Surface area and ceiling height
Pricing follows the measured area to be coated, not the number of rooms. Tall stairwells, atriums, sports halls and double-height receptions need access equipment, which adds time before a brush touches the wall.
Costs & quotations
What painting and decorating actually costs.
Every building is different, so we don't publish a rate card that would be wrong for your project. Instead, here is exactly what drives the price of commercial and domestic decorating in Essex — and what you should expect to see in a proper written quotation.
Why decorators quote such different figures
Two prices for the same building can differ substantially, and it is almost always the preparation and the specification that separate them. A low figure often assumes minimal preparation, one coat, no protection and no access equipment. A fully specified quotation states what is being prepared, which products are being used and how many coats are applied, so you can compare like for like rather than guessing what has been left out.
Condition and preparation required
Preparation is usually the largest single element of a decorating price. Sound, previously painted walls need washing down and making good; flaking, nicotine-stained, mould-affected or previously papered surfaces need stripping, treating, filling and sealing first.
Specification and number of coats
Trade emulsion over an existing similar colour behaves very differently to a strong colour change, a stain-block system, an anti-mould coating, a scrubbable healthcare finish or an intumescent fire-resistant system. The specification drives both material cost and coats applied.
Application method
Airless spray covers large empty areas such as new builds, warehouses and voids far faster than brush and roller, but needs masking and a clear site. Occupied buildings are usually brush and roller applied, which is slower but far less disruptive.
Access, hours and disruption
Term-time school work, out-of-hours office programmes, weekend retail shutdowns, occupied communal areas and scaffolded or MEWP exteriors all affect productive hours per shift, and therefore price.
Protection, welfare and compliance
Full floor and furniture protection, dust control, RAMS, DBS-checked operatives, permits and site inductions are built into commercial pricing rather than added later as extras.
What our quotations include
Our quotations are free, written and fully specified. We survey the building, measure it, and set out the work so there is no ambiguity on site and no variation you didn't agree to.
- A site survey and measured take-off before any figure is issued
- A written specification naming products, systems and number of coats
- Preparation described line by line, not hidden behind "prepare as necessary"
- Access equipment, protection and waste removal priced in
- Programme dates and working hours agreed in writing
- Fully insured, CHAS Elite and Constructionline Gold accredited delivery
Getting an accurate figure
Tell us the building type, roughly what needs decorating, and when you need it done. Photographs help. We'll arrange a survey, usually within a few days, and issue a written quotation with a programme.
For schools, housing providers, healthcare and managing agents we can price cyclical and multi-site programmes, and work to your framework paperwork.
Free survey · Written specification · No obligation