Because the pricing was so expensive (we live in Aberdeenshire, not Elgin or Inverness) we decided to try the plaster repair ourselves. The lime plasterer in Elgin was very kind and offered to send up one plasterer for a day and work with me and tutor me along the way. That is the best result I could hope for. Minimal cost for maximum result! And of course the pride to have done it myself...

My first comment would be that whoever decided the place the Velux window there did not think about this carefully enough and if this is an architect/designer then I would seek a suitable solution from them. I also believe that Minipie's suggestion is the only practical solution available to you , i.e. the rectangular section should be angled down enough so that the line can be achieved in one piece. This will need some messing around with the plasterboard, but it is a simple fix. You will obvious need to do this with the other Velux window so that they match up. As a comment the skill of your plasterers, I would never accept a crooked line on a new ceiling... ever! Granted their solution to the velux window is not their problem, however they should have spoke to you about it and they should have seen this conflict before they started the work. Theirs has been a slapdash approach to your project. There is no excuse for not having a nice crisp line at the joint between the two ceiling sections and I would get them to rectify this. It will require a skim coat of pre-mix plaster and some sanding, however the crisp line can be achieved. Bearing in mind their sloppiness on this joint, have you checked the joints between the walls and ceiling? Again these should be crisp and completely horizontal. If this is not fixed properly then it is going to irritate you for the rest of the time that you spend in this property! Best of luck and do not allow them to compromise your project.

hi Adam, looking at your photos it would appear that the window company fitted the windows on the old timber bearers that were set for the old windows. this is not great as they could rot of water get under the new windows. I think you need to remove the cover pieces that are around the edge of the window. this will probably dislodge the loose plaster around the head and side of the window. this will allow the new plaster to be carried out and give you a better result. the architrave can be then fixed to the sides on the window in either a plastic finish or a timber finish in keeping with the age of the property. the plasterer will probably use a hard wall plaster and finish with a skim of finishing plaster. hope this helps! best Rowland

Repairing water damaged brickwork behind plaster can be a challenging task, and it's usually best to seek the help of a professional if you're not experienced in this type of work. However, if you're confident in your DIY skills and are willing to take on the task, here are some general steps to follow: Remove any loose plaster from the affected area to assess the extent of the damage to the brickwork. Use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away any loose or crumbling plaster, being careful not to damage the underlying brickwork. Once you've exposed the damaged brickwork, use a stiff-bristled brush or wire brush to remove any loose or flaking mortar, dirt, or debris from the surface of the bricks. If the damage is limited to a small area, you may be able to repair the brickwork by mixing up a small batch of mortar and carefully applying it to the damaged area with a trowel. Make sure to use mortar that is appropriate for the type of bricks you have and to mix it to the correct consistency. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace some of the damaged bricks. Carefully remove the damaged bricks, being careful not to damage the surrounding bricks or mortar, and replace them with new bricks that match the size, color, and texture of the existing bricks. Use appropriate mortar to secure the new bricks in place. Once the brickwork has been repaired or replaced, allow the mortar to dry fully before applying a new layer of plaster to the surface. You may want to consider using a damp-proof membrane or sealant on the brickwork to help prevent future water damage. If the damage is extensive or if you're unsure of your DIY skills, it's always best to consult with a professional bricklayer or building contractor and get it done properly.