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Decoration

Painting and decorating estimate.

Painting and decorating quotes are typically based on measured area, number of coats, and surface condition. This guide walks through measuring, pricing, and the prep work that makes the difference between profit and loss.

Authored by Alexandr Vreme & Maksym Vasylkov
Published July 2026 — Next review July 2027

Who this guide is for

This guide is for painters, decorators, and contractors pricing interior and exterior painting work. It covers both new-build decoration and repaint projects across domestic and small commercial settings.

Information needed

Accurate pricing starts with accurate measurement. You need:

• Room dimensions: length, width, ceiling height
• Number of coats required and paint specification (brand, finish, colour)
• Existing surface condition: new plaster, previously painted, or heavily patched
• Ceiling height — anything above 3 m may need scaffold boards or tower hire
• Wallpaper specification (lining paper, feature wall, full room, high-end paper)
• Woodwork schedule: skirting, architraves, doors, window frames — count of items or linear metres

Measuring and pricing

Walls are measured in square metres: room perimeter × ceiling height, minus openings (doors and windows approximately 2 m² each). Ceilings are simple length × width. Typical all-in rates:

• Emulsion walls: £15–25/m² (2 coats on previously painted)
• New plaster (mist coat + 2 coats): £20–30/m²
• Wallpaper hanging: £20–35/m², more for complex patterns
• Woodwork per item: £20–40 for skirting, £25–45 for a door

Prep work — the hidden majority

Preparation often takes longer than painting. Account for filling, sanding, priming, caulking, masking, and protecting floors and furniture. Mist coating new plaster is essential before any emulsion. On repaint work, washing down and spot priming stained areas adds time that is easily underestimated.

Commonly missed costs

• Gloss, undercoat, or satin on woodwork — charged per item or per linear metre, not included in wall rates
• Feature walls — accent colours may need more coats and careful cutting in
• Radiators — moving or leaving to paint behind (or cutting in around pipework)
• Scaffolding or tower hire for high ceilings and stairwells
• Parking permits, congestion charges, or resident permits in city centres

Miniature worked example

A 4 m × 5 m living room with 2.4 m ceilings, two doors, one window, eight woodwork items:

• Walls: (18 m perimeter × 2.4 m) minus 6 m² openings = 37.2 m² × £18 = £670
• Ceiling: 20 m² × £15 = £300
• Woodwork: 8 items × £25 = £200
• Total: £1,170

Questions to ask

• Are the walls newly plastered? If so, allow an extra day for drying before painting.
• Does the client want the ceiling painted a different colour?
• Are there any Artex or textured finishes that need specialist prep?
• Who supplies the paint — client or contractor?
• What is the access like for bringing in materials and protecting floors?