United Kingdom calculator
Interior Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to paint the interior of your home in the UK. Adjust the paintable wall area (m²), number of coats, surface prep level, and paint grade — and toggle ceilings and woodwork — to see an itemised low–high range for your project.
How this calculator is built
Unit costs with sources
This model cites 3 sources for its line-item cost and regional labour inputs.
Regional labour adjustment
The region table applies local labour indexes only to labour-heavy line items.
Published methodology
The methodology page lists the formula, size drivers, labour model, and source links.
How this estimate is calculated
The model prices 6 project line items from published cost inputs. Quantities are driven by your wall area, number of coats, prep level, and paint grade. The selected scope and finish adjust those inputs, then the regional index changes only each line's labour share; material prices remain national.
The itemised midpoint is shown as a ±18% planning range. It is not a contractor quote: access, design choices, permits, availability, and site conditions can move the final price.
VAT
The calculator applies the configured standard UK VAT rate of 20% to its renovation estimate and shows the VAT-inclusive total. Some projects or properties can qualify for different treatment, so confirm the rate and any exemptions on each contractor quote.
How firm these costs are
The national renovation model is assembled from the public cost guides cited for its individual inputs, then calibrated against a cited market range. Individual line prices are planning allocations rather than live quotes; compare the result with itemised quotes from qualified contractors before budgeting.
Estimate your project
Change the default inputs to match your scope. The breakdown updates by line item.
Interior Painting Cost by region: typical ranges
Each range applies that region's labour index to the labour-share line items of the default project; materials stay at national prices. Select a region for its full local breakdown and calculator.
| Region | Typical range | Labour index | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | £3,635–£5,231 | 95% | Usually none |
| East of England | £3,635–£5,231 | 95% | Usually none |
| London | £4,104–£5,906 | 112% | Usually none |
| North East | £3,635–£5,231 | 95% | Usually none |
| North West | £3,663–£5,271 | 96% | Usually none |
| Scotland | £3,773–£5,429 | 100% | Usually none |
| South East | £3,883–£5,588 | 104% | Usually none |
| South West | £4,076–£5,866 | 111% | Usually none |
| Wales | £3,718–£5,350 | 98% | Usually none |
| West Midlands | £3,635–£5,231 | 95% | Usually none |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £3,608–£5,191 | 94% | Usually none |
Common questions
How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house in the UK?
Checkatrade puts internal house painting at around £15/m² of wall area all-in (labour plus standard trade paint), with ceilings and woodwork each around £15/m². For a typical 3-bed house repainted in 2 coats — walls, ceilings, and woodwork — that works out at roughly £3,800 before VAT, so our estimate adds the standard 20% VAT on top to show the real consumer bill (about £4,600). Use the calculator above for a range matched to your wall area, prep level, and paint grade.
Does the estimate include ceilings and woodwork?
Yes — toggle 'Include ceilings' and 'Include trim & doors' to add or remove those surfaces. Ceilings are estimated at roughly 35% of your paintable wall area and trim (skirting, architraves, doors) at 15%, both priced from Checkatrade's £15/m² rates.
How does paint grade affect cost?
Standard trade paint is the baseline. Budget paint lowers the estimate by about 15%; premium brands such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or COAT raise it by about 35%. Higher-grade paints often cover better and last longer, reducing how often you need to redecorate.