I have had three quotes to pebbledash my bungalow and don't know who to pick - one at £1900, one at £900 and one at £650! The most expensive one mentioned putting the cement mix on over metal grilling to hold it in place + PVA. The second two both mentioned PVA but no metal grills. I am no expert in pebbledashing - Help!

Confused Kate, February 2010

A few ponits that need to said.
1 - make sure any metal products used, ie. angle beads, mesh is stainless steel as people do not know that the galvanized metal products are for inside use only. DO NOT USE CHICKEN WIRE a product call EML should be used. Expanded Metal Lath

2 - if PVA is used make sure they are using exterior grade which is waterproof and must be mixed in with cement. Normal pva should not be used outside for this application as it is waterbased, for best results a product call SBR should be used and is not much more in cost.

3 - There is no need to pva between coats of render.

4 - Make sure any sand used is not all fine grade, the mix should be 1 fine to 3 or 4 medium grade sand.

5 - If the builders you have chosen want the work and are profesionals, they should have have supplied you with a work schdule discribing the complete contract from start to finish. If they haven't, Ask for it and to include products intended for use.

6 - Make sure the builder you choose has supplied the schdule, products to be used, any terms and cond;s plus a payment schdule. if you are happy with all of this get both you and the builder to sign and date both your copy and his as this will form a legal binding document which both of you must then fullfil.

Also as a general rule, if its not writen down in the contract its not included in the price.
hope this helps.

www.simplybuildbetter.co.uk, February 2010

Dfficult not knowing how much work is involved.
Any loose material should be removed prior to PVA application.

What ever of the £650 or £900 estimates PVA mix must be applied to the brickwork and subsequent coats who ever does it the job, [£1900 on the first coat and subsequent coats as they use mesh] and when the first coat of cement is applied min 1/2in that should be scratched to form key for second coat and when dry PVA same as first coat. Then final coat stone coat applied, some apply 3 coats.
You have to establish if the estimates don't show this how they are going to do the job. Make it clear to each of them that what price they have submitted is what you expect to pay and will not accept any 'add on's'
Can't comment on the use of chickwire/mess or whatever it is as I've never seen it done with that but only a reference of pebbledash being removed.
Ask for references and with the 900 and 1900 negotiate for cash. Usually 25% is asked for to start off then 25% half way through with final amount paid on completion. Sorry but must add this if you withold the final payment for no good reason then you may find you are liable for interest on the money owed.

BB, February 2010