For interior decorating quotes
What Decides the Cost of Painting a Room
Why two rooms of the same size can be priced very differently.
Painting looks like a simple job to price by the square metre, and it never is. The paint and the rolling are the quick part; preparation is where the hours go.
Understanding that makes it much easier to read a decorating quote and see where the money is.
Preparation is most of the job
Filling, sanding, caulking gaps, sealing patches and washing down greasy or smoky walls can take longer than painting them. A room that has been well looked after needs very little of this. A room with old wallpaper, cracked filling or bare plaster needs a great deal.
This is the honest answer to why a neighbour paid less. Their walls were in better condition, or their decorator skipped the preparation and it showed within a year.
What else moves the price
Beyond preparation, the biggest factors are height, colour change and how much woodwork is involved.
- Ceiling height and whether access equipment is needed
- A dark to light colour change, which needs extra coats
- Skirting, architrave, doors, windows and radiators
- Ceilings included or walls only
- Furniture to move and protect, and flooring to cover
Where you can genuinely save
Clearing the room yourself, doing several rooms in one visit rather than one at a time, keeping to a similar colour tone and choosing a straightforward finish all reduce the price without touching quality.
What is not worth saving on is preparation and the number of coats. Both are invisible on day one and obvious a year later.
What a good quote should say
It should state the surfaces included, the preparation being done, the number of coats, whose paint it is, how the room will be protected and how long the work will take. If a quote is one line and one number, ask for that detail before agreeing.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
How long does painting one room take?+
A straightforward bedroom is often a day for walls and ceiling, and two where woodwork and heavy filling are involved. We give a time as well as a price.
Do I need to empty the room first?+
Not entirely. Small items help if you can clear them, and we move and cover larger furniture and protect the flooring before starting.
Should I buy the paint myself?+
Either way is fine. Choose colours and we can collect the paint, or buy your own if you already have a brand and finish you like.
Will you paint over wallpaper?+
Sometimes it is sensible and sometimes it guarantees a poor finish. We look at the paper and the walls beneath and give you a straight recommendation.
Can several rooms be done in one visit?+
Yes, and it usually works out better value than booking them separately because setup, preparation and access happen once.
Read next
Decorating Before You Move In: Worth the Wait?
The jobs that are far cheaper in an empty house, and how to fit them around a move.
Read the guideWhat Decides the Cost of a House Removal
The eight things a removal firm actually prices, and how to get a quote you can trust.
Read the guideReady for a fixed price quote?
Enter your details below and we will be in touch to discuss the work needed and give you a free, no obligation quote.
Or call us now on 07538 776243