Decorating Business: Equipment, Pricing & Leads (UK)
Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local
Mark from Sheffield bought a second-hand set of brushes and a step ladder on Gumtree. Three weeks later he had his first paid job painting a hallway in S6.
Real UK Business Example
Decorating Direct Trade paint supplier with UK delivery for self-employed decorators. Colour matching apps reduce return visits for touch-ups.
What is Decorating Business?
A painting and decorating service covers interior and exterior jobs for homeowners and small landlords. You quote, prepare surfaces, apply paint or paper, and get paid on completion.
Video Breakdown
Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.
Key Takeaways
- Start with basic prep and finish work before taking on wallpaper jobs.
- Quote per room rather than per hour to keep pricing simple.
- Use before-and-after photos on local Facebook groups to win the next job.
- Buy trade paint in 10-litre tubs from Decorating Direct to cut waste.
- Carry public liability insurance from day one.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet of every quote and invoice.
Startup Costs in the UK
Everything needed fits under £300 if you buy second-hand where possible.
| Item | Approx. Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushes, rollers, trays | £45 | Start with mid-range from Screwfix |
| Step ladder (second-hand) | £35 | Check local Facebook Marketplace |
| Dust sheets and tape | £25 | Two good sheets last months |
| 10L trade paint (sample jobs) | £60 | Decorating Direct colour match service |
| Public liability insurance | £80 | Annual policy via Simply Business |
| Basic toolkit and filler | £30 | Scraper, sandpaper, caulk gun |
Total roughly £275 before your first paid job.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Decent brushes and rollers
- Step ladder or hop-up
- Dust sheets and masking tape
- Basic filler and sandpaper
- Phone with camera for photos
- Van or estate car once jobs grow
How to Start
- Register as self-employed with HMRC online before taking money.
- Buy insurance and keep the certificate on your phone.
- Photograph three rooms you have painted for yourself or family.
- Post the photos in local Facebook groups with a simple price list.
- Print 50 A5 flyers and drop them in streets with lots of terraces.
- Quote every job on site and confirm by text the same day.
- Keep every receipt and note mileage for your tax return.
Earnings & Scaling
Most decorators in northern cities charge £180–£280 per day once established. New starters often start at £120–£150 a day for smaller jobs. Two or three jobs a week after costs leaves £1,200–£1,800 take-home in the first few months if you stay busy.
Pros, Cons and Risks
Pros:
- Low entry cost and quick start
- Steady demand from landlords and sellers
- Work is local and visible
Cons:
- Physical work and dust every day
- Weather delays on exterior jobs
- Chasing late payments from some customers
Risks:
- Damage to customer property
- Under-quoting and losing money on a job
- Competition from bigger firms with vans
UK-Specific Tips
- Check your local council rules on waste disposal for paint tins.
- Use Nextdoor and street-specific Facebook groups for the first ten jobs.
- Keep all invoices under £1,000 to avoid VAT registration early on.
- Offer a free second coat within seven days to reduce complaints.
FAQ
Do I need a van to start?
No. An estate car or even a roof rack works for the first six months in most towns.
How do I find the first customer?
Post clear before-and-after photos in local groups and offer a fixed price for a standard room.
What insurance is essential?
Public liability cover of at least £1 million is the minimum most customers expect.
Can I charge more than the big firms?
Yes, if you turn up on time, leave the place clean and reply to messages quickly.
Conclusion
Start small, price clearly and let photos do the selling. browse more ideas on MicroBiz365.
