Painter and decorator — interior repaints, exteriors and whole-house work
Good decorating isn't noticed. You only see it when it's done badly — usually within six months, as cracking, peeling or a patchy wall someone tried to rescue with one last hurried coat. The difference is rarely the paint; it's how much time went into the part nobody sees afterwards.
An experienced decorator spends most of the job on preparation: masking, filling, sanding and priming. That's where quality is decided, and it's why you want a quote that spells out what's included so two quotes can actually be compared. Expect £25–£50/hr for skilled decorating labour, or a price per square metre on larger jobs.
On Marketit you'll find decorating firms that work this way. Describe the surface in the chat — number of rooms, render, square metres — and we'll match you with a few firms you can request quotes from.
Price level
Interior SEK 250–450/m² incl. materials, before the ROT deduction. Façades SEK 350–600/m² depending on substrate. Wallpapering SEK 150–300/m² for labour.
What does a painter and decorator cost in 2026?When should you hire a painter and decorator?
Renovations, freshening up before a sale, repainting kitchens or bathrooms (which need specific paints), and exterior repaints. Interiors can be done year-round; exteriors want dry weather above 10°C, so April to September is the realistic window.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Accepting a quote that doesn't state the number of coats — two versus three can change the price by 30%
- Cutting back on preparation — poor filling shows within six months
- Using standard emulsion in bathrooms — it flakes, and the resulting damage is rarely covered
- Painting render or timber below 10°C or in direct sun — the paint won't cure properly
- Buying bargain paint — trade paint covers twice as well and lasts about twice as long
Regional differences
Decorators in London and the South East charge 20–35% above the national average and book out three to six weeks through spring and summer. In smaller towns you'll often find decorators who also do plastering repairs and small joinery, which saves money on smaller projects.
Checklist before you hire
- Ask for references on comparable work — kitchens and exteriors are different skills
- Get a written quote that states the number of coats
- Confirm public liability insurance, and check any Painting & Decorating Association or TrustMark membership
- Ask how furniture and floors are protected during the work
- For exteriors, ask for the substrate assessment in writing
- Ask for a workmanship guarantee — two years is common
Frequently asked questions
How often does exterior paint need redoing?
Painted timber wants redecorating every 5–8 years depending on exposure; south- and west-facing walls weather 30–50% faster than the north side. Masonry paint on render lasts 10–15 years. Brick usually doesn't need painting at all — and once painted, it needs doing forever.
What paint should I use indoors?
Matt or vinyl silk emulsion is fine for living rooms and bedrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms want a specialist moisture-resistant or satin finish so they take scrubbing and steam. Ask the decorator to recommend a specific finish based on how the room is used.
How long does decorating a home take?
An 80 m² flat usually takes two decorators 4–7 working days including preparation and two coats. Wallpaper stripping adds 1–2 days per room. Allow 2–3 days of drying after the final coat before moving furniture back.
Do I need to move out while the work is done?
For single rooms you can stay and shift around the house. For a whole-house redecoration most people find it easier to be elsewhere for 3–7 days, mainly because of sanding dust and paint smell.
Companies in painter and decorator
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