How to Get an Accurate Decorating Quote
What to measure, photograph and write down so painters and decorators can give you a realistic, comparable quote, and what to avoid leaving vague.
An accurate quote starts with an accurate brief. Most disagreements about decorating prices come from different assumptions about what is included, not from anyone being dishonest. The more specific you are at the start, the less likely you are to see extras added later.
This guide shows you what information to gather before asking for prices.
Start with the scope
Write a short list of exactly what you want done. For each room, decide whether it includes:
- Walls
- Ceiling
- Skirting boards and architraves
- Doors and door frames
- Window frames and sills
- Radiators
- Built-in cupboards or shelving
- Wallpaper removal or hanging
If you are unsure about something, say so and ask for it to be priced as an option. "Optional extra: skirting and doors" gives you the choice later.
Gather the measurements
You do not need to be precise to the centimetre, but approximate dimensions help:
- Floor length and width of each room
- Ceiling height, especially if higher than about 2.4 metres
- Number of doors and windows
- Number of radiators and any fitted furniture
Photos fill in the gaps. Take wide shots of each wall and ceiling, plus close-ups of any cracks, stains, peeling areas or damp patches.
Describe the current condition
Be honest about what you can see:
- Is the existing paint sound, or flaking and chalky?
- Is there wallpaper, and how many layers?
- Are there signs of damp, mould or water staining? If so, the source should be fixed before painting. See damp and mould before painting.
- Are walls newly plastered?
- Is there evidence of previous poor repairs?
Say what finish you want
Specify paint type and finish if you know them. Otherwise, describe the use: "child's bedroom, wipeable finish" or "kitchen, moisture-resistant". If you have colours in mind, say whether they are a big change from the existing colours, because that affects the number of coats. The guide to matt, silk and eggshell can help you choose.
State the practicalities
- Is the property occupied, empty or furnished?
- Is there parking and access?
- What days or times are possible?
- Are there pets, children or anyone with allergies?
- Do you have a deadline, such as a house move or an event?
Ask for an itemised quote
A good quote typically lists:
- Rooms and surfaces included
- Number of coats
- Preparation included
- Whether materials are supplied and who pays
- Start date and estimated duration
- Payment terms
- What happens if extra work is discovered
Then use the checklist in how to compare decorating quotes to review them.
Request more than one quote
Three quotes are often enough to see a pattern. Differences in price are normal, but if one is much lower or higher, ask why. On Compito you can send one request with your brief and photos to local ID-verified providers, compare the offers and message them with questions before you accept and pay online.
Common mistakes
- Asking for a price from a vague description like "paint my house".
- Not mentioning ceilings or woodwork, then being surprised by extras.
- Not telling the decorator about known issues, such as damp.
- Choosing purely on price without reading what is included.
A worked example of a good brief
Compare two ways of asking for the same job. The first: "Need a living room painted, how much?" The second: "Living room, about 4.5 m by 3.8 m, 2.4 m ceiling, two windows, one door. Walls and ceiling, two coats, existing walls are sound matt emulsion. Skirting and door to be repainted in satin. Furniture will be cleared to the centre. Parking outside. Any weekday from the first week of next month."
The first gets guesses and wide price swings, because each decorator fills the gaps with their own assumptions. The second lets three people price the same job, which is the whole point. Rooms of this size are typically priced in a fairly narrow band in many parts of the UK, with London and the South East usually higher, so any large gap is worth a question rather than a conclusion.
Photos that actually help
- One wide shot from each corner of the room, taken in daylight with the lights off.
- A close-up of every crack, stain or repair, with something for scale such as a coin or tape measure.
- The ceiling, including any light fittings, coving or rose.
- Woodwork edges, especially where paint is chipped or very glossy.
- Any damp, mould or water marks, plus a note of when you first noticed them.
Things that quietly change the price
Some details are easy to forget but can move a quote noticeably:
- Stairs, landings and high ceilings needing a tower or long ladders.
- Dark or strong existing colours that need extra coats to cover.
- Flats with restricted parking, loading rules or lift booking.
- Rooms that cannot be fully emptied, such as a kitchen or a nursery.
- Older homes with uneven walls, lots of coving or several layers of old paint.
Mentioning them early gets you an honest price instead of an optimistic one that grows later.
Checking a quote before you accept
Read the quote back against your brief. Is every room and surface you listed present? Are the coats, prep and materials spelled out? Is the start date realistic? If a line is missing, ask for it to be added in writing before you agree.
Frequently asked questions
Do decorators need to visit before quoting?
Not always. For simple rooms, photos and dimensions are often enough. For large houses, exteriors or problem walls, a visit gives a more reliable price.
Are quotes binding?
That depends on what is agreed. A fixed price for defined work should stay fixed unless the scope changes, while an estimate may move. Ask which one you are being given.
Should I tell decorators my budget?
You can share a range, but also ask for a price based on the work itself. That way you can see what the job should cost before deciding what to trim.
What if I am not sure what work is needed?
Say so. Describe what you can see, send photos and ask for the problem areas to be priced as options. A decorator can then tell you what they would do and why, which is more useful than a single number built on guesses.