What's Included in a Professional Decorating Quote?

Advice · 3 min read

Not all quotes are equal. A scribbled number on the back of a card tells you very little; a proper written quote lets you compare like with like and know exactly what you're paying for.

What a good quote shows

• The scope — which rooms and surfaces are included (and what isn't).
• Preparation — filling, sanding, caulking and repairs, not just the topcoat.
• Materials — the paint and products, and whether they're included in the price.
• Number of coats — usually a primer/undercoat plus one to two topcoats.
• Timescale — a realistic start date and how long the work will take.
• The total — a fixed figure, so you're not exposed to open-ended day rates.

Red flags

Be wary of quotes that are only verbal, that won't put a total in writing, or that seem far cheaper than everyone else — corners usually get cut somewhere you can't see until the paint starts peeling.

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