When damage occurs as a result of party wall works, it can be worrying and unnerving, and it may create tension between owners.
A party wall surveyor’s role is to assess the risk and set out a fair process so that, if damage occurs, the adjoining owner isn’t left out of pocket. It’s about preventing disputes and making sure responsibility for repairs is clear.
What costs should a building owner expect?
As a general guide, basic painting and decorating costs are likely to be in the realm of:
- Painting a room often averages around £450
- Painting a larger property (for example, a 5-bed house) can be around £6,000
- A painter and decorator’s day rate commonly sits at around £325 per day
These figures usually assume standard trade paint. If you choose premium brands or specialist finishes, expect your budget to rise accordingly.
Pricing depends on what’s included—painting walls only is very different from painting walls, ceilings, woodwork, doors, and carrying out repairs. However, these ballpark figures are useful for planning.
Cost to paint a room
Room size is one of the biggest drivers of cost because it affects both materials and labour time:
- Small room (around 8m²): ~£350
- Medium room (around 18m²): ~£450
- Large room (around 30m²): ~£1,000
Painter and decorator day rate
A decorator may quote per room, per project, or per day. The UK day rate often falls within:
- £250 to £400 per day, with an average around £325 per day
(London and other major cities typically sit at the higher end.)
Common jobs and what they tend to cost
Interior painting (average costs)
- Painting walls: ~£15 per m²
- Painting ceilings: ~£15 per m²
- Hallways, landings and stairs: ~£1,600
- Painting doors (both sides): ~£90 per door
- Painting woodwork: ~£15 per m²
- Painting radiators: ~£15 per radiator
Small plaster repairs
More often than not, party wall damage cannot be remedied with a quick lick of paint. In many cases, cracking will need to be filled, and small-scale re-plastering (or re-plastering across a wider section of wall) may follow.
Not every decorator offers plastering, but many will patch minor defects:
- Small plaster repairs: often £50–£100
Larger plastering jobs are typically handled by a plasterer and priced separately.
Why quotes vary: the biggest cost drivers
Even when two rooms look similar, prices can differ significantly. The most common reasons are:
- Preparation and repairs
Prep is where the time goes—filling cracks, sanding, smoothing uneven surfaces, removing old wallpaper, stain-blocking, caulking gaps, or addressing damp marks. - Room features and access
High ceilings, awkward angles, detailed woodwork, stair spindles, and tight spaces increase labour time. - How many rooms you’re doing
Multiple rooms are often cheaper per room when completed in one visit because the decorator is already on site with tools and materials. - Your location
Labour rates vary regionally, with major cities typically costing more. - Materials and finish level
Premium paints, bold colour changes, specialist finishes, and additional coats all raise the total cost.
Hidden costs surveyors and owners forget to budget for
The final bill often increases due to “extras” that aren’t obvious at the start:
- Wallpaper stripping and disposal
- Extra prep time once walls are exposed
- Damage repairs (blown plaster, cracks, water staining)
- Furniture moving, floor protection, and clean-up requirements
- Protecting areas of the property in close proximity to the works
- Access equipment for exterior work (towers/scaffolding)
- Removal of waste from site
If damage occurs, the party wall award will usually include a “belt and braces” clause (or wording) explaining how damage is to be dealt with.
First and foremost, contact the party wall surveyor. They’re likely to take it from there and help ensure the process is quick and cost-effective, while also ensuring you’re not bogged down in the administration.
If you need help, you can contact Simple Survey — the nation’s cheapest party wall surveyors:
📩 team@simplesurvey.co.uk