Is This Quote Reasonable?

[wolf63]

I have just received a quote of £2,500 for painting two bedrooms, living room and hallway. It includes painting a large wooden wardrobe. He has quoted 65 litres of Dulux paint. Vat included.

I have heard nothing but good things about this guy and his standard of work.

The flat will be empty.

[ToraToraTora]

sounds pretty good to me.

[Hazlinny]

^^ Would agree.

[scorpiojo]

Yes (your flat looked big)

[Buenchico]

Others might think that figure is OK but Ckeckatrade's guideline figures suggest that it's rather high:
https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/painter-decorator-prices/

See also here:
https://householdquotes.co.uk/painting-and-decorating-prices/

[wolf63]

Thanks, I am just being cautious.k

I have electrical work and bathroom upgrade to go and then I can move in.

Scorpiojo, just wait until I try ramming all my stuff into it!

[bobbinwales]

As a guide I always think how many mandays '( persondays) will it take. Hallways are tricky but depending on sizes and need for any plaster repairs I'd say maybe 10-12days so maybe up to £1800 plus paint....so total getting towards yours. Also depends on whether its cash in hand or through the books

[scorpiojo]

:-))

[tomus42]

Look at it this way, if you had to do the same job, how much would you quote?

Work out the time, your hourly rate, cost of materials and a bit of profit on top.

[david small]

I thought that £2,000 would be more acceptable. But that’s just my opinion.

[tomus42]

There you go then. Get in touch with Dave and save yerself £500.

[wolf63]

tomus, by the time I paid for his travel and board and lodgings I would be more expensive using DS.

I'm away to write up a list of all the things that still need to be done before I move. I am never going to move home again.

[ZebuSanctuary]

B&Q currently have an offer;

2 x 10 Litres Pure Brilliant White Emulsion £45

Thus 80L would cost £180 (Note cost of paint could double depending on your choice of colour and type. Say £400 max for paint. Bear in mind he'll have an account and probably be purchasing at a discounted trade price).

Since most of the work will be done with a paint roller. Add another (being generous) £50 for sandpaper, filler and turps. Gloss paint for skirting boards £20.

Max cost for materials should be under £500.

Therefore £2000 in Labour.

If he spends 10 days on the job that's £200 a day.

[Maydup]

Paint is really expensive now, I was amazed at the price of it. OK there are some cheap offers but only thin white emulsion and the decorator could probably get that as trade paint even cheaper if that’s what you want.

However it’s worth negotiating you never know you might be able to knock a bit off if you plead poverty and say you’ve had a cheaper quote.

[Ken4155]

Decorators are charging £200 per day (£25 per hour) in some parts of the country. I take it, at that price, your decorator is guaranteeing his work, Wolf?
One of the reasons i was kept quite busy during my time as a decorator is that, besides doing a decent job (self-taught not time-served), my hourly rates were more than affordable to most folk. I was doing jobs for around 2/3rds the price the 'yellow-page mob' had quoted - and i took less tea-breaks:-)

[douglas9401]

I know of a couple of Tories on here who wouldn't get out of bed for £200 a day, zebu. :-)

[anneasquith]

Hi, if this person has been recommended to you, go with him. On completion of his work do not pay him until you have inspected the whole premises,
Good luck with your new home .

[youngmafbog]

//B&Q currently have an offer;//

I bet they do. A professional decorator will not use rubbish paint and the stuff in B&Q is not good.

It's always difficult with quotes, really its are you happy with the work done. You can get a Postman to do it in his spare time much cheaper - but what will you get?

Checkatrade. Haha, most professionals wont use that anymore, especially if they are good. And prices vary massively across the country, for instance you can probably double your labour for London areas.

[youngmafbog]

BA should go to Anne just above. IMHO.

[anneasquith]

Oh I say :-)

[Dizmo]

Slightly off-topic here, sorry Wolf65.

Ken, did you ever to do plastering when you were working as a decorator? Strange question, I know, I just wanted to ask because I knew a few painters and decorators that were also plasterers and wanted to know if you charged per wall, for plastering (if you did any plastering that is)?