The cost of hiring a painter and decorator in Cambridgeshire depends on the size and condition of your property, the preparation required and the finish you want to achieve. According to Checkatrade’s 2026 painting and decorating cost guide, UK decorators typically charge between £250 and £350 per day, while painting a medium-sized room costs approximately £450, including standard trade paint. These are national estimates rather than confirmed prices for Cambridgeshire or the rates charged by Phil Edwards Painting & Decorating Ltd.
With over 25 years of experience, we provide painting and decorating services for homeowners, landlords and businesses throughout Cambridge and the wider Cambridgeshire area. From individual rooms to complete property redecorations, this guide explains what influences the cost and how to assess a quotation before work begins.
What Is the Average Painter and Decorator Cost?
The cost of hiring a decorator depends on the work involved and how the project is priced. Some tradespeople charge a daily rate, while others provide a quotation for the complete job. A day rate can be useful for budgeting, but it may not cover paint, preparation materials or additional work.
Checkatrade’s 2026 painting and decorating cost guide gives a typical UK day-rate range of £250 to £350 and an estimated £450 for painting an 18m² room with standard trade paint. Its day-rate figures and room estimates have different material assumptions, so they should not be compared directly. They are general benchmarks, not a local price list or a quotation from our company.
For customers considering domestic painting and decorating, we recommend looking at the complete scope of work rather than concentrating on the daily rate. Preparation, surface condition, materials and finishing requirements all affect the time involved. Two rooms of similar dimensions can therefore receive different quotations.
How Do Room Size and Complexity Affect the Price?
The dimensions of a room influence how much paint and labour are required, but floor space alone does not determine the cost. A large bedroom with straightforward walls may be easier to decorate than a narrow hallway containing several doors, a staircase and high ceilings.
Alcoves, fitted cupboards, decorative cornices and detailed woodwork can increase the amount of careful finishing needed. Painting around radiators, window frames and other fixtures also takes time, particularly where contrasting colours or different finishes are being applied.
Properties across Cambridgeshire vary considerably in their layouts and architectural details. Traditional homes may have deep skirting boards, irregular walls and intricate features, while newer properties often have simpler surfaces. We take these differences into account when discussing the work required, rather than estimating solely from a room’s measurements.
Why Does Surface Preparation Affect the Price?
Preparing walls, ceilings and woodwork properly is essential for achieving an even, durable finish. Before painting begins, surfaces may need cleaning, filling, sanding or priming. The amount of preparation required can make a considerable difference to the time spent on a project.
A room with sound, smooth surfaces generally needs less attention than one with peeling paint, cracks, damaged plaster or old wallpaper. Removing existing coverings can also reveal imperfections that need addressing before decorating continues.
Older properties sometimes require additional work because of uneven surfaces or layers of previous coatings. We assess the condition of the areas being decorated and explain the preparation needed as part of the quotation. Our services also include artexing and ceiling repairs where suitable, allowing related decorating requirements to be considered together.
When comparing quotations, check that each decorator has allowed for similar preparation. A lower price may reflect a different scope of work rather than a saving on the same service.
How Do Paint Quality and Standard of Finish Change the Cost?
The paint selected for a project can influence material costs, particularly when decorating several rooms or large surfaces. Standard trade paints are suitable for many applications, while premium products may offer different colours, coverage, durability or decorative finishes.
Product choice should reflect how a room is used. Hallways and family spaces may benefit from washable finishes, while kitchens and bathrooms can require paints suitable for areas affected by moisture and condensation. Exterior surfaces need coatings designed to withstand changing weather conditions.
The finish requested can also affect labour requirements. Detailed woodwork, contrasting colours, feature walls and decorative effects may need additional preparation or careful application. Significant colour changes can require extra coats to achieve consistent coverage.
We can discuss suitable materials and finishes when assessing your property, helping you choose an approach that balances appearance, practicality and your decorating budget.
How Much Does Wallpapering Add to Decorating Costs?
Wallpapering costs depend on the type of wallcovering, the condition of the surface and the complexity of installation. A single feature wall may require less time than wallpapering an entire room, although detailed patterns can make smaller areas more demanding.
Large repeating designs require careful alignment between lengths, which can increase installation time and material waste. Delicate or specialist coverings may also need particular adhesives and handling methods. The price of the wallpaper itself is another consideration, especially where a pattern requires additional rolls.
If existing wallpaper needs removing, the underlying walls may require filling, sanding or lining before new coverings are applied. Our professional wallpaper hanging service includes consideration of the preparation needed for the chosen finish.
We also hang lining paper where appropriate, helping prepare surfaces for painting or decorative wallcoverings. Discussing the intended finish before work starts makes it easier to establish the materials and labour required.
What Else Can Affect a Decorating Quote?
Access requirements can influence decorating costs, particularly for exterior work. Upper-storey walls, high ceilings and difficult-to-reach woodwork may require suitable access equipment or scaffolding. The Health and Safety Executive’s working at height guidance explains the need to plan work at height and use appropriate safety measures.
Exterior decorating also depends on the condition of existing surfaces and the materials being treated. Masonry, render, doors and window frames may require different preparation methods and protective coatings. Weather conditions can affect when certain work can be carried out, which may influence scheduling.
Property age and previous maintenance can introduce further requirements. Damaged surfaces, unsuitable existing coatings or repairs discovered during an assessment may change the amount of work needed.
It is also worth checking whether VAT applies. GOV.UK’s VAT guidance for builders explains that most work on houses and flats by builders and similar trades is subject to the standard 20% rate, with some exceptions. VAT treatment depends on the circumstances and the supplier’s VAT status, so confirm whether the quotation includes any applicable VAT before comparing prices.
Is It Cheaper to Decorate Several Rooms at Once?
Arranging several rooms to be decorated as part of one project can sometimes make scheduling more efficient. Preparation, equipment and materials may be coordinated across different areas of the property instead of organising several separate visits.
For example, decorating bedrooms and a hallway together allows the work to be planned in a practical sequence. Similar paints and finishes may also simplify material ordering, although the overall requirements of each room still need to be assessed.
Combining projects does not guarantee a lower price. Every surface still needs the appropriate preparation and finishing, and the total cost will reflect the work involved. If you are planning several rooms, tell us during the initial discussion so the quotation can cover the full project.
This can be particularly useful for landlords arranging decorating between tenancies, when the work needs to fit around cleaning, repairs and the arrival of new occupants.
What Should a Good Painting and Decorating Quote Include?
A professional decorating quotation should explain what work is included, helping you understand the service being offered before making a decision. It should identify the rooms or surfaces being decorated, the preparation required and the type of finish to be applied.
Check whether paint and other materials are included, how furniture and flooring will be protected, and whether any repairs or waste removal form part of the agreed work. For larger projects, it is sensible to discuss the expected timescale and how different areas of the property will be completed.
Citizens Advice recommends obtaining a written quotation rather than relying on an estimate, as an estimate is only an approximate indication of cost. Its guidance on getting building work done explains what customers should agree before work begins, including the scope of work and materials.
The Painting and Decorating Association is a UK trade body that provides information about the decorating industry and a directory of members. When choosing a decorator, it is worth considering relevant experience, the clarity of the quotation and the work being offered.
At Phil Edwards Painting & Decorating Ltd, we provide free, no-obligation quotations and discuss your requirements, materials and preferred finishes before work begins. This gives you an opportunity to understand the proposed approach and ask questions about your project.
Request a Painting and Decorating Quotation
Every property has different decorating requirements, so a personalised quotation is the most reliable way to establish the likely cost. With over 25 years of experience, we provide interior and exterior decorating throughout Cambridgeshire, including decorating services in Ely, Cambridge and surrounding communities.
If you are planning to refresh a single room, redecorate your home or improve a commercial property, contact our team to arrange a free, no-obligation quotation. You can also call 07779 639437 to discuss your project and the decorating work required.