To skim or not to skim?

[kerosene20]

We’re living in our do-er upper and the bedrooms are pretty grim. Two plasterers said they needed knocking back to brick and completely replastering, which we can’t really afford at £1500 per room quote. A third plasterer, recommended to me by a family member who used them in similar circumstances, said they can prep and skim them and they will be fine. I would like to believe this and it is less for both bedrooms than the first quote for one bedroom but I’m just worried we’ll regret it? Any advice or experiences appreciated! Thanks

Skimming will be fine unless the plaster is loose and falling off?

There are patches where the top layer has fallen off and some pretty big holes. They are also slightly soft when pressed.

The internal walls I mean. The external ones are pretty solid.

Do you hear a hollow sound when you tap the walls? That may indicate the plaster has come loose from the wall.
How old is the house? Is the original plaster lime plaster? If so, probably not a good idea to replaster with modern gypsum player as it won't be breathable and could lead to issues in future.

What do you mean by soft? Are they cracked and move when pushed?

How old is the house. Are the internal walls plasterboard?

Pictures might be helpful?

It’a a Victorian terrace. Yes there’s a bit of movement when pressed.

If there is movement when pressed then the plaster has blown and will probably need to come off. If the internal walls are larh and plaster then you can take that all off yourself and reboard with plaster board and then the guys can just come and skim it. If there are a few deeper holes in the non lath walls you can fill to under where the current surface is with backing plaster and the plasterers can come and skim ove the whole lot when you have done the prep.

If the pic is an external wall and there is no loose plaster then I think it just needs skimming.

When we built our extension we couldnt afford to plaster it. DH dry walled it with plasterboard. Honestly it looks fine. One day we may get it skimmed but it isnt needed.