PAINTING & DECORATING · LONDON
Painting and decorating in London
We take enquiries for painting and decorating walls, ceilings and woodwork in London properties. Share the rooms, surfaces and finish you want so we can discuss the work.
A finish begins with the surface
A room may need a fresh coat, repairs to the existing surface or preparation before a new colour is applied. Our team takes painting and decorating enquiries for London homes and workplaces. We discuss the rooms, existing finish and the condition of the walls, ceilings or woodwork before arranging the work.
Send photographs of each area and approximate dimensions. Tell us which surfaces are included, whether the room is occupied and if there are cracks, stains, peeling paint or other visible problems. Share the paint colour, product and finish if already chosen. A wide photo shows access and furniture, while a close view helps us understand the surface.
Preparation varies with the existing material and the result required. A small touch-up, a full room and exterior work do not necessarily involve the same stages. If an old finish needs removal or a surface is damaged, we may need an inspection before confirming the work and price. If a hidden issue appears during preparation, we discuss it with you before additional work proceeds.
Tell us about other trades working in the room and whether there is an active leak, damp area or recent repair. Painting over an unresolved moisture problem is not a substitute for addressing the source. For rented or managed properties, identify who can provide access and approve colours, materials and any changes.
- Interior wall and ceiling enquiries
- Doors, skirting and woodwork
- Exterior painting discussed
- Preparation and finishes reviewed
Painting work and information to share
| Surface | Examples | Useful details |
|---|---|---|
| Walls and ceilings | Room painting and surface preparation | Room dimensions, condition and chosen colour |
| Woodwork | Doors, skirting and trim | Existing finish, number of items and required appearance |
| Exterior areas | Painting enquiries for external surfaces | Photographs, height, access and visible condition |
| Making good | Small surface preparation or repair enquiries | Photos of cracks, damage or previous work |
The correct preparation and product depend on the existing surface and the intended finish. Tell us what is known and whether you have already purchased paint or materials.
Different surfaces need different preparation
Walls and ceilings
Tell us which rooms and surfaces are included and whether the colour is changing. Send photographs of visible cracks, peeling areas or stains. We discuss preparation, access and materials before agreeing the work. A surface that looks sound from a distance may need further review once it is inspected.
Doors and woodwork
Doors, skirting and architrave can have different existing coatings and levels of wear. Show us the items and the finish you want. Tell us whether doors need to remain usable and whether hardware or furniture restricts access. Any carpentry repair or replacement should be described separately.
Colours and finishes
Share the paint brand, colour reference and finish if selected, or describe the appearance you want to discuss. Lighting and existing surfaces affect how a colour looks in a room. We cannot promise an exact match to an old or unspecified finish from a photograph; materials and expectations should be agreed in advance.
How decorating work is organised
01
Show us the rooms
Send the postcode, room dimensions and photographs. List the walls, ceilings and woodwork to be included, and describe visible damage or existing finishes. Mention occupied rooms and the work of other trades.
02
Discuss preparation
We review the information and discuss the likely preparation, materials and finish. An inspection may be needed for damaged surfaces, exterior access or a larger project before the work and price can be confirmed.
03
Agree the details
Confirm colours, products, the areas included, access and who moves furniture or supplies materials. We discuss the estimate and the sequence with other work before a date is arranged.
04
Review the surface
At the property we review the agreed areas and conditions. If preparation reveals an unexpected issue, we discuss the options and any additional work or cost before proceeding.
Information for a decorating estimate
| Detail | What to share | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Areas | Rooms, dimensions and included walls, ceilings or trim | Defines the work to be priced |
| Existing condition | Photos of stains, cracks, peeling or previous finishes | Preparation depends on the surface |
| Products and colour | Paint, finish, colour reference and supplied materials | Helps agree the intended result and responsibility |
| Access and timing | Furniture, occupancy, other trades and parking | Affects room preparation and the sequence |
Tell us if a room cannot be cleared or if work must be coordinated with a tenant or property manager. Keep any paint and product instructions available. Ask us to confirm who protects or moves belongings and what preparation is included.
The details behind a decorating job
Surface preparation
The existing surface affects what preparation is needed. Describe visible cracks, loose paint, holes or stains and explain whether previous repairs have been made. We review what can be seen in photographs and discuss whether an inspection is needed. Preparation and repairs should be identified in the estimate rather than treated as an unspecified extra.
If removing an old finish reveals damaged material or an issue not visible beforehand, we will discuss the findings and the options. The cause of a damp patch or water stain may need attention before decorating can be considered. A new coat of paint does not stop an active leak or resolve an underlying moisture problem.
Choosing paint and finish
Tell us whether you have selected a colour, manufacturer and finish, and which surfaces it is intended for. Walls, ceilings and woodwork can require different products. If you are supplying paint, share the product details and quantity. We will discuss what is needed and who supplies materials before the work is agreed.
A sample can appear different under changing light or next to an existing colour. If you need to match a current finish, provide the original product and colour reference if known. An exact match cannot be promised from a photograph or from a small faded area. Discuss expectations and the proposed areas before booking.
Furniture, protection and access
A room may contain furniture, curtains, built-in units or delicate belongings. Tell us what can be moved and what must remain. We discuss access and the practical preparation required, including who will move or protect items. Work on a ceiling or a high exterior area may need different access from a wall at ordinary room height.
In a block or managed building, tell us about stairs, lifts, parking and permitted working hours. If the property is occupied, explain which rooms need to remain usable. These details affect the sequence and should be agreed before an appointment is confirmed.
Woodwork and related repairs
A door, skirting board or cupboard may need a repair before it is decorated. Photograph the item and explain the visible damage. Timber repair, fitting a new handle or replacing trim is separate work to discuss. Our carpentry services can be relevant where the material itself needs attention.
For water-affected surfaces, tell us whether the source has been addressed and any drying or inspection already arranged. Our water damage repair service can be discussed separately. The condition of the surface determines when and how the decorating work can be considered.
Timing and use of the space
The work may need to be coordinated with flooring, tiling or other trades. Tell us what is scheduled and whether the property is occupied. Preparation, application and drying time depend on the product and conditions, so ask what to expect for the specific work before agreeing a date.
Confirm when furniture can be returned and which areas are included in the estimate. If work changes after inspection or a surface requires more preparation than described, we discuss the findings, options and cost before proceeding.
Painting and decorating prices
The existing HSL price guide lists interior painting and decorating at £70–£300 and exterior painting at £100–£350+. These are published examples, not fixed prices for every room or property. The size, surface condition, preparation, access and products affect the work and estimate.
Send room dimensions, photographs and the surfaces to be included. Ask us to confirm VAT, materials, moving or protecting furniture, parking and any minimum charge. If additional preparation is identified, we will discuss the work and price before it proceeds.
| Published example | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Interior painting and decorating | £70–£300 |
| Exterior painting | £100–£350+ |
From preparation to the finished room
These photographs illustrate decorating work and are not photographs of completed HSL projects. The surface, product and agreed work determine the result.
Painting and decorating questions
Can you paint one room?
We take enquiries for individual rooms and larger areas. Send the dimensions, photographs and the surfaces to be included so we can discuss the work.
Does the price include preparation?
Preparation varies with the surface. Describe any holes, cracks, stains or peeling paint and ask us to confirm the preparation included in the estimate.
Can I supply the paint?
Tell us the product, colour, finish and quantity you have. We will discuss who supplies the paint and other materials before the work is agreed.
Can you match an existing colour?
Share the original product and colour reference if known. Lighting, age and surface condition can affect the appearance; an exact match cannot be promised from a photograph.
What if the wall has water damage?
Tell us whether the source has been addressed and what inspection or drying has taken place. The condition needs to be considered before decorating is planned.
How do I request an estimate?
Call or send the postcode, room dimensions, photos, surfaces, finish and access details. Mention repairs and other trades so the work can be discussed.
Discuss your decorating work
Tell our team which rooms and surfaces need attention. We will discuss the preparation, finish and information needed for an estimate.