Quotes is this fair? Painting stairwell

zarf2007

lee111s wrote: »

10l of dulux emulsion, a roller and some dust sheets.

Cost me about £20 and 8 hours work to paint my hallway, stairway and upstairs landing along with 3 walls of my lounge.

People must have far too much money to be paying people to decorate for them. I wouldn't dream of it!

yes but how good is the finish? (unless you are a decorator by trade) any idiot can paint, but its like getting fixing your car yourself or getting a mechanic, I know who would do the better job.

societys_child

Um, yeah, any idiot can get some overalls, brushes, roller and a ladder and call themselves a decorator. I do my own because I want to be sure it's done right. I also do my own mechanical work etc, for the same reason . . .

Katgrit

People must have far too much money to be paying people to decorate for them. I wouldn't dream of it!

I wouldn't usually but I'm a single (clumsy) female and my Mum was having kittens at the thought of me doing the "plank and ladder" thing over the stairs by myself. Dad can't help because he's got long term health conditions and wouldn't manage it, so they gave me half the money. i agree, its felt like I was being very frivolous and wasting money on tasks I should be doing myself - I did ask if they'd just buy me the ladder and plank which would cost less and also come in useful in the future too but it was a firm no!

lee111s

view wrote: »

Oh yes, great idea at 7 months pregnant. Climb a ladder to reach second floor, why not

When you said "our stairwell" in your OP this indicates you're a couple. If so I assume only one of your are 7 months pregnant. Was just offering my oppinion is all. Certainly if my partnert was expecting so soon I wouldn't want to be throwing £500 at having the hallway painted.

lee111s

zarf2007 wrote: »

yes but how good is the finish? (unless you are a decorator by trade) any idiot can paint, but its like getting fixing your car yourself or getting a mechanic, I know who would do the better job.

Very good thanks. Why assume because people don't do something for a living means they won't do it properly?

As someone else mentioned above, I also do most repairs on my car. Never had any issues thus far.

Not everyone is an "idiot" as you so kindly put it.

propertyman

Its is actually common sense. Think it through as to what you want done;

- brush or wash down walls and paint work
- what do they have to prepare & make good dents holes stains etc and how much and how far
- what do they have to repair e.g. broken skirting or trim
- are you rubbing down or burning off old paint
- what are they taking off and refitting e.g. door handles or light fittings
- how many coats ( check the recommendation of your chosen paint colour and make)
- think about protection e.g. paint covers and plastic sheeting to keep dust contained
- agreeing a project time and hours of work that are fixed and guaranteed
-that they have adequate public liability insurance that you check is up to date

Type that up and then talk to contractors and discuss it with them so that all are pricing on the same work, basis and paint.:money:

view

lee111s wrote: »

When you said "our stairwell" in your OP this indicates you're a couple. If so I assume only one of your are 7 months pregnant. Was just offering my oppinion is all. Certainly if my partnert was expecting so soon I wouldn't want to be throwing £500 at having the hallway painted.

Does it? Joint owners perhaps, why assume a couple?? Joint owners, one currently on assignment abroad. Irrelevant really

The point is, I didn't ask "please tell me you think getting a quote is a stupid idea and I should do myself" I was asking what quotes were fair from what others had received or experienced in the past.

Thanks to those who responded with estimates you had received. It's good to know ball park albeit it is very individual I can accept.