Painting..how much?

[Ponyofdoom]

I have asked a friend to paint the internals walls of my 2 bed flat but have no idea how much to pay. He isn't a professional but will do a good tidy job. Thanks for any pointers!

[oreocrumbs]

Have you asked him how much he wants?

I'm paying someone £60 a room to prep and paint, he is out of work and needs the money, I'm supplying the paint.

I asked two other people, one wanted £100 per room, I supply paint and the other (not a professional). And the other £600 inc paint from a proffessional in his spare time.

This is for 5 rooms. I'm in the north east and things are generally cheaper than down south. Any kind of general labour is about £50 a day around here at the moment.

I didn't have a clue what to pay either so I just asked them what they wanted. The guy I'm using said £40 at first but by the time he is taxed/benefit adjusted he would not be working for much so I upped it to £60.

[myron]

£100 per day for a 6 day job for a professional painter who incidentally gave me a discount cos it was Jan and he wasn't fully booked up. He finished our inadequate prepping and painted the ceilings, coving, skirting, doors/frames as well as the walls of 3 empty bedrooms. Materials on top which I chose but he supplied via his trade account. Just remember that there will be a huge difference in finish from a professional's work to your mate who is slapping on the paint to earn some dosh. Day rates quoted (for me) varied from £80 - £130 from professionals. I wouldn't pay a mate that - especially when the finish won't be as good and beware the false economy of saving £20/£30! My MIL paid my SIL (who needed the money and my MIL wanted to save some money) to paint some walls - all I can say is that you can spot the amateur efforts immediately and it's not pretty!

[sh77]

Myron - is your paInter in London?

[myron]

Sorry - no

[myron]

Suffolk here but rates will vary depending on how busy/good they are. Professionals will have all the necessary equipment in their vans and use their initiative - mine had to line one room before painting and just got on with it. Really pleased with the finish so have recommended him to friends.

[Ponyofdoom]

Thanks that's useful. I'm not trying to save money but to help my friend out. I have said I will let him do it now so I had better go ahead! He would be very careful. He wasn't sure how much to charge so this has helped. Thanks.

[bibbitybobbitybunny]

I would be happy to pay £120 - £150 per day but then I am in London.

[myron]

Another thought - if you are splashing out on expensive paint colours - you don't want to waste it on a shoddy finish. So far, I've used Dulux Trade due to project size/budget but am tempted by Farrow & Ball (bad influence of MN). I'm using professionals for the house interiors and exteriors. The only things I will be painting myself will be the shed, the playhouse/summer house and some revamping of shabby chic furniture (less fussy about those!)