Looking For Painters and Decorators in Cheltenham? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know

Thinking about giving your Cheltenham home a fresh coat of paint? Whether you're in one of those beautiful Regency townhouses or a modern property in Gloucester, finding the right painter and decorator can feel a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Here are 10 things you absolutely need to know before hiring painters and decorators in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

1. They Do Way More Than Just Painting

When you hear "painter and decorator," you might just think of someone with a roller and a tin of paint. But professional decorators in Cheltenham offer so much more.

Expect services like wall and ceiling prep work (sanding, filling those annoying cracks, and priming), various paint finishes from basic emulsion to specialist coats, wallpapering and feature walls, colour consultations to help you choose the perfect shade, exterior house painting that stands up to Gloucestershire weather, and even fence or door restoration.

If you're tackling a full room makeover or just freshening up your hallway, a good decorator handles the lot, saving you the headache of coordinating multiple trades.

2. Know What You'll Actually Pay

Let's talk money. In Cheltenham, you're looking at roughly £20–£25 per hour or £180–£200 per day for a skilled painter and decorator. But pricing varies depending on the job.

Here's a rough guide for common projects around Gloucestershire:

• Medium room: around £400

• Bedroom: about £245

• Hallway and stairs: £600

• Ceiling painting: £325

• Window frames: £175

• Exterior house painting: £425–£1,500 (depending on size)

• Wallpaper removal: around £350 per room

Remember, these are ballpark figures. Your actual quote will depend on your property's condition and what you're after.

3. What Makes the Price Go Up?

Not all rooms are created equal, and certain things will bump up the cost. High ceilings (common in period Cheltenham homes) or tricky access points add labour time. Walls that need serious TLC before painting, think repairs, patching, or heavy prep work, will cost more.

Specialist finishes like wallpapering, textured paint, or heritage colour matching take more skill and time. And if you're choosing premium paint brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene (popular in the Cotswolds), expect to pay a bit extra for materials.

The good news? A quality decorator will walk you through all this during the quote, so there are no nasty surprises.

4. Always Get Three Quotes

Here's a golden rule: never settle for just one quote. Speak to at least three local painters and decorators in Cheltenham before making your decision.

This isn't just about finding the cheapest option (though that helps). Getting multiple quotes gives you a realistic sense of what the job should cost and helps you spot anyone trying to overcharge. Plus, it lets you compare how different decorators approach the same project, some might suggest prep work or finishes you hadn't considered.

5. Check Their Credentials and Memberships

Anyone can claim to be a painter, but the professionals back it up with credentials. Look for decorators who hold memberships in recognized schemes like Dulux Select Decorator or have industry awards under their belt.

These aren't just fancy badges, they mean the decorator meets quality standards, stays updated on techniques, and uses trusted materials. In Cheltenham, where you've got everything from modern builds to listed buildings, working with someone who knows their stuff is crucial.

Don't be shy about asking for proof of insurance, references, or photos of previous work around Gloucestershire. The good ones will be happy to show you.

6. Expect a Proper Consultation First

A decent painter and decorator won't just turn up with a ladder and a quote scribbled on the back of an envelope. They'll sit down with you (or do a virtual chat) to discuss which rooms you want decorated, your ideal finish and style, colour preferences, your budget range, and your timeline.

Then they'll visit your property to measure up, check wall and ceiling conditions, and identify any prep work needed before painting starts. This initial consultation is your chance to ask questions, share Pinterest boards, and make sure you're both on the same page.

If someone's willing to quote without seeing the property? Red flag.

7. They'll Help You Choose the Perfect Colours

Staring at a million paint swatches is nobody's idea of fun. That's where a professional decorator's colour expertise comes in handy.

They'll provide samples from various brands and suppliers, help you understand how different shades work in north-facing vs. south-facing rooms (a real issue in Gloucestershire homes), and advise on finishes, matte for ceilings, eggshell for woodwork, that sort of thing.

Some decorators even offer colour consultation services where they'll look at your lighting, furniture, and flooring before recommending palettes. It's like having an interior designer and painter rolled into one.

8. Check Their Team's Experience

Who's actually doing the work? If you're hiring a company rather than a sole trader, ask about their team.

Established decorators employ personally vetted, full-time painters who regularly update their skills. Some specialize in particular areas, like period properties in Cheltenham's conservation areas or high-end residential work in the Cotswolds.

Don't be afraid to ask how long their team has been together, what training they've completed, and whether they have experience with properties like yours. A decorator who's tackled a Victorian terrace before will understand the quirks that come with older homes.

9. They Should Keep Everything Tidy

Let's be honest, having decorators in your home is disruptive. But it doesn't have to be a disaster zone.

Reputable painters and decorators in Cheltenham will keep the work area as tidy as possible during the project, protect your floors and furniture with proper dust sheets, clean up thoroughly at the end of each day, and handle waste disposal responsibly.

Some even offer furniture moving and repositioning as part of the package. If you're working from home or have kids running about, ask upfront how they manage cleanliness and minimize disruption.

10. Look for Extra Services Under One Roof

Need more than just painting? Many Cheltenham decorators offer related services that can save you the hassle of coordinating multiple tradespeople.

These might include plastering and rendering, floor painting or varnishing, wood staining and French polishing, drywall repair, faux or specialty finishes, and even light carpentry work.

If you're planning a bigger project, say, updating your entire ground floor, ask if they offer project management. Having one point of contact who coordinates everything can save you serious stress. You can check out some of our previous work in our gallery to see the range of projects we handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to paint a room in Cheltenham? A medium-sized bedroom typically takes 1–2 days, including prep work. Larger rooms or those needing extensive preparation might take 3–4 days. Your decorator will give you a timeline during the quote.

Do I need to move all my furniture before the decorators arrive? Most decorators will move smaller furniture and protect larger pieces with dust sheets. If you have heavy or valuable items, it's worth discussing this during your consultation.

What's the best time of year to paint the exterior of my Gloucestershire home? Late spring through early autumn is ideal. You want dry, mild weather for exterior paint to cure properly. Avoid winter months when dampness and cold can affect the finish.

Should I buy the paint myself to save money? Generally, no. Professional decorators get trade discounts and know exactly which products work best for each surface. They'll also calculate the right amount: buying too little or too much is a common DIY mistake.

How do I prepare my home before the decorators arrive? Clear the room of small items and personal belongings, remove wall hangings and curtains, and ensure clear access to the work area. Your decorator will provide specific instructions based on the job.

---

Looking for reliable painters and decorators in Cheltenham or the wider Gloucestershire area? We're here to help. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your project, or browse our blog for more decorating tips and inspiration.