How to Compare Decorating Quotes Like for Like
A clear method for comparing painter and decorator quotes, covering scope, coats, prep, materials, timing and payment so you choose on value, not just price.
Three quotes for the same room can differ by hundreds of pounds, and the cheapest is not always the worst or the best. The difference often comes from what each quote assumes. To compare fairly, you need to translate each quote into the same terms.
Step 1: Lay quotes side by side
Create a simple table with a column for each provider and rows for the following:
- Total price
- Labour or materials included
- Rooms and surfaces covered
- Number of coats
- Preparation included
- Duration and start date
- Payment terms
- Anything excluded
If a quote does not mention one of these, ask. Do not assume.
Step 2: Check the scope
Does each quote include ceilings, woodwork, radiators and doors? A quote that covers only walls will look cheaper than one covering walls, ceiling and woodwork, but it is not the same job.
Ask each provider to confirm the full scope in writing, using your list. This is easiest if you gave the same information to each, as described in how to get an accurate decorating quote.
Step 3: Compare the preparation
Preparation is where cheaper quotes often cut corners. Look for mentions of:
- Filling cracks and holes
- Sanding and cleaning
- Caulking gaps along skirting and architraves
- Priming or mist coating new or patched areas
- Treating stains or mould
If one quote barely mentions prep while another lists it in detail, that explains part of the price gap.
Step 4: Compare coats and materials
Two coats are typical on walls. Some quotes assume a single coat, leaving you to ask for another later. Find out:
- Paint type and finish (matt, silk, eggshell, satin)
- Who supplies the paint
- Whether primer or undercoat is included
If you supply paint, subtract an estimate for materials from the more expensive quotes. See should you buy paint yourself.
Step 5: Look at time and availability
A decorator who can start tomorrow may be filling a gap, or may rush. A decorator booked up for six weeks may be in demand. Neither is automatically better. What matters is whether the estimated duration matches the work. A full house in two days sounds suspiciously fast; a single room in a week might be padded.
Step 6: Review payment terms
Typical arrangements include:
| Structure | When it is common |
|---|---|
| Pay on completion | Smaller jobs |
| Deposit then balance | Where materials are bought up front |
| Stage payments | Large or multi-week jobs |
Be cautious about large up-front payments. Learn more in paying a decorator.
Step 7: Weigh the intangibles
Beyond numbers, consider:
- Responsiveness and clarity of communication
- Reviews and examples of similar jobs
- How they answered your questions
- How comfortable you feel having them in your home
A price that is slightly higher but with better communication and a more detailed scope is often better value.
When to ask for a revised quote
If you find a gap you cannot explain, ask the provider to clarify. Often a revision brings the quote into line with others, or reveals genuine differences in approach. Through Compito, you can use messages to ask follow-up questions and keep the answers in one place before you accept an offer.
A worked example: three quotes for the same living room
Suppose you receive three quotes for a living room. Quote A is £320, walls and ceiling, two coats, no mention of prep or woodwork. Quote B is £480, walls, ceiling, skirting and door in satin, two coats, with filling and sanding listed and paint included. Quote C is £540 with the same scope plus caulking, mist coat on patched areas and a one-day tidy-up included. On price alone, A wins. On a like-for-like basis, A is missing woodwork and prep, so the real comparison is between B and C, and the £60 gap buys a more detailed prep list. Adding the missing items to A would likely bring it close to B.
A simple scoring sheet
| Factor | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope matches your list | |||
| Prep described | |||
| Coats and finish stated | |||
| Materials included | |||
| Start date and duration | |||
| Payment terms | |||
| Reviews and communication |
Fill each cell with a tick, a cross or a note. Gaps are as useful as ticks.
Common mistakes
- Comparing totals only. Scope differences hide in the details.
- Taking the lowest quote because it arrived first. Wait until you have a fair spread.
- Ignoring reviews that mention tidiness and punctuality. Those habits show up in the quality of work.
- Not asking about what is excluded. Exclusions become extras.
- Accepting a verbal quote. Keep details in writing in your messages.
Questions that reveal the difference
- What preparation is included, in order?
- What would make the price change?
- How do you protect floors and furniture?
- What is your plan if you find damp or cracks?
- How and when do you want to be paid? See paying a decorator: deposits and stage payments.
Rentals, landlords and older homes
Landlords usually care about turnaround and durable finish, so ask about speed and touch-up. Owners of older homes should ask specifically how the decorator treats uneven walls and previous paint layers.
When to pause
If a quote is vague, ask for a revision rather than guessing. A provider who answers promptly and clearly is showing you what the job will be like.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always pick the middle quote?
No. The middle price is not automatically right. Choose the quote where scope, prep, communication and price add up to the best value for your job.
Can I negotiate a quote?
Politely, yes. A reasonable approach is to ask whether anything can be adjusted, such as scope or timing, rather than simply asking for a lower price.
What if all quotes are higher than I expected?
Check whether your expectations were realistic and whether the scope can be reduced, phased or simplified. Typical room costs can help calibrate.