How to Start a Plastering Business in the UK

Plastering is a skilled trade with consistent demand from both residential and commercial clients. Good plasterers are always in demand, and the barriers to starting your own business are relatively low once you have the skills. Here is how to set up properly.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Plastering — the standard industry qualification
• City & Guilds in Plastering
• CSCS card — required on most construction sites
• Specialist skills — dry lining, rendering, ornamental plasterwork

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Most plasterers start as sole traders. If you work as a subcontractor, CIS applies. A limited company may become beneficial at higher profit levels.

Registering with HMRC

Register for Self Assessment within three months. CIS registration for subcontractor work — deductions are 20% (registered) or 30% (unregistered) on the labour portion. VAT at £90,000 turnover. The domestic reverse charge applies for construction services supplied to VAT-registered, CIS-registered businesses.

Insurance

• Public liability — £1–5 million minimum. Essential for all plastering work.
• Employers' liability — if you employ anyone
• Tools insurance — plastering tools and equipment
• Vehicle insurance — commercial cover
• Personal accident — covers income loss from injury

Expect £300–£800 per year.

Claimable Expenses

• Materials — plaster, PVA, beading, mesh, bonding, finishing compounds, render
• Tools — trowels, hawks, floats, mixing drills, stilts, buckets, spot boards
• Vehicle costs — fuel, insurance, maintenance, or 45p per mile
• Scaffold and platform hire — for high-level work
• PPE and workwear — dust masks, goggles, overalls
• CSCS card and training
• Insurance premiums
• Waste disposal
• Phone and communications
• Marketing — van livery, website, local advertising
• Home office costs
• Subcontractor payments
• Accountancy fees

Accounted tracks your expenses and matches receipts to transactions automatically.

Industry-Specific Tax Tips

CIS Deductions

Keep every CIS statement. Deductions count towards your tax bill. Always separate labour and materials on invoices.

Capital Allowances

Larger equipment — mixing stations, scaffold systems — qualifies for Annual Investment Allowance.

Seasonal Patterns

Rendering and external plastering are seasonal (better weather conditions required). Plan your cash flow around quieter winter months.

Building Your Business

• Quality work — plastering quality is immediately visible. Excellent work generates referrals.
• Checkatrade, MyBuilder — online directories
• Partnerships — builders, decorators, and other trades refer plastering work
• Before-and-after photos — social media content
• Commercial contracts — new builds and renovations provide volume work

Bookkeeping Tips

• Separate business and personal finances
• Record all CIS deductions
• Track materials costs by job
• Reconcile bank account weekly
• Set aside 25–30% of profits for tax

Accounted is built for UK tradespeople. It understands CIS and keeps your records ready for tax time.

Key Deadlines

• 19th monthly — CIS returns (if engaging subcontractors)
• 31 January — Self Assessment and payment
• 31 July — second payment on account
• Quarterly — VAT returns if registered

Getting Started

Plastering is a rewarding trade with strong demand. Get qualified, get insured, register with HMRC, and keep your records smooth from day one.

Ready to smooth out your plastering finances? Sign up for Accounted and let Penny handle the bookkeeping.