Planning a decorating project in Exeter? Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions. Whether you're refreshing a Georgian townhouse in St. Leonard's, updating a commercial office in the city centre, or maintaining a heritage property, this comprehensive 2025 price guide will help you understand what to expect when hiring a professional painter and decorator in Exeter.
Average Painter & Decorator Costs in Exeter (2025)
Professional decorating costs in Exeter vary based on several factors including property type, scope of work, and specific requirements. Here's what you can expect:
Interior Painting & Decorating
- •Standard room (3m x 4m): £300-£600 per room
- •Living room (large): £500-£900
- •Kitchen: £400-£800 (includes cabinets if required)
- •Bedroom: £250-£550
- •Bathroom: £300-£650 (moisture-resistant finishes)
- •Hallway & stairs: £400-£750
- •Full house interior (3-bed): £2,500-£5,000
- •Full house interior (4-bed): £3,500-£7,000
Exterior Painting & Decorating
- •Front elevation only: £800-£1,500
- •Full exterior (semi-detached): £1,500-£3,000
- •Full exterior (detached): £2,500-£5,000
- •Windows & doors (per unit): £150-£300
- •Guttering & fascias: £300-£600
- •Rendering preparation & painting: £1,200-£2,500
Commercial Decorating in Exeter
- •Small office (50m²): £800-£1,500
- •Medium office (100m²): £1,500-£3,000
- •Large office (200m²+): £3,000-£6,000
- •Retail unit (frontage): £500-£1,200
- •Restaurant/bar: £2,000-£5,000
- •Warehouse (per 100m²): £800-£1,500
Heritage & Listed Property Work
Exeter's heritage properties require specialist techniques and materials, which affects pricing:
- •Period property interior: +20-30% on standard rates
- •Listed building work: +30-50% (requires specialist materials & techniques)
- •Conservation area compliance: +15-25%
- •Traditional lime plastering: £40-£60 per m²
- •Heritage paint application: £25-£40 per m²
Factors Affecting Decorating Costs in Exeter
Property Type & Condition
The condition of your Exeter property significantly impacts costs. Older properties in areas like St. Leonard's, Pennsylvania, and Newtown often require more preparation work:
- •New-build properties: Lower prep costs, standard rates apply
- •Period properties: Higher prep costs, may need specialist materials
- •Damp-affected properties: Additional treatment required (+£500-£2,000)
- •Previously painted surfaces: Preparation time varies
- •Unpainted surfaces: Priming required (+£200-£500 per room)
Paint Quality & Finish Type
The paint you choose affects both cost and longevity:
- •Economy paint: Lower material cost, shorter lifespan
- •Premium paint (Dulux Trade, Farrow & Ball): Higher cost, 10-15 year lifespan
- •Heritage paint (Little Greene, Farrow & Ball): Premium cost, authentic finishes
- •Specialist paints (anti-mould, fire-retardant): +30-50% material cost
Location & Access
Exeter city centre properties may have additional considerations:
- •Parking restrictions: May require permits or alternative arrangements
- •City centre access: Limited vehicle access may affect material delivery
- •Residential areas (St. Leonard's, Pennsylvania): Standard access
- •Commercial districts: May require out-of-hours work (+20-30%)
What's Included in Professional Decorating Quotes
A professional quote from BSR Decorating includes:
- •Site survey and assessment
- •Preparation work (filling, sanding, masking)
- •Priming where required
- •Two coats of paint (minimum)
- •Clean-up and waste disposal
- •Protection of furniture and flooring
- •Professional finish guarantee
“Transparent pricing is essential. At BSR Decorating, our quotes include all preparation, materials, and labour—no hidden costs, no surprises.”
Cost-Saving Tips for Exeter Decorating Projects
- •Combine multiple rooms: Better rates for whole-house projects
- •Plan ahead: Book during quieter periods (autumn/winter)
- •Choose quality paint: Better longevity reduces long-term costs
- •Maintain regularly: Preventative maintenance costs less than major repairs
- •Get multiple quotes: Compare but consider value, not just price
Why Professional Decorating Costs More (And Why It's Worth It)
Professional decorators in Exeter bring expertise that DIY simply can't match:
- •Proper preparation: 70% of quality finish is in the prep work
- •Right materials: Knowledge of which paints work best for Exeter's climate and property types
- •Time efficiency: Professionals work faster, minimising disruption
- •Quality finish: Professional techniques ensure longevity
- •Guarantee: Professional work comes with guarantees and insurance
Ready to get an accurate quote for your Exeter decorating project? Our domestic decorating services and commercial decorating services cover all property types across Exeter. Contact BSR Decorating today for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve all areas of Exeter including St. Leonard's, Pennsylvania, Newtown, and the city centre.