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Our builders didn't do a very good job of the plastering. The main walls are okay, but around the edges, window frames, door frames, skirting etc we have lumps, ripples, grooves and the plaster is uneven (if we put skirting straight on to it in its current state we would have gaps of 5-7mm in some places). We want to try and improve the problem areas, can someone recommend the best sanding tools for the job and any hints/tips/problems we should look out for. They've also left a large patch by the window frame, about 2m high and 15cm wide, unfinished. Would it be okay to use standard polyfiller on this or should we buy something else to finish it off?

Have you paid the plasterers? give them a call and offer them the chance to repair and make good bad workmanship.
Inform them that you are not satisfied with work and if they are not willing to undertake the remedial work you will get someone else and bill them
Regards
KB

Hi there KB,

We had paid the builder, who had sub-contracted the plasterers. We pointed out the problems and he said " yes yes yes", then he would come back and do something else instead. Each time he did something else it just got worse and worse so we withheld final payment and said we would finish it off.

The poor quality of the plastering didn't really become apparent until he had painted it and I looked at it in daylight. Then we looked realised it wasn't straight/flat in areas either.

We're getting a hand-held orbital sander to do some woodwork, and I was wondering whether it's possible to use this on the plaster?

Regards,
AP

HI APrice2008
You can sand plaster down, it's not the ideal but it is a solution. Very dusty job so be aware of that and wear correct PPE. Dust mask, goggles etc.. You can get sanders with a dust extraction bag on, but still gets dusty. You may need to swap around a little with sandpaper grades to do what the appliction needs best.
Regards
KB