COST GUIDES
How much does ceiling repair cost in 2026?
Updated 07/26
Curious about ceiling repair and replacement costs? Many older ceilings suffering from water damage, cracks, cheap unappealing finishes and some even containing dangerous asbestos fibres.
That means replacing your ceiling is an opportunity to not only introduce your own style but also to safety proof and future proof an integral part of your home.
Fast Facts
Repairing a small patch of ceiling costs an average of just £175
Replacing a full ceiling costs an average of £700
Repairing a ceiling with extensive water damage is most expensive, costing an average of £1,550
If the problem is purely cosmetic or due to structural issues, there are many costs to consider when repairing or replacing your ceiling. These include the size of your room, whether you only need a small repair, or if your ceiling needs to be completely re-plastered.
Read on to discover costs as well as important factors to consider.
Average price of ceiling repair and replacement
| Ceiling repair costs | Unit | Cost +VAT (low range) | Cost +VAT (high range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacing a ceiling | Per project | £400 | £1,000 | £700 |
| Replace whole ceiling in a small box room | Per project | £400 | £600 | £500 |
| Replace a whole ceiling in a large room | Per project | £750 | £1,000 | £875 |
| Small patch and repair work | Per project | £150 | £200 | £175 |
| Remedial simple repairs | Per m | - | - | £11 |
| Plaster a small ceiling | Per project | £200 | £350 | £275 |
| Plaster a medium ceiling | Per project | £280 | £440 | £360 |
| Plaster a large ceiling | Per project | £425 | £1,150 | £725 |
| Water leak ceiling repair (including electrician attending, moving light, and fixing new plasterboard) | Per project | £1,400 | £1,700 | £1,550 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
Repairing a small patch of your ceiling will cost between £150 and £200, with an average cost of £175.
Replacing a whole ceiling, meanwhile, costs an average of £500 for a small room, or £875 for a large room.
If you're dealing with a water leak and need a full repair to your ceiling, this will cost more - an average of £1,550. This is because of the additional costs involved, such as hiring an electrician.
Ceiling repair hourly rates
Most ceiling repair work will be carried out by a plasterer, often with a labourer helping out.
The hourly rate for a plasterer is around £15 to £20 per hour, or they'll charge a day rate in the region of £150 to £200 per day.
A labourer will cost about £80 to £100 per day.
For more accurate quotes for your area, speak to a tradesperson offering ceiling repair near you.
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How much does it cost to repair a ceiling?
The previous table includes the average costs of ceiling repair, this can be anything from £150 to £400+ depending on the size of the repair and the material used.
The cost of repairing a small hole in the ceiling will start at about £150 and take around 2 to 3 hours. Larger patches of damage will take 3 to 4 hours and could cost upwards of £400.
If it’s a simple issue, you can often mend it yourself. One method involves cutting out a crack and making good with filler. In this case, ceiling repair costs could be as little as £11 per square metre.
How much does it cost to replace a ceiling?
The cost to fully replace a ceiling can vary widely, with a small room costing between £400 to £600 and a large room between £750 to £1000. If you are skilled in DIY and are confident in your ability to do everything but the plastering, this will save you around £250.
The time taken to replace a ceiling will depend on how large the room is and how many workers are required. On average the time for two tradespeople to replace a ceiling will be five hours for a small room and seven hours for a large room.
How much does it cost to re-plaster a ceiling?
On average the cost to plaster a small room ranges from £200 to £350, a medium room from £280 to £440, and a larger room from £425 to £725.
The time this will take again depends on the size of your room but will be approximately four hours.
While replacing a whole ceiling is costly and time-consuming, re-plastering your ceiling can be a viable option that will repair plaster damage and give your room a fresh and modern feel. It is of course important to remember that any structural damage underneath the plaster should be remedied swiftly to avoid any future issues.
Cost of plastering a ceiling: Cost breakdown 2026
Are the ceilings in your home looking worn and cracked? Sometimes, a fresh lick of paint only goes so far. Getting the plaster renewed can help return your ceilings to their former glory. But what is the cost of plastering a ceiling?
How much does it cost to repair a ceiling leak?
On average you can expect to pay anything from £1,400 to £1,700. This will likely take several days to allow for separate work by electricians and plasterers.
If you are unlucky enough to have your ceiling damaged by a leak - for instance, from an upstairs shower leaking through the ceiling - there are a few steps involved to remedy this. Repairing the damage will require the following:
An electrician checking over and replacing broken wiring.
Moving any lighting.
Installing new plasterboard.
Plastering the finished surface.
The cost to repair a leaking or water damaged ceiling factors in the time-consuming nature of the job, due to the number of tradespeople being required and the cost will reflect this.
Once the damage has been repaired, you could complete the finishing touches yourself to bring down the cost per square metre.
Factors affecting the cost of ceiling repair
There are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of repairing a ceiling. The main issues are:
Size of the room: The larger the room or damaged section of ceiling, the more materials and time required, which will lead to higher costs.
The type of ceiling: There are many different materials that can be used for ceilings, including lath and plaster, lime plaster and plasterboard. Depending on the type of ceiling you are repairing the cost will range from £150 to £200.
The finish: Depending on whether you wish to simply have a hole patched with plasterboard or to have the repair plastered and decorated the cost will widely vary.
The type of damage: Depending on the scope of the damage (e.g. the cost to repair a hole in the ceiling and the cost to repair a leaking ceiling differ greatly) will start at around £150 and increase due to the size of the hole or water damaged area.
Asbestos: If asbestos is present in the ceiling, it must be dealt with carefully, which can drive costs up - especially if you need an asbestos survey.
If water damage is the cause, it's important that any leaks, plumbing, or other remedial work is completed before any repair work is started.
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What does ceiling repair involve?
In many cases it will be possible to repair both small and large areas of your ceiling. However, this all depends on the level of damage and the quality of your current ceiling. Plus, if you have historical features that you wish to preserve, this will affect the time required and the ceiling repair price you pay.
The most common method of repair is done using plasterboard which can be purchased in sheets, creating a nice uniform result.
Large repairs will require two plasterers due to the weight of the material. They'll begin by screwing the boards to the overhead framing. The joints will be sealed then the ceiling will be ready to be plastered.
If your ceiling has damage to features such as cornices and mould, it is often possible to preserve these through careful repair jobs. This may involve hiring a skilled worker to recast these beautiful fittings.
What does a ceiling replacement involve?
For larger areas of damage where a repair is simply not feasible, or for a completely new aesthetic, it is recommended that you replace your whole ceiling.
Tearing down a ceiling is very messy, so ensure your room and furniture are protected before beginning. Once the old ceiling has been removed, plasterers will check for any hidden damage before proceeding.
It’s worth noting that this can flag issues that will need to be fixed before continuing.
Sheets of plasterboard or drywall will then be cut to fit the shape of your ceiling and screwed onto the joists. Once the joints of these boards are sealed, a layer of plaster will need to be applied.
Plastering is incredibly difficult, so it is strongly recommended you seek professional help to ensure a perfect finish.
Finally, when the plaster is dry, your ceiling is ready to be painted.
What types of ceiling damage need professional repair?
Not all ceiling damage is the same - and the repair approach (and cost) can vary considerably.
Hairline cracks from settlement are usually cosmetic and easy to fix. If you're handy, they could even be a DIY job.
Water damage or a sagging section, however, is a much bigger job. Not only will it need a professional fix, you may need to hire an electrician as well as a plasterer.
Older lath-and-plaster ceilings have their own considerations, and usually require a professional.
Ceiling crack repair costs
Hairline ceiling cracks caused by natural settlement are quick and easy to fix. Expect to pay at the lower end of a general ceiling patch repair job, which averages about £150. It's a quick job for a plasterer or handyperson.
Wider structural cracks, or cracks that keep reappearing, may be a sign of a deeper problem. You'll need a surveyor to take a look before booking a repair.
Lath and plaster ceiling repair
Lath and plaster ceilings, common in Victorian and Edwardian homes, need more careful handling than modern plasterboard - they're definitely a job for a professional.
If the timber laths are still sound, small sections can be repaired in place, which helps keep costs down.
On the other hand, if they're failing - or if you spot sagging, movement, or a potential asbestos risk - a full replacement is usually safer, and works out more cost-effective.
Ceiling repair cost calculator
To calculate the cost of ceiling repair you'll need to take into account the various factors that will affect the price of the job. The size and condition of the ceiling are two of the most influential factors when it comes to the cost of repairing a ceiling. The type of damage being the third key factor, as it will directly affect the type of repair work needed.
To work out exactly what the price will be, speak to local ceiling repair services to get accurate costs in your area for your specific ceiling repair job.
You can also try the Checkatrade job estimate tool! Just type out some details about the ceiling repair you need, and the tool will use our data to give you an approximate quote for this kind of job.
Job Estimate Calculator
Do ceiling repair kits work?
You can purchase a wide range of ceiling repair kits from many different sellers - some include filler and an applicator, others include crack repair tape.
However, it is important to consider that not all will be up to the same standard. As a general rule, the price you pay will reflect the quality of any kit you choose.
Whether the ceiling repair kit you purchase will work or not largely depends on the size of the damaged area you are repairing. Kits are generally designed to be used on small patches so if your issue is large it is important to seek the help of a qualified professional.
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Other costs to consider
It is important when budgeting for repairs and ceiling replacements to take into account the numerous other issues that can be pricey and time-consuming on top of your ceiling repair cost.
Below is a list outlining some of the common additional costs involved:
Preparing the room – during complete ceiling replacements, all furniture needs to be removed, and the room should be sealed in order to prevent dust from damaging fixtures and escaping into the other rooms. This can be a lengthy process but will be worth the effort.
Hidden damage – Until the old ceiling is torn down, it will be unclear what condition the underlying structures are in and this will increase the cost and duration of the job.
Considering the different types of finish available – There are several levels of finish offered by tradespeople, you will need to decide which best fits your requirements. For example, a Level 0 finish will leave the plasterboard exposed and a Level 5 finish includes covering the surface with three compound coatings. The higher the level you choose, the higher the time required and cost will be.
Deciding which materials you prefer – There are many different materials that can be used to create a ceiling. These will cost differing amounts and include lath and plaster, and plasterboard.
Retaining period features – Including cornices and moulds, you may wish to keep these features or even repair damage to them which will add on time and cost to the job.
Health and safety - Both of the workers and people living in the house. Older ceilings may contain lead or even asbestos which is harmful to anyone who comes into contact with it. It is essential to use proper protection and to take any extra steps necessary to ensure the safety of all involved. Need a ceiling repair or replacement quote?
Damp treatment - If you're dealing with a ceiling that's been damaged from a leak, there's a good chance you'll have to sort out damp treatment or other water damage repairs at the same time as fixing the ceiling.
Key takeaways for ceiling repair and replacements
Check what material your ceiling is currently made from and decide whether to refurbish this or install a whole new ceiling.
Ensure proper safety measures are taken for workers and residents of the house.
Speak to a professional to help you to decide whether a repair is possible or if a whole ceiling replacement is necessary.
Do not attempt to plaster the ceiling yourself as this is a complex and difficult job.
Water damage must be dealt with professionally, despite the cost, to avoid serious damage at a later date.
Ceiling repair quote
Start your search for a ceiling repair service with Checkatrade. Enter your postcode, and we'll show you the tradespeople who offer ceiling repairs in your area - so you can browse, get in touch for quotes, and take a step towards hiring the right person.
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It's a good idea to obtain at least three quotes from our trusted tradespeople. Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes – simply post details about the job you want doing, provide measurements if necessary, and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out!
Or, why not download the Checkatrade app, to keep all your conversations with tradespeople in one place - right in your pocket?
FAQs about ceiling repair costs
Ceiling repair costs range from around £175 for a small patch, all the way up to £1,550 or more if a leak has caused water damage requiring both an electrician and plasterer. A hairline crack costs about £50–£100 to fill.
Possibly! Small cracks and minor holes can be tackled with filler or a ceiling repair kit - it's an option if you're handy and only need to do a little fix.
Anything larger - including sagging sections, water damage, or repairs to a lath and plaster ceiling - is best left to a tradesperson.
A small patch repair takes a plasterer around 2–3 hours. Replacing a full ceiling in a small room typically takes two tradespeople five hours. Water leak repairs, involving an electrician and plasterer, often spread across two or more days to allow drying time.
It might - it all depends on the cause, and your insurance. Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage, including ceiling damage from a burst pipe or leak from a neighbouring flat. More gradual damage, such as from damp or general wear and tear, is usually excluded. Check your policy before getting the job booked in.
Yes, absolutely. Otherwise, the leak will continue to cause damage - including to your newly repaired ceiling. Sort the plumbing issue out first, let the area dry out as fully as possible, then book the ceiling repair.
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