Painter & Decorator in Berkeley

Clear small items, valuables, and wall hangings yourself; painters typically move large furniture to the room centre and sheet it as part of the job. Confirm this when booking — some charge extra for furniture moving, and empty rooms are always cheaper and faster to paint. For whole-house jobs, discuss room sequencing so you can keep living around the work.

Not always — this is the biggest source of quote confusion. Some painters quote labour-only with you supplying paint; others include mid-range trade paint and itemise upgrades. Materials typically add 15-25% to a labour-only price. Always ask: is paint included, what brand and line, and how many coats? Two quotes can differ mostly because one includes premium paint and the other assumes you buy it.

Many painter-decorators do both — wallpaper hanging, feature walls, and removal — but it's a distinct skill, so ask for wallpaper-specific references. Wallpaper removal before painting is usually quoted separately since old paper can come off in minutes or take days depending on how it was applied. Never let anyone paint over wallpaper without discussing it; it's occasionally fine, usually a mistake.

Three checks: recent photos or addresses of comparable jobs (ask specifically for work 1-2 years old — fresh paint always looks good), reviews that mention prep and cleanliness rather than just price, and the quote itself — a detailed written scope with prep level, paint spec, and coat count signals a professional; a one-line price signals corner-cutting. Cutting-in lines around ceilings and trim are where skill shows.

Sheen level. Matt hides wall imperfections best but marks more easily — the default for ceilings and low-traffic walls. Eggshell and satin have a slight sheen and wipe clean, suited to halls, kitchens, and kids' rooms. Gloss and semi-gloss are the hardest-wearing, used on woodwork, doors, and trim. Higher sheen shows surface flaws more, so prep matters more as you go glossier.

If it was built before 1978 and the job disturbs more than minor amounts of painted surface, yes — the contractor must be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm and follow containment practices. Ask for the certification number; fines for uncertified work are significant and the dust risk to children is real.

Hourly rates run about $25-$75, but most interior work is bid at $2-$6 per square foot of floor area or per room ($300-$800 for a standard bedroom). Whole-interior repaints of a 3-bed home typically land between $2,500 and $8,000 depending on prep, ceilings, and trim.