Surface condition
Cracks, dents, loose paint, stains, failed caulk and rough previous repairs all add preparation time before decorating can begin.
For 2026, a useful starting point is roughly £250–£700 for many single-room jobs. The condition of the surfaces and what you want included often matter more than the size of the room.
These figures are broad budgeting ranges, not fixed quotations. They assume normal access and a professional standard of preparation and finish. Every property is different, so the most useful quote is based on the actual room and exactly what you want included.
| Typical job | Budgeting guide | Common timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Box room or small bedroom | £250–£450 | About 1 day |
| Average bedroom | £350–£600 | 1–2 days |
| Living room | £400–£700 | 1–3 days |
| Hall, stairs and landing | £700–£1,600 | 3–6 days |
| Wallpaper feature wall | £180–£350 labour | Usually 1 day |
Guide updated August 2026. Prices vary with preparation, paint, room size, access and specification. VAT may apply depending on the contractor.
Cracks, dents, loose paint, stains, failed caulk and rough previous repairs all add preparation time before decorating can begin.
Walls only cost less than a complete room including ceilings, doors, frames, skirting, radiators and other woodwork.
Premium or specialist products, strong colour changes and finishes needing extra coats can increase labour and material costs.
High ceilings, stairwells, restricted parking, heavy furniture and difficult exterior access can affect the time and equipment required.
Removing old paper, lining damaged walls and hanging delicate or heavily patterned wallpaper require different amounts of work.
An empty room is normally quicker to protect and work through than a fully furnished room that must stay usable during the job.
The cheapest total is not necessarily the cheapest like-for-like quote. One decorator may include filling, sanding, caulking, two finish coats and materials, while another price may cover little more than applying paint to the walls.
For an initial conversation, include your Nottingham postcode, the rooms or surfaces involved, whether you want walls only or a complete redecoration, your preferred colours and several clear photographs. Close-up photographs of cracks, stains or damaged areas are particularly helpful.
Photos can help establish a sensible starting point. A visit may still be needed before confirming the price, especially for hallways, exterior work, wallpaper removal or surfaces with hidden defects.
A straightforward small room may start from around £250, while a typical bedroom or living room may be roughly £350–£700. Poor surfaces, extensive woodwork, major colour changes and specialist paint can increase the price.
It depends on the quote. Ask whether labour, preparation materials, paint, protection and clearing up are included so you can compare quotations fairly.
Photographs are useful for an initial discussion, but an accurate quotation may require a visit when surface condition, access or preparation is difficult to judge remotely.
Send the postcode, room details and a few photographs to start the conversation.