Does this estimate sound right? Decorating

[noskilled]

I found a decorator / renovations company through social media as they did up and own a house on my road. Their work seems great.

We got a quote and DH is very convinced we are being high balled. I can’t tell but the one red flag is that the estimate was higher and then I said “oh gosh I didn’t even think about VAT” and he said he can remove it so the quote shrunk significantly…

Anyway -

panelling on our downstairs hall way going up stairs, it’s not a huge space, but would be a good few meters. It’s a standard Victorian 3 bed semi. That is £2k - does this seem reasonable? this doesn’t include the painting or other bits.

£1100 to plaster and paint a bedroom (king bed room - fairly big but not massive)

Prices are absolutely insane right now in London. I’ve had a decorator quote loads for panelling in a period house because it’s just so hard - walls are rarely straight, angles aren’t standard. The quote sounds about right to me.

@noskilled having just spent 4k on my outside window frames, doors, garage doot and all railings being painted, I think you are getting a bargain!

Not sure - we are having outside painting done, they are doing 6 hour days, said 3 weeks (so 15 days) 2 of them including materials £3750 plus vat to paint whole outside of house, including sanding and repairing doors and windows. I was surprised it wasn't more than that as that's only about £110 a day each if you estimate £500 for materials, petrol etc. Plus vat.

If I thought I could get someone reliable who would do a good job plastering my lounge for £1100 I would employ them no issues.

Thanks all.

Additionally for £1300 he will fill in the many cracks and then paint the tall walls and ceilings in the hallways upstairs and downstairs. DH thinks this is ridiculous but I don’t. He will listen to whoever’s opinion.

Halls are always a pain in the backside because of the heights and the scaffolding needed.

The simple solution is to invite your DH to find someone to come in and do it at a price he is happy with.

I just paid £600 for someone to plaster and paint a tiny shower room, where half of the walls are tiled and they did a lousy job. Its just labour and i had to pay for materials. £1100 for a big room sounds reasonable. I am in SW London.

Panelling is quite easy. I did it 6 years ago in my old house (stairs and landing) before there were loads of YouTube tutorials. Took me about 8 solid hours including painting.

Also recently panelled my daughter's room. Took 6 hours including shopping for the materials and painting.
£2k is crazy! Maybe I need a career change.

Would you attempt to do it yourself? Happy to give some pointers.