08/06/2026
Saw this and thought its pretty much perfect. i stole this from a fellow decorator. But thought peeps need to actually see the costs what go into having a professional decorator to do your jobs.
A Painter & Decorator’s Day Rate Isn’t £250–£350 a Day for a Luxury Lifestyle. Here’s What That Money Actually Covers.
When people hear a painter & decorator charges £250–£350 a day, they often assume the decorator is pocketing all of that money.
The reality is very different.
That day rate has to cover every cost of running the business before the decorator even pays themselves a wage. Once overheads, tax, unpaid time off, and quiet periods are factored in, the actual take-home pay is nowhere near what most people imagine.
The Real Costs Behind a Decorating Business
Insurance
Public Liability Insurance is essential for working in customers’ homes and protecting against accidental damage. Depending on cover, this can cost anywhere from £30–£80 per month.
Tools & Equipment
Decorating professionally requires far more than a few brushes and rollers.
Sanders, dust extractors, ladders, sprayers, lighting, extension poles, wallpaper tools, and prep equipment all cost money and constantly need replacing.
Even basic consumables add up weekly:
* Sandpaper
* Masking tape
* Filler
* Caulk
* Dust sheets
* Roller sleeves
* Brushes
* White spirit
* Cleaning products
A decorator can easily spend hundreds every month just maintaining equipment and stock.
Van & Fuel Costs
A van is essential for carrying tools, materials, and access equipment.
Between:
* Fuel
* Insurance
* Road tax
* Repairs
* Tyres
* Servicing
* Parking
* Finance or lease payments
…it’s common for vehicle costs alone to exceed £500–£1,000 per month.
Materials & Waste
Customers may pay separately for paint, but decorators often still absorb smaller material costs and waste disposal fees during jobs.
There’s also damaged stock, leftover materials, and the cost of keeping commonly used items available at all times.
Training & Certifications
Professional decorators still invest in training, health & safety courses, spray qualifications, and learning modern systems and finishes to stay competitive.
Accountant & Business Costs
Running a business means paying for:
* Accountants
* Bookkeeping software
* Phone bills
* Quotes & invoicing
* Website hosting
* Advertising
* Trade memberships
These costs continue whether work is coming in or not.
Unpaid Time
This is the part most people forget.
Self-employed decorators don’t get:
* Holiday pay
* Sick pay
* Pension contributions
* Paid travel time
* Paid quotes
* Paid admin days
If they’re not physically working, they’re usually not earning.
A “£300 day rate” also has to cover rainy weeks, cancelled jobs, quiet months, and unpaid time spent pricing work.
The Reality Check: 2015 vs 2026
The reason trade prices feel higher now is because the cost of living and running a business has increased massively.
* Average salary: £27,615 ➡ £37,430 (+35%)
* Average house price: £190k ➡ £298k (+57%)
* Average rent: £630 ➡ £1,200 (+90%)
* Weekly food shop: £43 ➡ £93 (+116%)
* Household bills: £1,184 ➡ £1,738 (+47%)
Most tradespeople aren’t becoming wealthy.
They’re simply trying to cover rising business costs, keep up with inflation, support their families, and earn a decent living from a skilled trade.
So when you see a professional decorator charging £250–£350 a day in 2026, you’re not just paying for “someone with a paintbrush.”
You’re paying for experience, reliability, preparation, equipment, insurance, business overheads, and years spent learning the trade properly.
