Quick answer
In 2026 most decorators around Romiley and Stockport charge £150 to £220 a day. Room prices typically run from about £240 for a bathroom to £420 or more for a living room, and £650 upwards for a hallway, stairs and landing, including preparation and trade paint.
If you are planning to redecorate, the first question is usually "what will it cost?" Here is what homeowners in Romiley, Marple, Bredbury and the rest of Stockport can expect to pay in 2026, based on local rates and our own price list.
Day rates around Stockport
Most decorators in the Stockport area charge £150 to £220 per day. Online rate guides put the Stockport average at roughly £186 a day, and Greater Manchester cost guides show experienced decorators charging up to around £280. National figures quoted by the big trade directories are higher, at about £250 to £350 a day, because they include London and the South East.
Our own day rate is £210 per decorator. We only use it for small extras added during a job. Everything else is quoted as a fixed price.
Typical prices by room
These are starting prices for a typical Romiley home in fair condition, including preparation and trade paint:
| Job | Typical time | From |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 1 day | £240 |
| Single or box bedroom | 1 to 1.5 days | £280 |
| Double bedroom | 1.5 to 2 days | £380 |
| Living room | 2 to 2.5 days | £420 |
| Hallway, stairs & landing | 2.5 to 4 days | £650 |
| 3-bed semi, whole interior | 7 to 10 days | £2,200 |
See the full list on our prices page.
What pushes the price up
- Preparation. Cracked ceilings, flaking paint or lots of filling add time. Preparation is most of the job.
- Big colour changes. Going from a dark colour to white, or the reverse, often needs a third coat.
- High or awkward spaces. Stairwells, bay windows and Victorian ceilings need platforms and more care.
- Premium paints. Farrow & Ball or Little Greene cost more per tin than trade paint.
- Woodwork. Old yellowed gloss needs sanding and a bonding primer before a modern water-based finish.
How to get an accurate price
Ask for a written, itemised quote after a visit. It should list the rooms, the surfaces, the paint and the number of coats, and it should say whether materials are included. Be wary of a price given over the phone without anyone seeing the job.
Need a hand?
We decorate homes across Romiley, Marple, Bredbury and Stockport, with a free visit and a fixed written quote within 48 hours. Get a free quote.
Questions
What is the average day rate for a decorator in Stockport?
Around £185 to £200 a day in 2026. Most local sole traders charge between £150 and £220, with experienced decorators and specialist work at the upper end.
Is it cheaper to pay a decorator by the day or a fixed price?
A fixed price is usually safer for you, because the decorator carries the risk if the job takes longer. Day rates suit small, open-ended jobs.
Do decorator prices include paint?
It varies. Always check. Our room prices include trade paint; wallpaper prices are labour only because you choose the paper.