Extension Plastering and Rendering in Southport
Finishing extensions inside and out — rendered to match or contrast with the original house, boarded and skimmed within.
Extension Plastering and Rendering in Southport
An extension is judged on whether it looks like it has always been there or looks stuck on, and the finish decides that more than the shape does. Rendering the new work — often wrapping onto the original house so there is no visible seam — is the single most effective way to tie the two together.
Inside, it is the same story in reverse: boarded, taped and skimmed so that the new room and the old one meet without a step, a shadow line or a change of texture where the wall was opened up.
Rendering new work into old
The junction between an extension and the original house is where movement happens, because two structures of different ages and foundations never settle identically. That junction is treated as a movement joint rather than rendered straight over and hoped for.
Where the whole elevation is being rendered, the extension and the original disappear into one surface and the result is seamless. Where only the new work is rendered, we will be honest at estimate stage about how visible the transition will be.
New masonry needs time
New blockwork and brickwork hold a lot of construction moisture, and it has to get out before a render system goes over it. Render onto masonry that is still wet and you risk staining, efflorescence salting through the finish, and shrinkage cracking as the wall dries behind it.
How long depends on the season and the build. We would rather give you a realistic window than turn up early, get it on quickly and leave you with a wall that blooms white in six months.
Inside: making two rooms into one
Where a wall has been opened up and a steel installed, the new opening gets boarded and boxed so the beam disappears cleanly and the reveals line through with the existing walls. Getting the new plaster flush with the old is where most of the skill goes.
In an open-plan knock-through it is usually worth skimming the original room as well as the new one. Old walls and a brand new surface rarely match closely enough, and the difference is obvious under a run of downlights.
When to consider house extensions
- A new extension ready for rendering outside
- A knock-through where new and old walls have to meet invisibly
- An extension that stands out against the original house
- Boxing in a new steel after a wall has been opened up
- New blockwork that needs a finish that will not crack as it dries
- A garden room or outbuilding needing a proper external finish
Our work — house extensions
These photographs show our rendering and plastering work on extensions. The structural building work was carried out by others.
Questions we get asked about house extensions
How soon can a new extension be rendered?
New masonry needs to dry out first — typically several weeks, and longer through winter. Rendering too early risks efflorescence and shrinkage cracks as the wall dries behind the finish. We will give you an honest window based on when the blockwork went up and the weather since.
Can you render just the extension, not the whole house?
Yes, and it is common. Be aware the new render will not weather-match an older rendered elevation exactly. Where a seamless look matters, rendering the full elevation up to a natural break gives a far better result and we will price both.
Do you build extensions as well?
No. We are plasterers and renderers. We finish extensions inside and out and work alongside builders regularly, but the structural build itself is not our trade and we will not pretend otherwise.
Will the join between new and old show?
Not if it is detailed properly. The junction is treated as a movement joint rather than rendered straight across, because the two structures will always move slightly differently. Rendering over it rigidly is what produces the crack you see on so many extensions.
Should I skim the original room as well as the extension?
In a knock-through, usually yes. A brand new skimmed wall next to a forty-year-old one shows the difference in flatness and texture immediately, especially under downlights. It costs more up front and it is what makes the finished space read as one room.
Can you match the render colour on the existing house?
We can get close, and where the original is silicone or monocouche the match can be very good. On old painted render it is harder, because the existing colour has faded unevenly. We will show you the options honestly rather than promise an exact match.
What customers say
4.7 out of 5 from 12 reviews on Google. Every review below is verbatim from that profile.
Anthony's just finished skimming the lounge. He prepared it all thoroughly and was so conscientious throughout. He arrived punctual in the mornings and never stopped until it was finished. He's done a brilliant job the room looks immaculate. He left it so clean and tidy afterwards. We would recommend him to anyone.
Anthony has done a fantastic job on our rendering. Excellent communication from start to finish and has always been responsive. He has turned up every day early and has left the place spotless. Couldn't fault the service and would use again and recommend to others. Thank you so much.
Anthony rendered the gable wall and single storey kitchen of my house. He did an excellent job of the work. Anthony fully explained the process and where he was up to as it progressed. He made sure that surrounding area and walls were protected from any debris or render during the process and did an excellent job of cleaning up both as it progressed and at the end. Anthony was also a pleasure to deal with as a tradesman. In addition his price was really competitive compared to other renderers who quoted. When I get the rest of the house re-rendered I will certainly be using Birkdale Plastering and Rendering.
I recently had the front of my house rendered by birkdale plastering and rendering, and couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish Anthony was professional, friendly and highly skilled. The quality of the rendering is outstanding, giving my home a fresh, modern look. Anthony paid great attention to detail, kept everything tidy and completed the job on time. If you're looking for expert rendering services I highly recommend birkdale plastering and rendering. Fantastic workmanship and excellent customer service. Thank you Anthony!
Anthony did an amazing job re-rendering our bungalow. The finish is flawless, and our home looks brand new! Professional, tidy, and efficient from start to finish. Highly recommend Birkdale Plastering and Rendering. Thanks again!
Anthony is prompt, professional and friendly in nature. He arrived when he said he would and completed all plastering work to an excellent standard. He also did an amazing job with my coving. I would 100% recommend him for all plastering work 😊 ...
Related services
Silicone Rendering Systems
Breathable, through-coloured render built up over Atlas basecoat and mesh. No paint film to fail.
Read moreExternal Rendering
Re-rendering tired, cracked and blown elevations — including stripping off failed pebbledash first.
Read moreInternal Plastering
Skimming, float and set, ceilings and repairs. Flat walls that take paint evenly and stay that way.
Read moreGet a free written estimate
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. You will get an honest assessment and a written price, with no obligation and no pressure.
Get in touch
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. Free written estimate, no obligation.
- Phone 07923 545449
- Email anthony9thompson@yahoo.co.uk
- Address 2 Sheepfold Cl., Southport PR8 6RL
- Opening hours Every day, 7am – 8pm