Finding the Right Decorator

Let's be real. A professional decorator will do a 3-bed new build in 5 days. It will take you 3 weekends — and the result will be about 60% as good. The cutting in won't be as sharp, the coverage won't be as even, and the finish around doors and windows won't be as clean.

That said, painting is one of the most achievable DIY skills. If you're doing a single room or a feature wall, DIY is absolutely worthwhile — especially if you enjoy the process. But if you're doing the whole house, or if you want panelling and wallpaper, a professional will deliver a dramatically better result in a fraction of the time.

A good decorator doesn't just slap paint on walls. They:

• Prepare surfaces properly (filling, sanding, mist coating new plaster)
• Protect flooring, furniture, and fittings with dust sheets
• Cut in with razor-sharp lines at ceilings, corners, and frames
• Apply even, consistent coats with no roller marks or brush streaks
• Paint woodwork (skirting boards, door frames, doors) to a furniture-like finish
• Hang wallpaper with perfectly matched patterns and invisible seams
• Clean up completely — you shouldn't know they've been there except for the beautiful walls

• Single feature wall (paint): £150-£300
• Single feature wall (wallpaper): £200-£400
• Single feature wall (panelling + paint): £350-£700
• Full room (paint, walls + woodwork): £300-£600
• Full room (wallpaper feature + paint): £400-£800
• Full house 3-bed (paint throughout): £2,000-£5,000
• Full house premium (panelling, wallpaper, paint): £5,000-£15,000

These prices are for labour only — paint and materials are usually on top. Some decorators supply paint (at trade prices, which saves you money), others prefer you to buy your own. Clarify this in the quote.

• "Can I see photos of recent work?" — ideally new build homes similar to yours
• "Do you have public liability insurance?" — essential. Ask for the certificate.
• "What's included?" — preparation, mist coat, number of coats, woodwork, clean-up
• "Do you supply paint or do I?" — either is fine, just know which
• "What's your timeline?" — good decorators are booked 2-4 weeks ahead
• "Will you move furniture or do I?" — most decorators expect you to clear the room

• No photos of work: Every decent decorator has a phone full of before and after shots. No portfolio = no proof of quality.
• Quote without seeing the house: A decorator who quotes over the phone hasn't seen the walls, the ceiling height, the woodwork condition, or the access. The quote will be wrong.
• Cash only, no invoice: Legitimate decorators provide invoices. No paperwork = no comeback.
• Skipping the mist coat: If a decorator doesn't mention mist coating your new plaster, they either don't know (bad) or don't care (worse). It's the most important step in new build decorating.
• One coat offered: Anything other than white needs two coats minimum. A decorator offering one coat to save time is cutting corners.