I am very conscious of the need to be consistent with prices. This is easier said than done, especially with decorating, where hardly anyone has ever been formally taught to estimate properly. Fortunately, I have worked as a professional estimator, so, I have an idea.

When I come to your home, I list all the doors, frames, radiators, wall areas. I assess their condition and make a note of any technical issues, write down colours, and answer any questions.

At home, I go through each item and apply my set labour rate for the work required to achieve my standard finish. I compile the quantities and the cost of materials. Once I have crunched the numbers, double-checked the final price, and compared the figures with previous jobs that I have done, I prepare a written fixed price quote. The quote includes notes and explanations of what is involved. Then it is emailed and / or posted to customers within 3 or 4 working days

I have priced up hundreds of jobs over the years and have confidence in my rates. Working to a system, I know that if the price seems high, it is because there is a lot of work to do! I am sometimes surprised the other way too, when the price looks low. For what it is worth, I don’t push the price up – and I have in fact lost work, because I seem too cheap compared to a sharper contractor.

It is best to get comparable quotes from 3 decorators. Be sure you are getting like for like. Everybody loses when numbers are plucked out the sky on the spur of the moment. Guesstimates tend not to be fair to either party.