What Affects the Cost of Painting and Decorating in Edinburgh?

"How much will it cost?" is the first question most people ask. The honest answer is that it depends on the job, which is why we don't publish a price list and always come out to see the work first. This guide explains what goes into a painting and decorating quote, so you know what you're paying for and can compare quotes fairly.

1. The size of the job

The more wall, ceiling and woodwork there is, the longer it takes. Edinburgh tenement flats often have high ceilings, deep skirtings, cornicing and panelled doors, so a room can involve more work than its floor area suggests.

2. The condition of the surfaces

Preparation is often the biggest part of the job. Cracked or blown plaster, flaking paint, nicotine or water stains, and damage left by other trades all need sorting before painting. Surfaces in good condition take less time. See plaster repairs and surface preparation.

3. What's being painted

• Walls and ceilings: quicker per square metre than woodwork.

• Doors, skirtings, facings and banisters: detailed work that takes time.

• Sash and case windows: among the most time-consuming items, because of the preparation, putty and the number of edges. See sash and case window painting.

• Kitchen cabinets: need thorough cleaning, sanding and priming. See kitchen cabinet painting.

4. Access

High ceilings and stairwells need extra equipment and care, as do upper-floor windows and exterior walls. Some exterior jobs need scaffolding or towers, which adds to the cost. Common stairs need to stay usable for neighbours, which affects how the work is planned. See tenement stair painting.

5. Paint and finish

Trade-quality paints cost more than budget ranges, but they cover better and last longer. Specialist products also affect the price: breathable paints for older buildings, kitchen and bathroom paints, and exterior paints for windows and masonry. See the paints we use.

6. Number of coats and colour changes

Going from a dark colour to a light one, or painting fresh plaster, usually needs extra coats. Strong colours may need more coats to look even.

7. Timing and disruption

Exterior work depends on the weather, so outdoor jobs are best booked for late spring to early autumn. Working in stages, around a business that's trading or between tenancies, also affects how a job is planned. We recommend booking 3–4 weeks ahead.

How to compare painting quotes fairly

• Check what's included. Make sure each quote covers the same rooms and surfaces.

• Compare the preparation. Is filling, sanding, priming and repair included, or extra?

• Ask about the paint. Which paint and finish, and how many coats?

• Check the insurance and guarantee. Is the decorator insured, and do they give a guarantee?

• Look for exclusions. What isn't included?

The cheapest quote often leaves out preparation, which is why some paint jobs fail within a year or two.

Ways to keep the cost down

• Do some clearing yourself. Move small items out of the rooms before we start.

• Combine jobs. Several rooms, or inside and outside in one booking, is more efficient than separate visits.

• Don't let paintwork fail. Repainting exterior woodwork before it breaks down is cheaper than repairing rotten timber.

• Choose standard finishes where specialist paints aren't needed.

Getting an accurate quote

Our quotes are free and no-obligation. We'll visit, look at the job, talk through colours and finishes, and give you a clear written quote with no hidden costs. We accept bank transfer and cash.

Before you book, read how to choose a painter and decorator in Edinburgh.

Need a hand? Edinburgh Painting Specialists is a family-run painting and decorating business. Call or text us on 07514 665726 or get a free quote.