Do you find yourself discontented with your living space because it feels lifeless and outdated? Do you have a dream about a house that is a true reflection of who you are and what you like? Whether you want to just change the style of your living room or completely enhance the vibe of your house, professional painting, and decorating services can make a world of difference. Nevertheless, in a city where prices differ greatly from one street to another, it's hard to know what a painter and decorator's cost is in London. Will you have a tight budget or will you find yourself a bargain?
In this article, we will find out how much do painters and decorators charge in London. This will enable you to plan and budget accordingly. Here is everything you should know about the cost of hiring professional painters and decorators in London.
What are the Average Painting and Decorating Costs in London?
On average, painters and decorators charge around £250-400 per day for their labour. This rate can vary depending on the complexity of the job. Also, the location, and the level of expertise required. Keep in mind that this is only the labour cost, and you'll need to budget for materials separately.
If your project requires a more experienced painter or decorator, be prepared for higher costs. For example, intricate wallpaper hanging or complex painting techniques can command premium rates. All these factors will ultimately increase the cost.
Here are the average prices for painting and decorating projects in the UK:
Project | Unit Price Range - Low | Unit Price Range - High | Average UK Cost |
Painter and Decorator (day rate) | £250 | £400 | £325 |
Painting a House (per m2 floor space) | £40 | £60 | £50 |
Painting a House (internally, per m2 wall area) | £10 | £20 | £15 |
Painting a Medium-Sized Room | £300 | £450 | £400 |
Painting a 2-Bed Flat | £1,200 | £2,800 | £2,000 |
Painting a 5-Bed House | £3,000 | £7,500 | £6,000 |
Painting Hallways, Landing, and Stairwell | £850 | £1,750 | £1,600 |
Painting Ceilings (per m2) | £10 | £20 | £15 |
Exterior Painting (per m2) | £15 | £25 | £20 |
Exterior Painting a 3-Bed Semi | £1,100 | £1,500 | £1,300 |
Exterior Painting a 4-Bed Detached | £1,750 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
Wallpapering (labour only, per m2) | £12 | £16 | £14 |
Wallpapering a Room (labour only) | £300 | £500 | £450 |
Painting a Door (both sides) | £50 | £100 | £90 |
Painting Woodwork (per m2) | £15 | £25 | £20 |
Painting a Radiator | £30 | £50 | £40 |
How Much Should It Cost to Paint a Room in the UK?
If you have a small room, the cost to paint the room is typically between £200 and £300. This is because small rooms require less paint and less time to complete the job.
For a medium-sized room, the average cost is between £300 and £450. This is because medium-sized rooms require a bit more paint and a bit more time to complete the job, but not as much as a large room.
And for a large-sized room, the cost can range from £450 to £650. This is because large rooms require a significant amount of paint and a lot of time to complete the job, which increases the overall cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?
Now, if you are trying to calculate the cost to paint your complete house then here are a few things you should keep in mind. Painting your whole house, both interior and exterior, will require a much larger investment. Not only will the job take more time for the painters to complete, but you'll also need to factor in the cost of significantly more paint, wallpaper, and other materials.
The price to paint a house in London can vary quite a bit depending on the size of your property. As a general guideline:
The average cost to paint a 2-bedroom flat: £1,200
The average cost to paint a 5-bedroom house: £3,000
These estimates cover the basic painting of walls, ceilings, and trims using standard paint quality. However, the total cost can increase if you're looking to paint your entire house inside and out.
Looking For A Reliable And Affordable Painting Service In London?
Adam's Painting Services offers competitive rates and high-quality workmanship. We understand that painting your house is a significant investment, and we're committed to providing you with the best possible value for your money. You should choose Adam Professional Painting Services if you are in search of:
➩ Experienced and qualified painters: Our team of skilled professionals has years of experience in all aspects of painting and decorating.
➩ Competitive pricing: We offer competitive rates without compromising on quality.
➩ Efficient service: We work efficiently to minimise disruption to your home.
➩ Free estimates: Get a free, no-obligation quote before you commit.
➩ Flexible scheduling: We work around your schedule to find a time that suits you.
Simply fill out and submit our free online form to get an immediate price estimate. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your specific needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Decorate a Room with Wallpaper in London?
The cost of decorating a room with wallpaper can vary. The main factors that influence the cost include whether you require wallpaper to be stripped before hanging if you only need wallpaper hanging, and whether you're buying the materials or if the decorator is providing them. To give you an estimation here are the average prices for decorating a room with wallpaper in London:
Project | Average price | Time |
20m2 room (hang wallpaper) | £220 | 1 day |
30 m2 room (hang wallpaper) | £320 | 1-2 days |
50 m2 room (hang wallpaper) | £650 | 1-2 days |
20 m2 (strip & hang) | £600 | 2 days |
30 m2 (strip & hang) | £800 | 2-3 days |
50 m2 (strip & hang) | £1200 | 3 days |
How Much Does it Cost to Paint Your Hallway, Stairs, Landing, Ceilings, and Exterior Walls?
Unlike a room, painting your hallway, stairs, landing, ceilings, and exterior walls can be more complex and is a more challenging task as well. So, a professional will charge a bit higher price. But as the painting of hallways and stairs takes more expertise, professional painters can make a world of difference in the quality of the final result. And believe me, it can save you time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes in the long run.
On average, the hallway, stairs, and landing of your property will cost around £750 to paint. This area is particularly difficult to paint due to the right angles and hard-to-reach sections, making it a job best suited for professionals. If you're looking to have your ceilings painted, you can expect to pay around £350 per room. Painting ceilings can be a messy and tricky job, requiring specialist tools and equipment to get the job done correctly.
Finally, painting the outside of your property is a whole different type of job from interior painting and decorating. The paint will be exposed to the elements, and the material being painted on will be completely different from the inside of your home. On average, you can expect to pay around £750 - £1,500 to have the exterior of a three-bedroom semi-detached house painted.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a 3-Bed House?
The cost of painting a 3-bedroom house depends on the size of the house, the number of coats required, and the type of paint used. On average, the cost of painting a 3-bed house can range from £2,100 to £3,100. The cost of materials is a significant factor in the overall cost. The paint itself can cost anywhere from £500 to £800, depending on the quality and brand chosen. If primer is necessary, this can add £100 to £200 to the cost. Brushes, rollers, and other equipment can add another £100 to £200.
The cost of labour is also a significant factor. A professional painter's rate can range from £200 to £300 per day, depending on the location and experience. The number of days required to complete the job can vary, but on average, it can take around 5 to 7 days to complete a 3-bed house.
What Drives the Cost of Hiring a Painter and Decorator?
Regarding the room decoration, a variety of factors can dictate the final cost. The knowledge of these factors can be considered an advantage because when you know what to expect, you can plan well for the expense and make smart decisions to save some money.
1. Preparation and Interior Condition
The quality of your interior room's painting has a major impact on your service cost. If the walls in your house require some preparation work, for example, if there are cracks or holes to be repaired, the cost and the time needed for the job will also increase. This should be taken into consideration when budgeting.
2. Materials
Selecting the type and grade of materials can increase the final price. For example, if specialist materials are needed for high ceilings or intricate corn icing, the cost will escalate. Besides that, if your decorator is buying the paint or wallpaper and charging you for it, this will also influence the final price.
3. Room Size
The room size is one of the important elements in decoration pricing. The larger the rooms, the more material and labour are consumed which ultimately leads to higher costs.
4. Location
Where you live can have a significant impact on the cost of decoration. Cities like London tend to have higher prices. If you live in London and the South East, you can expect to pay up to 20% more on average for labour costs compared to other parts of the UK.
5. Skill Level and Experience
Labour costs are a major component of any decorating quote. If you're on a budget, you may be able to get away with hiring a less experienced painter for a simple job. However, if your project requires specialised skills, such as intricate wallpaper hanging or complex painting techniques, it's worth paying for an experienced decorator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How much should I pay a painter per hour?
In the UK, the average hourly rate for a painter and decorator is between £20 and £50. This rate does not include the cost of materials, which will be added to the overall cost of the job. If you're looking for a more detailed breakdown, hourly rates for a painter in the UK typically range from £15 to £40 per hour, excluding materials.
Q. How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom flat?
The cost to paint a room in London can vary, but on average, it costs around £450 to £1,000. This cost is influenced by several factors, including the size of the room. London prices tend to be higher than the rest of the UK, so it's essential to consider these factors when budgeting for your painting project.
Q. How much does a handyman charge to paint a room in the UK?
A handyman's charge to paint a room in the UK can vary, but on average, you can expect to pay between £150 and £350. This cost typically includes labour only, and the price of materials will be added to the final bill.
Q. What is the day rate for a painter in London?
In London, the day rate for a painter and decorator can range from £150 to £400 per day. This rate does not include the cost of paint and materials, which will be added to the overall cost of the job. A more detailed breakdown shows that daily rates for a painter in London typically range from £100 to £250, excluding the cost of materials.
Q. Do painters make good money in the UK?
The average income for a painter and decorator in London can vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location. As of 2024, the average salary for a painter and decorator in London ranges from £25,000 to £35,000 per year. This suggests that painters can earn a decent income in the UK, especially in a city like London where demand for their services is high.