Is this a lath and plaster wall?

[Mizydoscape]

Looking to get half the wall removed on the upstairs hall/landing. Have someone round to quote soon (hopefully). I can remove the skirting in the hall and this is what's behind. Is it lath and plaster?

Looks like it - how old is the house, because it may be daub rather than plaster.

The house is 1840s but was originally 1 house with next door which was split into 2. It has had several alterations over the years.

Yep. The horizontals are the laths. As the pp said it's probably daub rather than plaster (mixed with horsehair).

Oh wow ok. Thanks.

Is this likely to be a nightmare project then?

@Mizydoscape

Oh wow ok. Thanks.

Is this likely to be a nightmare project then?

Certainly going to be a dusty project!

I expected mess. We can decamp to MILs for a few days while it's done I suppose.

Tbh plaster is messier as it's much finer. You can be finding plaster in your knicker drawer months after builders have been in bitter experience

buy a builders' canister vac. It will ruin your domestic cleaner. Some people put it outside the room with the hose going in through a door or window so it creates suction in the room and prevents dust drifting out, but I think that taping the door shut will be enough.

It can be pulled off fairly easily.

Put your rubble sacks in the room before you start, take out everything from the room including carpets and lampshades.

hoover it all out then take off your clothes and shower cap, goggles and mask and put them in a sack before opening the door to leave. After carrying the sacks out hoover it again several times and damp-wipe the windowsill, architrave, light switch etc. and mop the floor a few times. Your switches and sockets may need replacing if jammed with grit.

What PigletJohn said

Seriously, the best investment here will be a builder's vacuum cleaner - or even a second domestic one (but expect to chuck it out at the end).

Thank you some great advice. So expect to be left with a lot of dust even once the builders are done?

Ledges, crevices, between floorboards, stair carpets.

If the ceiling is also L&P and sagging, this is a good time to do that as well. Run any pipes and cables before plaster boarding and skimming the wall.

@PigletJohn nothing sagging anywhere as far as I can see! The wall came down today. They will be back tomorrow to finish off! We've gone with a half wall on the hall.