How to invoice as a painter and decorator (UK)

How painters and decorators normally break the money down

A painter and decorator's invoice is usually days of painting labour, a separate preparation charge, and paint and sundries either at cost or with a stated markup. Keeping those apart is what stops the customer asking what the total covered.

Step by step

1. 1Split preparation from painting. Filling, sanding, caulking and masking is the part customers forget they agreed to and the part that takes the time.
2. 2Charge painting labour by the day and say how many days and which rooms, rather than quoting one whole-house figure.
3. 3State the number of coats in the description — two coats throughout is a commitment worth writing down.
4. 4List paint and sundries as one materials line and say whether it is at cost or includes a markup.
5. 5Note anything the customer supplied themselves, so a colour they chose that needed a third coat is on record.

When to send it

On completion for a single property. For a whole house over several weeks, invoice room by room or weekly.

Decorating customers are usually living in the house and pay quickly. Where a landlord or developer is paying, expect 30 days and get a purchase order number.

Common questions

Should preparation be a separate line on a decorating invoice?

Yes. Preparation is often a third of the labour, and customers who only see "painting" assume they are paying purely for the time a roller was moving.

Do I charge paint at cost or with a markup?

Either is fine as long as you say which on the invoice. Silent markups are the main reason decorating bills get argued over after the event.

How many coats should I state on the invoice?

Whatever you actually applied — normally two over prepared surfaces. Writing it down protects you if the customer later claims coverage is thin.