following repairs by other trades, and completing internal refurbishment works in both vacant and occupied properties.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong practical skills, attention to detail, a commitment to health and safety, and a professional, customer-focused approach when working in residents' homes.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Voids and Property Refurbishment

• Undertake plastering, painting and decorating works to void properties in accordance with the housing association's lettable standards and specifications.
• Repair damaged plaster, skim walls and ceilings, patch plasterwork and undertake other appropriate surface repairs.
• Remove loose or defective plaster and prepare surfaces for re-plastering where required.
• Prepare walls, ceilings, woodwork and other surfaces to receive paint or decorative finishes.
• Fill cracks, holes and surface imperfections, sand surfaces and apply suitable primers, sealers and undercoats.
• Apply paint, emulsion, gloss, eggshell and other specified finishes to walls, ceilings, woodwork and other surfaces.
• Carry out wallpaper stripping, hanging and other decorative works where required.
• Make good surfaces following the removal or installation of fixtures, fittings, kitchen units, bathroom components, doors, windows and other building elements.
• Complete internal finishing works to a consistent and professional standard, ensuring properties are ready for inspection and reoccupation.
• Identify and report defects that may require further investigation, including persistent dampness, suspected mould, water damage, significant cracking or possible structural movement.
• Work collaboratively with other trades to ensure void refurbishment programmes are completed efficiently and within agreed timescales.

B. Responsive Repairs and Maintenance

• Attend allocated plastering and decorating repairs in occupied properties, communal areas and other housing association premises.
• Repair damaged walls, ceilings, plasterwork, paint finishes and decorative surfaces.
• Make good following leaks, plumbing repairs, electrical works, joinery repairs and other maintenance activities.
• Carry out localised plaster repairs, filling, patching, sanding, sealing and repainting as required.
• Repair peeling, blistering, flaking or damaged paintwork, identifying and reporting any underlying causes.
• Undertake minor remedial decorating works to restore surfaces to an acceptable condition.
• Respond to urgent repairs as directed by the supervisor, prioritising issues in accordance with service requirements.
• Identify where additional work is required and report defects that fall outside the scope of the allocated repair.
• Ensure completed repairs blend appropriately with surrounding finishes wherever practicable.
• Minimise disruption to residents and ensure work areas are left clean, safe and tidy on completion.

C. Plastering and Surface Preparation

• Carry out patch plastering, skimming, rendering and other plastering works appropriate to the role and required specification.
• Prepare backgrounds and substrates to ensure suitable adhesion and a durable finish.
• Apply plaster and finishing compounds evenly, achieving a smooth and consistent surface.
• Repair damaged corners, edges, reveals and other plastered details.
• Use appropriate fillers, bonding agents, primers, sealers and preparation products.
• Assess surface conditions before applying plaster or decorative finishes.
• Identify and report excessive moisture, recurring staining, loose backgrounds, cracking or other defects that could affect the quality or durability of the work.
• Ensure adequate drying and curing times are observed before applying subsequent finishes.
• Use suitable protection to prevent damage to floors, fixtures, fittings and residents' belongings.

D. Painting and Decorating

• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, scraping, sanding, filling and priming as necessary.
• Apply decorative coatings using appropriate brushes, rollers, spray equipment or other suitable methods where authorised and competent.
• Apply the correct number of coats and observe manufacturer instructions and drying times.
• Achieve an even finish, with clean edges and appropriate coverage.
• Decorate walls, ceilings, doors, frames, skirting boards, staircases and other internal surfaces.
• Undertake minor external painting and decorating where required and within the postholder's competence.
• Select and use suitable products for different surfaces and environments in accordance with the work specification.
• Ensure colour matching and consistency with existing finishes where practicable.
• Protect completed work from damage and ensure surfaces are clean and ready for handover.
• Identify and report recurring paint failure, staining, damp-related deterioration or other underlying defects before redecorating.

E. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Complete all works to the housing association's specifications, quality standards and required timescales.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and relevant guidance for plastering materials, paints, coatings, fillers and preparation products.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets the required standard before signing off the job.
• Rectify workmanship defects identified during inspections or reported through the repairs process.
• Ensure repairs are completed right first time wherever possible, reducing repeat visits and unnecessary costs.
• Record outstanding issues and additional works required to achieve a satisfactory finish.
• Support inspections, quality checks and handover processes for void properties.
• Maintain consistent standards of workmanship across all properties and work types.

F. Resident and Customer Service

• Provide a professional, courteous and respectful service when working in residents' homes.
• Explain the work to be undertaken and communicate any delays, access requirements or additional repairs where appropriate.
• Respect residents' privacy, belongings and individual circumstances.
• Protect furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings from dust, paint, plaster and other materials.
• Keep work areas tidy and minimise disruption throughout the job.
• Ensure residents have appropriate information about any temporary restrictions or drying times that may affect the use of rooms.
• Report complaints, resident concerns, access issues and safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with the housing association's customer care policies.
• Contribute to a positive resident experience and the delivery of a reliable, customer-focused maintenance service.