[notfarnow]

Tough call.

I was saved this debate by the PO of our old farmhouse. He gutted it, tore down all the plaster and the fantastic oak panelling & wide trim. A real shame, I've seen pics of what it used to look like. However, I'm warm in the winter and the place is cheaper to heat than the 1200 sq ft bungalow we used to rent.

I agree with Moses, plaster has a fantastic finish and is so nice and quiet. On the other hand, having insulated walls sure is nice.

Is the paster simply cracked, or is it actually pulling away from the lathe? That will make a huge difference.

FWIW, a friend of mine just went through this, and cut the bottom 10" out to run new wiring and plumbing where needed. Used blown-in insulation shot in from the top.

Speeder posted pics a few months ago of a reno of a plaster & lather home... maybe he could chime in.