Getting whole house redecorated in one go

pinkteapot

Moved into a house last year which is in good decorative order but the colours aren't really to our taste and high traffic areas like the hall are starting to look like they need re-painting.

Considering getting decorators in to do the whole house (except for bathrooms) in one go. Painting walls, ceiling, radiators and woodwork in four bedrooms, upstairs hall, stairs, downstairs hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen and utility.

Only reason we're excluding bathrooms is we gutted and replaced them and had them decorated shortly after moving in.

Has anyone ever done this? I'm thinking we can get a better price doing it as one whole job than spreading the rooms out over a few years. And it gets it all done.

On the other hand, how long would a job that size take? I know it'll be quite a while of living with furniture moved around and rooms out of action. Our bathroom work was five weeks and I got really fed up of it towards the end!

Also, can anyone recommend a decorator/company in the Colchester area to add to our list to get quotes from?

isofa

http://www.mybuilder.com/builders/in/uk?trade_search=painters-and-decorators&location_search=colchester

phill99

You will get a slightly better price but there aren't really major economies of scale in decorating, except in the materials cost, but remember most of the cost is labour.

It is disruptive when you are living there at the same time. As the house is occupied and there will be a lot of sheeting up, moving of furniture etc, its not as quick to do and this will be reflected in the price. 2 guys will probably do the whole house in 10 days. But remember 4 guys won't do it in 5 days due to prep time, drying times etc.

And remember you will have all this disruption again in 5 years time.

From an occupiers perspective, I think its easier to get a couple of rooms done at a time, decant furniture etc and then get another couple of rooms done.

ormus

easier to move out for two weeks and get it done.
at least consider doing one floor at a time.

pinkteapot

Well, in good news I thought it would take a lot longer than two weeks! Maybe we'll get them in when we go on holiday in June and task a parent with project managing.

Thanks for the replies; useful advice so will think further before we do anything.

LandyAndy

We had about two thirds of our previous house redecorated at the expense of British Coal (supposed mining subsidence cracking, it was a big thing round our way at the time - most people had it done). It took two men about a week and a half.

TBH I just wouldn't consider employing decorators if I was paying. Decorating is easy. What you pay the professional for is speed more than quality. At least have a go at a room or two yourself.

phill99

LandyAndy wrote: »

What you pay the professional for is speed more than quality.

Rubbish.

The difference between an average amateur and a professional is miles apart. If the finish was the same, then decorators wouldn't have an apprenticeship and all DIY decorating would be superbly done.

What a stupid comment.

LandyAndy

phill99 wrote: »

Rubbish.

The difference between an average amateur and a professional is miles apart. If the finish was the same, then decorators wouldn't have an apprenticeship and all DIY decorating would be superbly done.

What a stupid comment.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Vested interest?

krycek985

LandyAndy wrote: »

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Vested interest?

I kind of agree with what both said. Im a time served mechanical fitter. Some people could walk straight into my old job as its as easy as a huge flat pack piece of furniture but to others they wouldnt have a clue where to start.

Its only easy if you know how.

phill99

LandyAndy wrote: »

Vested interest?

No. I don't have a vested interest AT ALL.

I used to think that any one could move a paint brush up and down the wall and thought my decorating was pretty good, until I got a time served decorator to do some work in my house and realised it was like chalk and cheese.

I've no doubt that some of the decorators on here, who do have a vested interest, will agree with my comments, not because its how they make their liiving, but a sunday afternoon decorator will never achieve the same level of finish or have such a wide produst knowledge as some one who does it every day.

nickj_2

having more than 1 room done at a time should work out a bit cheaper as certain tasks can be done in one go - all the prep , ceiling , walls if same colours u/c and gloss etc so you are not having to wait for filler / paint to dry ,