What a day rate is
A day rate is a set charge for one decorator’s working day. The final bill depends on how many days the job takes, plus anything charged separately. You will see day rates used for jobs where the scope is hard to pin down, for small extras added to a larger project, and by some decorators as their standard way of working. This guide does not give sample figures, because they vary so much between areas, types of work and businesses that a number on a website tells you very little about your own project.
What it usually covers, and what it might not
A day rate normally covers labour. What else is included varies, so always ask. Materials are often charged on top: paint, filler, primer, caulk, sandpaper, masking tape and dust sheets. Some decorators include basic sundries and only charge for paint. Preparation time is part of the working day, so a wall that needs a lot of filling will take more days. Ask how waste such as old paper, empty tins and used sheets will be dealt with, and whether parking or congestion charges are passed on. Check the length of a working day, and whether travel time counts.
Day rate or fixed quote
With a day rate, you pay for the time actually spent. That can suit jobs where nobody knows what is under the old paper, or where you might add rooms as you go. The risk is that the total is open until the job ends. A fixed quote sets a price for an agreed list of work. You know the total up front, as long as the scope does not change. It works best when the decorator has seen the job and the description of what is included is clear and written down.
Many people prefer a fixed quote for a clearly defined job, and a day rate for open-ended or small extra work. Some decorators offer both, depending on the job.
What makes a job take longer
Preparation is the biggest variable. Cracked ceilings, flaking woodwork, damaged plaster, stripping old paper and stain blocking all add time before any colour goes on. Height and access matter too: stairwells, high ceilings and outside walls may need towers, platforms or scaffolding. Strong colour changes, especially dark to light, often mean extra coats. Furniture that has to be moved and protected room by room is slower than an empty house. Lots of fiddly woodwork, such as spindles or panelled doors, takes time.
For commercial work, evenings, weekends and phased working around staff or customers can affect the cost, because the work is done in shorter blocks or at less usual hours. These are worth raising at the start so the price reflects how the job will really run.
Comparing like with like
Comparing a day rate from one decorator with a fixed price from another is tricky. To compare fairly, ask each one how many days they expect the job to take, what preparation is included, how many coats are planned, whether materials are included and which paint they intend to use. A low day rate with a longer estimate, or extra charges for materials, can end up costing the same as a higher rate. Put the details side by side rather than looking at one figure.
Questions worth asking
Before agreeing, ask: what exactly is included, and what is not? How many days do you expect? Who supplies the paint, and which brand and finish? What happens if extra work is found, such as rotten timber or loose plaster? How will you protect floors and furniture? When would you need payment? Clear answers to these questions are a good sign of how the job will be run.
Small jobs and minimum charges
For very small jobs, such as a single door or touching up one wall, many decorators set a minimum charge, because setting up, travelling and clearing away take time however short the painting is. Grouping small jobs into one visit is often better value. If you have a list of odd jobs, send it all at once.
Agreeing how payment works
Agree how and when payment is due before work begins. On longer jobs, payment may be split into stages. Whatever the arrangement, have it written down alongside the description of the work, so both sides know what to expect.
How Mode Decorating prices a job
We usually start with a visit, or with photos and a description for smaller jobs, so Eric can see the surfaces, the access and how much preparation is needed. You then get a written quote setting out the work. If anything is uncertain, such as what is under old wallpaper, we will say so up front. Mode Decorating is based in Swanley and travels up to 40 miles. Call 07872 324935 or use the contact page to arrange a quote.