Getting a room painted is one of those jobs where prices vary wildly. £100 from one painter, £500 from another. Here's how to understand what you're paying for.
Average Costs in Exeter
Per Room (Walls Only)
| Room Size | Basic Prep | Standard Prep | Heavy Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (box room) | £150-200 | £200-250 | £250-350 |
| Medium (single bed) | £200-300 | £300-400 | £400-500 |
| Large (double bed) | £300-400 | £400-550 | £550-700 |
| Very large (reception) | £400-600 | £600-800 | £800-1000+ |
Add-Ons
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceiling | £100-200 per room |
| Woodwork (door + frame) | £60-100 per door |
| Skirting boards | £3-5 per metre |
| Window frames | £30-60 per window |
| Wallpaper removal | £100-300 per room |
| Artex ceiling (paint) | £100-150 per room |
What Affects the Price
Room Size
Obviously. But it's not just floor area - ceiling height matters. A Victorian room with 3m ceilings takes longer than a modern room with 2.4m ceilings.
Prep Work Needed
This is where most variation comes from.
Basic prep:
- Walls in good condition
- Fill minor holes
- Light sand
- Dust down
- Mask up
Standard prep:
- Moderate repairs needed
- Fill multiple holes/cracks
- Sand rough areas
- Prime bare spots
- Clean greasy areas
Heavy prep:
- Major repairs
- Old wallpaper to strip
- Lining paper needed
- Multiple coats of primer
- Significant crack/hole filling
Current Wall Condition
Adds cost:
- Wallpaper (removal)
- Dark colours (more coats needed to cover)
- Smoke damage (seal and prime)
- Damp stains (treat and seal)
- Bare plaster (mist coat + paint)
- Artex (hard to cut in)
Reduces cost:
- Recently painted, good condition
- Light colours going to light
- Already prepped
Paint Quality
Paint prices (per 2.5L):
- Budget: £15-20
- Mid-range: £25-35
- Premium: £40-60
Good paint covers better (fewer coats), lasts longer, and is easier to apply. Most decorators prefer mid-range or premium.
Colour Choices
Going from white to white: easy, 2 coats. Going from dark to light: might need 4+ coats or primer/sealer. Going from light to dark: might need tinted primer.
Access
High ceilings need scaffolding or towers - adds time and cost. Furniture in place needs moving/covering - adds time. No parking nearby means carrying equipment further.
What's Included
A Good Quote Should Cover
✅ All prep work ✅ Materials (paint, filler, masking) ✅ Dust sheets and protection ✅ Two coats minimum ✅ Cleanup ✅ Minor furniture movement
Usually Extra
➕ Moving heavy furniture (wardrobes, beds) ➕ Major repairs beyond filling ➕ Woodwork (unless specifically included) ➕ Colour consultation ➕ Wallpaper application
Ask About
❓ How many coats? ❓ Is primer included if needed? ❓ Who supplies paint? ❓ What's covered vs extra?
Getting Accurate Quotes
What to Tell the Decorator
- Room dimensions (or access for measuring)
- Current wall condition
- Current colour and desired colour
- What's included (walls only? Ceiling? Woodwork?)
- Any access issues
- Your timeframe
Red Flags
Too cheap:
- Cutting corners somewhere
- Not including proper prep
- Poor quality paint
- Won't take time to do it right
Too expensive:
- Unless there's a reason (specialist work, premium paint, difficult access)
- Check what's included
Fair Expectations
A good decorator:
- Will look at the room before quoting (or see photos)
- Explains what they'll do
- Uses decent paint
- Provides a written quote
- Has some form of insurance
- Can show previous work
DIY vs Professional
DIY Makes Sense If
- You're not in a hurry
- You enjoy painting
- Prep is minimal
- Access is easy
- You'll do proper prep
- You accept it may not be perfect
Professional Makes Sense If
- You want quality finish
- Prep is significant
- Access is difficult (stairs, high ceilings)
- You're time-poor
- You hate painting
- It's a selling/rental property
Cost Comparison
DIY a medium bedroom:
- Paint: £50-80
- Supplies: £30-50
- Your time: 8-15 hours
- Total cash: £80-130
Professional same room:
- Total: £300-450
The difference is your time (worth something) and the finish quality.
How I Quote
For painting, I work on a day-rate basis with an estimate of days needed.
Example quotes:
| Room | Condition | Work | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single bedroom | Good walls | Walls + ceiling | 1 day | £250-300 |
| Double bedroom | Some repair | Walls + ceiling + door | 1.5 days | £350-450 |
| Living room | Wallpaper strip | Walls + ceiling | 2-3 days | £500-700 |
I supply paint at cost plus I'll advise on suitable products.
Making It Affordable
Phase the Work
Do one room at a time rather than whole house at once.
Prep Yourself
If you're willing to:
- Strip wallpaper yourself
- Fill holes
- Sand surfaces
- Clean walls
...the decorator can focus on the painting and quote lower.
Supply Paint Yourself
Buy paint in sales. Good decorators will tell you what to get.
Combine with Other Work
If I'm there for half a day anyway, adding a small job often makes sense.
Want a room painted properly? I paint rooms across Exeter - fair prices, proper prep, quality finish. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.