Painting & decorating
The finish everyone actually sees.
Whole-house interiors, exteriors, wallpapering and woodwork. Verified Premium decorators who price the prep, not just the paint.
Recent Painting & Decorating, Surrey
Whole-house interiors typically £2k–£8k.Recent Painting & Decorating, Essex
Whole-house interiors typically £2k–£8k.Recent Painting & Decorating, Birmingham
Whole-house interiors typically £2k–£8k.Anonymised recent matches.
01
What "Painting & Decorating" covers
Verified Premium specialists who handle the full scope, not just one slice. One auction, one builder, one point of contact.
Whole-house and single-room interior decoration
Exterior painting — render, masonry, woodwork
Wallpapering and specialist finishes
Woodwork — doors, skirting, staircases, sash frames
02
What we typically include — and don't
A clear scope is the difference between a smooth project and the renovation horror story your friends tell at dinner.
Included
In scope- Preparation — filling, sanding, caulking, priming
- Two full coats on walls and ceilings; gloss or satin on woodwork
- Protection of floors and furniture, tidy handover
Typically not included
Priced separately- Plaster repairs beyond minor filling (separate category)
- Premium designer paints (we recommend; you buy)
- External access above two storeys without scaffold (priced separately)
03
Realistic cost range
Whole-house interiors typically £2k–£8k.
The Project Cost Tool gives you a postcode-adjusted range with a clear breakdown of what’s included. Use it before you talk to a builder so you walk in knowing your numbers.
04
Common questions
Direct, plain answers. No marketing copy.
How much does decorating a house cost?
A single room professionally decorated typically £350–£700 including prep. Whole-house interiors run £2k–£8k depending on size and condition; exteriors £1.5k–£5k with access. Use the Project Cost Tool for a postcode-adjusted range.
Why do decorating quotes vary so much?
It's almost always prep. A cheap quote skips the filling, sanding and caulking that makes the finish last. Verified decorators on Compare Builders itemise prep in the sealed bid, so you're comparing like for like.
When's the best time for exterior painting?
April to September, in dry weather above 10°C — masonry paint applied to damp render fails early. Book exteriors over winter for spring slots; good decorators fill up fast.
Ready when you are
Compare verified
painting & decorating builders now.
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