Gib stopping and gib fixing
Your Flawless Walls Start Here
Nothing elevates your home’s interior like perfectly smooth walls and ceilings—and that’s where GIB Stopping and fixes come in. At First Home Services, we specialise in high-quality GIB Fixing and stopping across Auckland, including South Auckland, North Shore, West Auckland, and East Auckland.
From new builds to renovations, our experienced team ensures every plasterboard sheet is securely installed and finished to perfection. Say goodbye to visible joints, cracks, and imperfections—our work is seamless, literally.
What Is GIB Fixing and Stopping
GIB Fixing is the installation of plasterboard sheets (commonly known as GIB) onto your walls and ceilings. GIB Stopping, on the other hand, is the process of filling all the joints, corners, screw holes, and edges to create a surface that’s completely smooth and ready for painting or wallpaper. Together, they create the foundation of a beautiful interior.
Full Interior Overhauls
Who you are should be reflected in your home. We assist you in transforming your interiors into something special, lovely, and wholly original. We put your needs first by rearranging layouts, adding more natural light, and selecting finishes that give your room a genuinely unique feel.
Renovations for Kitchens & Bathrooms
These aren’t just rooms—they’re where your day starts and ends. We strive to make them more comfortable, easier, and attractive.
What we believe
Build strong customer ties with clear, fast, quality service that makes homes better.
Our Strategy
Use the newest methods of house renovations and train staff to make sure service and customer happiness are the best.
// Our GIB services help you get clean, professional-looking interiors that are all set for paint or wallpaper.
What We Offer
GIB Fixing is the critical first step in transforming raw framing into smooth, modern walls. At First Home Services, we handle every stage of plasterboard (GIB) installation with precision and care. Whether it’s a residential build, a commercial fit-out, or a home renovation, our team ensures every GIB sheet is perfectly aligned, securely fastened, and prepped for seamless finishing.
Our installers follow best practices for framing checks, screw placement, and gap control to avoid future cracks, sagging, or misalignments. We use high-quality materials and smart layout planning to minimise visible joints and material waste. From standard flat walls to complex ceilings, bulkheads, or feature curves, we’ve got the skills and the tools to make your framing disappear under clean, solid walls.
Once the boards are up, the real artistry begins with GIB Stopping. This process transforms visible joints, screw holes, and corner seams into a silky-smooth surface that looks like one continuous wall. At First Home Services, our trained stoppers apply joint compounds in multiple coats, feathered out carefully to achieve flawless blending.
We embed paper or fiberglass tape to strengthen joints and prevent future cracking. Depending on your interior goals, we can finish walls to Level 4 or Level 5—whether you want a standard painted finish or something that holds up under spotlight scrutiny. Our stopping techniques ensure the surface is not only smooth but also durable and free from bubbles, shrinkage, or unevenness.
We work around tricky areas like internal corners, ceiling junctions, and window edges with surgical precision, ensuring the finish is clean and cohesive. The result? Walls and ceilings that don’t just look good—they look immaculate.
At First Home Services, we offer professional GIB repair solutions that blend seamlessly with your existing walls and ceilings. We assess the extent of the damage—whether it’s a surface crack, water-soaked board, or entire section needing replacement—and provide a long-lasting fix, not just a cosmetic cover-up. Our team removes any compromised GIB, replaces it if necessary, and performs expert stopping to ensure a flawless blend.
Once we’re done, you won’t be able to tell where the damage ever was. Your walls will be paint-ready and visually perfect, with structural integrity restored.
Paint is only as good as the surface beneath it. That’s why our Pre-Paint Prep service is essential to ensuring your final finish looks stunning and stays that way. After stopping, we inspect every inch of the wall and ceiling under bright light to catch even the smallest imperfections. We then perform a light sanding with fine-grit sanding blocks, carefully avoiding over-sanding that can expose tape or create low spots. Once the sanding is complete, we vacuum and wipe down surfaces to eliminate dust and debris, because even tiny particles can affect paint adhesion and appearance.
Before handing over to painters, we apply a high-quality primer or sealer coat. This crucial step helps lock in the stopping compound and highlights any remaining flaws. If touch-ups are needed, we take care of them before calling it done. The result? A clean, even surface that takes paint beautifully—and keeps it looking sharp for years.
Skim coating is the final touch that gives walls and ceilings that ultra-smooth, paint-ready finish. At First Home Services, we offer full-surface skim coating for walls that require more than just joint finishing, like older walls being refreshed or surfaces that previously had wallpaper. Our pros apply thin coats using premium compounds to eliminate texture, marks, or inconsistencies.
We go beyond flat surfaces. Our team specialises in installing decorative plaster coves and cornices to add architectural character to your rooms. Whether it’s a simple cove or an ornate profile, we precision-fit and finish every detail to create a polished, premium look that complements your interiors.
For ceilings that need a little extra support, we offer professional ceiling batten installation services. Proper battening improves structural integrity, allows for straighter GIB fixing, and creates space for insulation or services. We ensure spacing and levels are correct to avoid sagging or uneven finishes.
Need soundproofing for your media room, office, or shared living spaces? We supply and install acoustic GIB systems that reduce sound transmission between rooms. This includes using specialised noise-control plasterboards, isolation clips, and acoustic sealants to enhance your home’s privacy and comfort.
Safety is always a priority. For areas requiring extra protection—like garages, kitchens, or multi-unit dwellings—we offer fire-rated GIB solutions. Our certified team installs and seals fire-rated boards according to New Zealand building codes, providing peace of mind with passive fire protection.
For clients who demand the highest standard, especially in areas with strong lighting, we offer Level 5 finishing. This involves an additional skim coat across all surfaces, ensuring no imperfections are visible even under direct sunlight or spotlights. Ideal for luxury interiors or commercial settings.
GIB Fixing is the critical first step in transforming raw framing into smooth, modern walls. At First Home Services, we handle every stage of plasterboard (GIB) installation with precision and care. Whether it’s a residential build, a commercial fit-out, or a home renovation, our team ensures every GIB sheet is perfectly aligned, securely fastened, and prepped for seamless finishing.
Our installers follow best practices for framing checks, screw placement, and gap control to avoid future cracks, sagging, or misalignments. We use high-quality materials and smart layout planning to minimise visible joints and material waste. From standard flat walls to complex ceilings, bulkheads, or feature curves, we’ve got the skills and the tools to make your framing disappear under clean, solid walls.
Once the boards are up, the real artistry begins with GIB Stopping. This process transforms visible joints, screw holes, and corner seams into a silky-smooth surface that looks like one continuous wall. At First Home Services, our trained stoppers apply joint compounds in multiple coats, feathered out carefully to achieve flawless blending.
We embed paper or fiberglass tape to strengthen joints and prevent future cracking. Depending on your interior goals, we can finish walls to Level 4 or Level 5—whether you want a standard painted finish or something that holds up under spotlight scrutiny. Our stopping techniques ensure the surface is not only smooth but also durable and free from bubbles, shrinkage, or unevenness.
We work around tricky areas like internal corners, ceiling junctions, and window edges with surgical precision, ensuring the finish is clean and cohesive. The result? Walls and ceilings that don’t just look good—they look immaculate.
At First Home Services, we offer professional GIB repair solutions that blend seamlessly with your existing walls and ceilings. We assess the extent of the damage—whether it’s a surface crack, water-soaked board, or entire section needing replacement—and provide a long-lasting fix, not just a cosmetic cover-up. Our team removes any compromised GIB, replaces it if necessary, and performs expert stopping to ensure a flawless blend.
Once we’re done, you won’t be able to tell where the damage ever was. Your walls will be paint-ready and visually perfect, with structural integrity restored.
Paint is only as good as the surface beneath it. That’s why our Pre-Paint Prep service is essential to ensuring your final finish looks stunning and stays that way. After stopping, we inspect every inch of the wall and ceiling under bright light to catch even the smallest imperfections. We then perform a light sanding with fine-grit sanding blocks, carefully avoiding over-sanding that can expose tape or create low spots. Once the sanding is complete, we vacuum and wipe down surfaces to eliminate dust and debris, because even tiny particles can affect paint adhesion and appearance.
Before handing over to painters, we apply a high-quality primer or sealer coat. This crucial step helps lock in the stopping compound and highlights any remaining flaws. If touch-ups are needed, we take care of them before calling it done. The result? A clean, even surface that takes paint beautifully—and keeps it looking sharp for years.
Skim coating is the final touch that gives walls and ceilings that ultra-smooth, paint-ready finish. At First Home Services, we offer full-surface skim coating for walls that require more than just joint finishing, like older walls being refreshed or surfaces that previously had wallpaper. Our pros apply thin coats using premium compounds to eliminate texture, marks, or inconsistencies.
We go beyond flat surfaces. Our team specialises in installing decorative plaster coves and cornices to add architectural character to your rooms. Whether it’s a simple cove or an ornate profile, we precision-fit and finish every detail to create a polished, premium look that complements your interiors.
For ceilings that need a little extra support, we offer professional ceiling batten installation services. Proper battening improves structural integrity, allows for straighter GIB fixing, and creates space for insulation or services. We ensure spacing and levels are correct to avoid sagging or uneven finishes.
Need soundproofing for your media room, office, or shared living spaces? We supply and install acoustic GIB systems that reduce sound transmission between rooms. This includes using specialised noise-control plasterboards, isolation clips, and acoustic sealants to enhance your home’s privacy and comfort.
Safety is always a priority. For areas requiring extra protection—like garages, kitchens, or multi-unit dwellings—we offer fire-rated GIB solutions. Our certified team installs and seals fire-rated boards according to New Zealand building codes, providing peace of mind with passive fire protection.
For clients who demand the highest standard, especially in areas with strong lighting, we offer Level 5 finishing. This involves an additional skim coat across all surfaces, ensuring no imperfections are visible even under direct sunlight or spotlights. Ideal for luxury interiors or commercial settings.
Our GIB services help you get clean, professional-looking interiors that are all set for paint or wallpaper
What We Offer
GIB Fixing
GIB Fixing is the critical first step in transforming raw framing into smooth, modern walls. At First Home Services, we handle every stage of plasterboard (GIB) installation with precision and care. Whether it’s a residential build, a commercial fit-out, or a home renovation, our team ensures every GIB sheet is perfectly aligned, securely fastened, and prepped for seamless finishing. Our installers follow best practices for framing checks, screw placement, and gap control to avoid future cracks, sagging, or misalignments. We use high-quality materials and smart layout planning to minimise visible joints and material waste. From standard flat walls to complex ceilings, bulkheads, or feature curves, we’ve got the skills and the tools to make your framing disappear under clean, solid walls.
GIB Stopping
Once the boards are up, the real artistry begins with GIB Stopping. This process transforms visible joints, screw holes, and corner seams into a silky-smooth surface that looks like one continuous wall. At First Home Services, our trained stoppers apply joint compounds in multiple coats, feathered out carefully to achieve flawless blending. We embed paper or fiberglass tape to strengthen joints and prevent future cracking. Depending on your interior goals, we can finish walls to Level 4 or Level 5—whether you want a standard painted finish or something that holds up under spotlight scrutiny. Our stopping techniques ensure the surface is not only smooth but also durable and free from bubbles, shrinkage, or unevenness. We work around tricky areas like internal corners, ceiling junctions, and window edges with surgical precision, ensuring the finish is clean and cohesive. The result? Walls and ceilings that don’t just look good—they look immaculate.
Plasterboard Repairs
At First Home Services, we offer professional GIB repair solutions that blend seamlessly with your existing walls and ceilings. We assess the extent of the damage—whether it’s a surface crack, water-soaked board, or entire section needing replacement—and provide a long-lasting fix, not just a cosmetic cover-up. Our team removes any compromised GIB, replaces it if necessary, and performs expert stopping to ensure a flawless blend. Once we’re done, you won’t be able to tell where the damage ever was. Your walls will be paint-ready and visually perfect, with structural integrity restored.
Pre-Paint Prep
Paint is only as good as the surface beneath it. That’s why our Pre-Paint Prep service is essential to ensuring your final finish looks stunning and stays that way. After stopping, we inspect every inch of the wall and ceiling under bright light to catch even the smallest imperfections. We then perform a light sanding with fine-grit sanding blocks, carefully avoiding over-sanding that can expose tape or create low spots. Once the sanding is complete, we vacuum and wipe down surfaces to eliminate dust and debris, because even tiny particles can affect paint adhesion and appearance. Before handing over to painters, we apply a high-quality primer or sealer coat. This crucial step helps lock in the stopping compound and highlights any remaining flaws. If touch-ups are needed, we take care of them before calling it done. The result? A clean, even surface that takes paint beautifully—and keeps it looking sharp for years.
Skim Coating Services
Skim coating is the final touch that gives walls and ceilings that ultra-smooth, paint-ready finish. At First Home Services, we offer full-surface skim coating for walls that require more than just joint finishing, like older walls being refreshed or surfaces that previously had wallpaper. Our pros apply thin coats using premium compounds to eliminate texture, marks, or inconsistencies.
Cove and Cornice Installation
We go beyond flat surfaces. Our team specialises in installing decorative plaster coves and cornices to add architectural character to your rooms. Whether it’s a simple cove or an ornate profile, we precision-fit and finish every detail to create a polished, premium look that complements your interiors.
Ceiling Batten Installation
For ceilings that need a little extra support, we offer professional ceiling batten installation services. Proper battening improves structural integrity, allows for straighter GIB fixing, and creates space for insulation or services. We ensure spacing and levels are correct to avoid sagging or uneven finishes.
Acoustic GIB Installation
Need soundproofing for your media room, office, or shared living spaces? We supply and install acoustic GIB systems that reduce sound transmission between rooms. This includes using specialised noise-control plasterboards, isolation clips, and acoustic sealants to enhance your home’s privacy and comfort.
Fire-Rated GIB Installation
Safety is always a priority. For areas requiring extra protection—like garages, kitchens, or multi-unit dwellings—we offer fire-rated GIB solutions. Our certified team installs and seals fire-rated boards according to New Zealand building codes, providing peace of mind with passive fire protection.
Level 5 Finishing Services
For clients who demand the highest standard, especially in areas with strong lighting, we offer Level 5 finishing. This involves an additional skim coat across all surfaces, ensuring no imperfections are visible even under direct sunlight or spotlights. Ideal for luxury interiors or commercial settings.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Space
These are the most commonly used paints for interior walls and ceilings. They dry quickly, have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), and are easy to clean.
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways
- Why choose them: They’re durable, eco-friendly, and available in a variety of finishes—like matte, satin, and semi-gloss.
Tough and highly durable, enamel paints form a hard, glossy finish and are resistant to moisture, stains, and wear.
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, trims, doors, and metal surfaces
- Why choose them: Great for high-traffic or humid areas. They’re also a go-to for wooden surfaces that need a polished, strong finish.
Want to add a bit of character to a feature wall? Textured paints are designed to create depth and dimension, perfect for creative interiors.
- Best for: Accent walls, commercial spaces, or decorative features
- Why choose them: They hide imperfections and add a tactile feel, often giving the space a high-end look.
Acrylic paints are flexible and weather-resistant. They’re often used for both interiors and exteriors because of their excellent adhesion and long-lasting quality.
- Best for: Exterior walls, facades, and even furniture
- Why choose them: They resist flaking, cracking, and fading, making them ideal for homes exposed to sunlight and moisture.
An old-school, economical option often used for temporary finishes or utility areas. While not as durable as modern paints, distemper has a chalky, vintage charm.
- Best for: Warehouses, temporary constructions, ceilings in lesser-used spaces
- Why choose them: They’re budget-friendly and easy to apply.
Why Choose First Home Services’ House Painters?
We’re not just painters, we focus on getting the job done right. Our team in Auckland knows what they’re doing and is here to ensure you’re happy with the results.
Fully Licensed & Insured –
Your home is well taken care of
Why Choose First Home Services’ House Painters
We’re not just painters, we focus on getting the job done right. Our team in Auckland knows what they’re doing and is here to ensure you’re happy with the results.
- Local Teams Ready to Help – Covering South Auckland, North Shore, West Auckland, and East Auckland
- Eco-Friendly Paint Choices – Safe for your family and the planet
- Fully Licensed & Insured – Your home is well taken care of
- Free Color Consultation – We’ll help you choose the right colors
On-Time and On-Budget – No surprises, just good, quality work
Interactive 3D Designs
You can see it before we build it. Our digital mockups of home renovations in Auckland let you visualize your dream room and tweak it as needed.
Timely Delivery Promise
We value your time. Our team sticks to schedules and keeps you in the loop, so you’re never left guessing.
Enhance Your Area with Our Knowledge of Flooring
Keeping your Auckland property well-maintained is more than just a chore—it’s an essential investment in comfort and value. At First Home Services, we simplify the entire counties property maintenance process so you can relax while your home thrives.
With a structured approach and professional care, we ensure every corner of your property looks and feels its best.
Post-Repair Tile Polishing
We finish every repair job with a thorough polish that brings back the original lustre.
Deep Grout Cleaning
Tough stains don’t stand a chance. Moreover, our team uses advanced steam tools to lift embedded grime.
Protective Coating Application
We apply a durable topcoat that shields tiles and grout from moisture, wear, and staining.
GIB Fixing and GIB Stopping – Step-by-Step Process
At First Home Services, we always do a thorough quality check on our GIB stopping jobs.
Before we start fixing the GIB, our team at First Home Services checks that all the framing is lined up and spaced right, usually at 400mm or 600mm apart. We look for any moisture, warping, or structural issues. Having clean, dry, and solid surfaces is key for a great finish, so we focus on that first.
When the framework's set, we carefully measure and cut each GIB board. We want to keep joints and waste to a minimum, so we plan everything out ahead of time. We mark and cut openings for windows, doors, switches, and outlets carefully. Using straight-edge tools and utility knives helps us get clean cuts, making the installation quicker and easier.
This is where the real change starts. We put up the GIB boards either flat or upright, depending on the size of the walls and what’s needed structurally. We attach the boards with screws or nails, but we usually go with screws because they last longer and are less likely to pop out.
We:
- Make sure the joints are staggered for better strength.
- Keep a 10mm gap at the bottom to let it move a bit.
- Don't line up the joints with the corners of windows and doors.
When putting in screws, space them 200mm apart on the walls and 300mm on the ceilings. Drive each screw just below the surface so we can finish it right. In bigger spaces or areas that move a lot, we add control joints to stop cracks from happening later.
Now that everything's in place, we move on to the finishing stage. First, we put joint compound on all the seams and any dips. Then, we stick either paper or fiberglass tape into the compound to strengthen the joints and stop them from cracking. Using a wide knife, we smooth out the edges of the compound about 4 to 6 inches from each joint to make a nice transition. We also fill in all the screw holes at this point to get ready for the next layer.
After the first coat dries, which usually takes about a day, we come back to put on a second coat that's a bit wider and smoother. This layer goes out about 250mm from the joints, helping create a flat surface that looks good on the wall or ceiling. We make sure to take care of the corners and angles, using corner beads or tape and applying the compound nice and smooth for a clean finish. Paying attention to these details helps stop any cracking later on and makes everything look better in the end.
The last coat is when it all falls into place. We put on a thin skim coat to fix any leftover bumps, spreading it about 300mm beyond each seam. Once it dries, we gently sand everything with fine-grit blocks. We're careful not to sand too much, especially near the tape, since that can mess up the finish. Our team makes sure to use good lighting to catch any little flaws and touch them up as needed.
Before we start painting, we make sure to clean the surface really well to get rid of all the dust and dirt. Next, we put on a sealer or primer to seal the GIB stopping and make the surface even for painting. This base coat is important because it helps show any small flaws, which we fix and sand down until it's smooth.
At First Home Services, we always do a thorough quality check on our GIB stopping jobs. We check for tool marks, tape lines, and any uneven spots. If we find any problems, we fix them right away, so when we say the surface is ready to paint, it is.
No matter if you need a Level 4 or Level 5 finish, we make sure you get smooth, clean surfaces that stand the test of time.
GIB Fixing and GIB Stopping – Step-by-Step Process
We've been fixing and stopping GIB for a long time, so we know how to get smooth finishes and sturdy bases.
Why Choose First Home Services’ GIB Fixing Auckland
Certified and skilled team
Our team is made up of certified pros who really know their stuff when it comes to GIB. You can be sure we will get the job done right.
Local service
We're local, so we can get to you quickly and offer friendly service.
Dust control methods
We also use methods to control dust, so we keep your home clean while we work.
On-time, stress-free work
We’re always on time, and we’ll get the job done without any stress for you.
Built to Impress—and Built to Last
Our plastering looks good and is made to last. We use top-notch materials and tools, so your walls and ceilings stay crack-free and attractive for a long time.
Built to Impress—and Built to L
Our plastering looks good and is made to last. We use top-notch materials and tools, so your walls and ceilings stay crack-free and attractive for a long time.
Built to Impress—and Built to Last
Our plastering looks good and is made to last. We use top-notch materials and tools, so your walls and ceilings stay crack-free and attractive for a long time.
Step 3: Concept Design & Cost Estimation
We develop a detailed design layout. Each feature is thoughtfully planned to blend function, aesthetics, and comfort in every room.
At the same time, we provide a clear and honest cost breakdown. There are no hidden fees—just full transparency.
Step 4: Council Approvals And Permits (If Needed)
Some Auckland renovations require legal permissions. We handle the paperwork, ensuring compliance with all city rules and building regulations.
Hence, this step saves you time and headaches. Our team keeps the process efficient without skipping legal details or documentation.
Step 5: Construction And Renovation Begins
Our licensed contractors regarding house renovations in Auckland begin the transformation. With structured timelines, we minimize disruptions while focusing on quality and safety.
We use premium materials for lasting results. Moreover, we keep you updated daily to ensure peace of mind throughout the build.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough And Hand-Over
Once the renovation is complete, we invite you for a detailed walkthrough. This ensures everything meets your expectations perfectly. If minor fixes are needed, we address them promptly. We only leave when you’re fully satisfied with your newly renovated space. Renovating a house in Auckland is stress-free with First Home Services. We combine craftsmanship, clarity, and care—every step of the way.
Why Auckland Homeowners Trust professionals for Bathroom Renovations
- When it comes to small bathroom remodels in Auckland, trust and quality workmanship go hand in hand. That’s where we come in. At First Home Services, we bring years of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of Auckland’s housing styles and council requirements.
- As every home is unique, we tailor each renovation to fit your layout, family needs, and long-term goals perfectly. Moreover, we only work with licensed professionals. Our team includes certified plumbers, electricians, and waterproofing specialists—ensuring absolute safety and compliance.
- Another key reason homeowners choose us is transparency. From day one, you’ll know the costs, timelines, and materials involved. Still, what sets us apart most is our commitment to customer experience. We communicate clearly, listen closely, and deliver reliably. Even after completion, we’re available for support. If anything needs adjustment, our responsive team is just a call away.
- Plus, we stay updated on the latest trends regarding bathroom renovations in Auckland, thus, offering eco-friendly fixtures, space-saving layouts, and modern lighting upgrades. So, whether you’re aiming for a sleek ensuite or a family-friendly bathroom makeover, we’re your trusted partner from start to finish.
Hence, let’s get started. Transform your small bathroom with Auckland’s most reliable renovation team today!
Let’s Smooth Things Over
Looking for GIB Fixing and stopping in Auckland? First Home Services has you covered. With local teams and great workmanship, your walls are in good hands. Get in touch for a free quote and quick service—smooth walls never go out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
GIB Fixing is the installation of plasterboard (GIB) on walls and ceilings. GIB Stopping follows that—it's the process of filling joints, screw holes, and corners to create a flawless surface ready for painting.
Yes! Whether it’s a brand-new home or a renovation project, we’ve got the tools and skills to get your walls and ceilings smooth and sturdy.
Most standard jobs take 2–4 days, depending on the area size and drying time between coats. We’ll always give you a clear timeframe upfront.
Not with us. We use dust control techniques and clean up as we go, keeping your home as tidy and livable as possible.
Absolutely. We repair water damage, cracks, dents—whatever needs smoothing out, we’ll handle it so it looks like new again.
Yes, our team covers East Auckland, North Shore, South Auckland, and West Auckland. No matter where you are, expert help is just around the corner.