Want to transform your home with a fresh new look?
Every homeowner dreams of walking into a space that feels completely refreshed and perfectly painted. After all, a quality paint job can lead to:
- Better home value
- A more enjoyable living space
Here’s the problem: Finding the right painter and decorator is harder than it looks. With so many options available, choosing the wrong professional can result in shoddy work, blown budgets, and months of stress.
Without the right approach, you’ll waste time and money.
This guide will share the most important tips for hiring painters and decorators services that deliver exceptional results every time.
Let’s jump in!
What you’ll discover:
- Why Professional Painters Make All The Difference
- The Real Cost of Hiring Painters and Decorators
- How to Spot Quality Painters and Decorators
- Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Why Professional Painters Make All The Difference
Hiring professional painters and decorators provides massive benefits for your home. If you’re still on the fence about whether to DIY or hire professionals, here are three reasons you should choose the pros.
Superior Results That Last
Professional painters deliver results that DIY projects simply can’t match.
Why? They have the skills, experience, and equipment necessary to handle any surface type or challenging area. When you hire a skilled painter and decorator, you’re investing in quality workmanship that will look great for years to come.
Quality work = Long-lasting results.
Research shows that 29% of homeowners hired professionals for their painting needs in 2025, with 70% saying they would hire professionals again within the next year. That’s impressive customer satisfaction rates you don’t see with DIY projects.
Save Time and Avoid Costly Mistakes
Think of professional painters as your project efficiency experts.
The average homeowner underestimates how long painting projects take. What looks like a weekend project can easily stretch into weeks of work. Professional painters work efficiently and can complete most jobs in a fraction of the time it would take you.
But here’s the bigger issue:
Mistakes are expensive to fix. 80% of people attempting DIY projects make mistakes, and 45% of DIYers report completely butchering a project. Professional painters have the experience to avoid these costly errors from the start.
Industry Growth Shows Increasing Demand
The painting industry is booming, which tells you something important about the value professionals provide.
The US house painting market was valued at $24.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by 5.3% in 2025. This growth indicates that more homeowners are recognizing the benefits of professional painting services.
The Real Cost of Hiring Painters and Decorators
Understanding painting costs helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises during your project.
Daily and Hourly Rates
Painters and decorators typically charge in several ways, depending on your project needs.
For daily rates, you can expect to pay between £150 to £400 per day in the UK. Hourly rates generally range from £20 to £50 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and the painter’s experience level.
In the US, the average cost to hire a painter is $468 per day, with interior painters typically charging $362 to $686 per day and exterior painters charging $298 to $524 per day.
Project-Based Pricing
Most professional painters prefer to quote projects as a complete package rather than charging by the day or hour.
For interior painting, expect to pay between £330 and £500 per room on average. Full house interior painting projects typically range from £1,000 to £6,000, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the work.
Remember that labour costs account for 70% to 85% of your total paint job cost, so choosing experienced professionals who work efficiently can save you money in the long run.
Hidden Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your painting project, factor in potential additional costs:
- Surface preparation and repair work
- Premium paint and materials
- Multiple coats for difficult surfaces
- Cleanup and disposal fees
Professional painters will provide detailed quotes that break down all costs, so you won’t face unexpected expenses during the project.
How to Spot Quality Painters and Decorators
Not all painters and decorators are created equal. Here’s how to identify the professionals who will deliver outstanding results.
Check Credentials and Insurance
Always verify that your painter has proper licensing and insurance coverage.
Licensed painters have met specific training requirements and follow industry standards. Insurance protects you from liability if accidents occur during the project.
Ask to see proof of:
- Professional licenses and certifications
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Recent safety training completion
Analysis Past Work and References
Quality painters are proud of their work and happy to share examples.
Ask for a portfolio of recent projects similar to yours. Pay attention to clean lines, smooth finishes, and professional colour choices. Don’t just look at photos – ask to see completed projects in person if possible.
Contact previous clients to ask about
- Work quality and attention to detail
- Timeliness and communication
- Cleanliness during the project
Evaluate Their Preparation Process
Professional painters know that preparation is the key to quality results.
During consultations, listen for details about their preparation process. Quality painters will discuss:
- Surface cleaning and repair procedures
- Priming requirements for different surfaces
- Protection methods for floors and furniture
- Paint selection based on your specific needs
Skip any painter who seems eager to start without proper preparation – this almost always leads to poor results.
Get Multiple Detailed Quotes
Never hire the first painter you contact. Get at least three detailed quotes to compare pricing and approaches.
Quality quotes should include:
- Detailed breakdown of labour and materials
- Specific paint brands and quantities
- Timeline for project completion
- Cleanup and disposal procedures
Be wary of quotes that seem significantly lower than others – they often indicate corners will be cut or hidden costs will emerge later.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
The right questions help you identify painters who will deliver exceptional results.
Project Timeline and Scheduling
Ask about realistic timelines for your project. Professional painters can provide accurate estimates based on their experience with similar jobs.
Important timing questions include:
- How long will the project take from start to finish?
- What factors might cause delays?
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- What happens if the weather delays outdoor work?
Materials and Paint Selection
Professional painters can guide you toward the best materials for your specific needs and budget.
Key material questions:
- What paint brands do you recommend and why?
- How do you determine how much paint is needed?
- Are eco-friendly options available?
- What’s included in the materials cost?
Quality Guarantees and Warranties
Reputable painters stand behind their work with warranties and guarantees.
Ask about:
- What warranty is provided on workmanship?
- How long are materials guaranteed?
- What’s covered if problems arise after completion?
- How quickly will you respond to warranty issues?
Wrapping Things Up
Hiring professional painters and decorators transforms your home improvement project from a stressful DIY nightmare into a smooth, professional experience. The truth is that finding quality painters and decorators services requires research and careful evaluation.
Remember the key factors:
- Verify credentials and insurance coverage
- Check references and past work examples
- Get multiple detailed quotes for comparison
- Ask the right questions about the timeline and warranties
Don’t have the time to research painters thoroughly?
Many homeowners find the vetting process overwhelming. That’s why comparison platforms and referral services have become so popular – they pre-screen professionals and match you with quality painters in your area.
The investment in professional painting services pays off through superior results, time savings, and peace of mind.