Short answer: DIY is cheaper in cash for one small, simple room if you already own the kit and enjoy the work. For anything bigger (several rooms, a hallway and stairs, colour changes, poor walls or lots of woodwork) a professional usually works out better value once you count materials, kit, time and how long the finish lasts.
DIY vs hiring a painter: side by side
| Hiring a professional | Doing it yourself | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | Included in a fixed price | Free, but it's your evenings and weekends |
| Paint | Trade paint included, usually fewer coats | Retail paint at full shop price |
| Kit and sundries | Included: dust sheets, filler, caulk, tape, sandpaper, primer | Bought on top, often for one job |
| Preparation | Fill, caulk, sand, prime on every job | The part most DIYers skip or rush |
| Time | Most rooms done in one to two days | Often a whole weekend per room, or more |
| Finish and lifespan | 5–10 years in most rooms | Depends heavily on prep and skill |
| Risk | Insured, written warranty | Yours: drips on carpets, patchy walls, redo |
When DIY makes sense
- One small room with walls in good condition and no colour change.
- You already own good brushes, rollers and dust sheets.
- You enjoy it and have the time, and a perfect finish is not critical.
When a professional is worth it
- Halls, stairs and landings: height, ladders over stairs and endless cutting-in. See hallway costs.
- Several rooms or a whole house: our per-room price drops and automatic savings apply (10% from £500, 15% from £3,500, 20% from £5,500).
- Dark to light colour changes and walls with cracks, stains or old wallpaper.
- Woodwork: skirting, doors and frames are slow and unforgiving to do well.
- Selling or letting, when the finish has to look right in photos.
What a professional actually costs in Leicester
| Job | Typical price (materials in) |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom / box room | £180–£280 |
| Double bedroom | £280–£450 |
| Living room | £380–£550 |
| Hall, stairs and landing | £350–£1,200 |
| Full 3-bed house interior | £2,200–£5,500 |
📅 2027 prices: expect around 4% more from January 2027. See the 2026–2027 price list.
Prices include trade paint, full preparation and protection. To compare honestly, price your DIY job too: paint, primer, filler, caulk, sundries and any kit you need, plus your time. Then get your exact professional price from the instant quote.
Doing it yourself? Our free guides
What order to paint a room · How many coats · Painting new plaster · Why paint peels · Matt, silk or eggshell