How do the plastering & decorating services compare?
| Service | Typical job | Guide price | Time on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastering and skimming | for skimming the walls and ceiling of a typical double bedroom | £550–£1,600 | 1–3 days per room, plus drying time |
| External rendering | for rendering a typical 3-bed semi, including scaffolding | £7,000–£16,000 | 1–3 weeks on site, depending on weather |
| Painting and decorating | for decorating three average rooms, including walls, ceilings and woodwork | £1,200–£3,000 | 1–2 days per room; 3–7 days for a house exterior |
National guides including VAT. Regional prices are shown on each local page and in the guide-price tool.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to plaster a room?
Skimming the walls and ceiling of a typical double bedroom costs £550–£1,600, depending on the room size, the state of the existing surfaces and whether new plasterboard is needed. As a guide, a skim coat costs roughly £15–£35 per square metre, while a full re-plaster back to brick costs more. Stairwells and high ceilings add access costs. We confirm a fixed price after inspecting the walls.
How much does it cost to render a house?
Rendering a typical 3-bed semi costs £7,000–£16,000, including scaffolding and preparation. As a guide, allow around £60–£120 per square metre of wall plus fixed costs for scaffolding and set-up. Sand and cement is the lowest-cost system, while silicone thin-coat costs more but needs no painting. Removing old render or pebbledash first adds noticeably to the price. We confirm a fixed figure after the survey.
How much does it cost to decorate a room?
Decorating an average room costs roughly £350–£900, covering walls, ceiling and woodwork, while three rooms typically come to £1,200–£3,000. Large living rooms, high ceilings, stairwells and wallpapering cost more, and so do rooms needing a lot of filling and sanding. Strong colour changes may need an extra coat. We confirm a fixed price for the agreed rooms after the survey.