How Much Does a Painter and Decorator Cost in Exeter?

Whether you've just moved in, you're getting ready to sell or your walls are simply looking tired, a professional decorator can transform a home in days. But before you book anyone, it helps to know what's a fair price. Here's what painting and decorating typically costs in Exeter and across South Devon in 2026, and what makes one quote higher than another.

Painter and decorator day rates in 2026

Most decorators outside London charge a day rate, even if they quote you a fixed price for the job. Based on national 2026 cost data:

• One decorator: around £180 to £280 per day
• A two-person team: around £320 to £500 per day

Exeter and the rest of Devon sit within these regional ranges. London and the South East are typically 30 to 50 per cent higher.

Typical cost per room

Here's what you can expect to pay in labour for two coats of paint, based on 2026 guide prices:

Paint and materials are usually added on top. Good-quality trade paint costs more per tin, but it covers better and lasts longer, so it's rarely worth skimping on.

What affects the price?

Preparation. This is the biggest variable. Filling cracks, sanding, sealing stains and repairing damaged woodwork all take time. A room in good condition is much quicker to decorate than one with years of knocks and patch repairs.

The condition of the walls. If the plaster is cracked, blown or damaged, it may need repairing or skimming before painting. That's a separate job, but it makes a huge difference to the finish. Our plastering and skimming team can sort this before the decorating starts.

Ceilings and woodwork. Painting ceilings, skirting boards, doors, frames and banisters adds time. Glossing woodwork is slow, careful work.

Colour changes. Going from a dark colour to a light one often needs extra coats.

Wallpaper. Stripping old paper, especially several layers, adds time and often reveals plaster repairs that need doing.

Stairwells and high ceilings. Hallways, stairs and landings take longer and need safe access equipment, which is why they cost more than most rooms.

Period homes. Older properties in Exeter, Topsham and Crediton often have lime plaster and solid walls that need breathable paints and extra care.

New plaster? Wait before you paint

If you've just had walls replastered, don't rush to paint. New plaster needs to dry fully and then be sealed with a watered-down mist coat. Our guide on how long to wait after plastering explains exactly what to look for.

How to get the best value

• Get a written quote that lists the rooms, surfaces, number of coats and whether materials are included.
• Group jobs together. Decorating several rooms at once is usually better value than booking them one at a time.
• Clear the room of small items and breakables before the decorator arrives, so their time goes on the painting.
• Choose the right time. Interior work can be done all year round, while exterior painting is best saved for drier months. Our guide to the cost of painting the outside of your house covers outdoor work.
• Ask about guarantees. A decorator who stands behind their work will be happy to put it in writing.

Get a free decorating quote

J&J Contractors provide painting and decorating for homes across Exeter, Newton Abbot, Exmouth and South Devon. Because we're plasterers too, we can repair and skim problem walls before we paint, so the finish is spotless. We protect your home, tidy up every day, and back all our work with a 10-year written guarantee. Call 07476 554105 to arrange your free quote.