What House Painting Costs in the UK
Hiring a decorator is one of the most common home improvement jobs, but prices vary considerably depending on what needs painting, the size of the property, and your location. This guide sets out realistic figures for interior and exterior painting so you can budget accurately.
Most homeowners pay between £150 and £400 to have a single room painted, and £800 to £2,500 for a full house exterior — though larger properties cost more.
Interior Painting Costs by Room
- Small bedroom: £150 to £250
- Double bedroom: £200 to £350
- Living room: £250 to £450
- Kitchen: £180 to £300
- Bathroom: £150 to £250
- Hallway and stairs: £300 to £600
These figures assume walls and ceiling only. Woodwork (skirting boards, door frames, doors) typically adds £50 to £150 per room depending on volume.
Exterior House Painting Costs
- Terraced house (2-bed): £800 to £1,500
- Semi-detached (3-bed): £1,200 to £2,200
- Detached (4-bed): £2,000 to £3,500
Scaffolding or cherry picker hire, if needed, adds £500 to £1,500 to the total. Render and pebbledash require different preparation and primer than bare brick, which also affects price.
What Drives the Cost?
- Surface preparation — damaged plaster, old wallpaper to strip, or large cracks to fill adds time
- Number of coats — going from dark to light typically requires three coats
- Ceiling height — rooms above 2.7m require taller access equipment
- Paint quality — higher-spec paints last longer but cost more upfront
- Location — London and the South East command a 20 to 40 per cent premium
Day Rate vs Fixed Price
A day rate for an experienced painter and decorator typically runs between £180 and £280 per day. Fixed-price quotes are generally better for the homeowner — you know the final cost upfront and the decorator has an incentive to work efficiently. Always ask for a written quote covering scope, coats, and what preparation is included.
How to Find a Good Decorator
There's no formal licensing requirement for decorators in the UK, so quality varies widely. Word of mouth from neighbours or family is often the best source. For a cold search, look at Checkatrade, Rated People, or the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) member directory. Ask to see photos of recent work before committing.