Painting and decorating in Handsworth

Planning your decorating in Handsworth

There's normally nothing to apply for. Birmingham City Council only needs to be involved if your home is listed, or if it's in a conservation area with extra controls on changes to the outside.

New plaster needs a mist coat before the finishing coats of emulsion.
Labelled spare paint makes small touch-ups easy later on.
Exterior paint shouldn't be applied in rain, frost or on damp surfaces.

Postcode district: B21
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 2 miles

Which option fits your home?

Woodwork and doors

Skirting boards, architraves, doors, banisters and window boards are sanded, filled, primed where bare and finished in gloss, satin or eggshell. Water-based finishes dry faster and yellow less than oil-based ones. Getting woodwork right takes time, especially on older homes with many layers of paint.

Interior walls and ceilings

Filling cracks and holes, sanding, sealing stains and applying two or more coats of emulsion. We'll suggest a finish to suit each room, such as matt for living rooms and wipeable or moisture-resistant paint for kitchens and bathrooms. Newly plastered walls get a mist coat first so the paint bonds properly.

Painting and decorating prices in Handsworth

Guide prices start at £280 and run to £3,500 depending on size and specification. Double bedroom: walls and ceiling in two coats of emulsion, with skirting, door and frame: around £380–£600.

Guide prices for painting and decorating
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Single room interior	£280 – £600	Walls and ceiling, two coats
Hall, stairs and landing	£650 – £1,200	Including woodwork and spindles
Exterior of a semi	£1,200 – £3,500	Masonry and woodwork, access included

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows a free survey at your Handsworth address.

Painting and decorating in Handsworth: common questions

Can I stay in the house while you decorate?

Yes. We work room by room, so most of the house stays usable. Rooms being painted need clearing of small items and furniture moved to the middle. Water-based paints have little smell, but we'll keep rooms ventilated, and you may want to keep pets away while paint dries.

Which postcodes in Handsworth do you work in?

We cover B21 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Handsworth, neighbouring Smethwick and Perry Barr are covered too.

Should I buy the paint myself?

You can, but we usually supply trade-quality paint, which covers better and lasts longer than many retail ranges. If you've chosen a particular brand or colour, tell us at survey and we'll price it in. Either way, the quote shows the paint type and the number of coats.

Will I need permission from the council in Handsworth?

Not normally. The exception is a listed building, where Birmingham City Council would need to give listed building consent first.

Close to Handsworth

Other work we do in Handsworth

Selling soon or simply ready for a change? Ring 0800 088 6248 and we'll arrange a decorating visit in Handsworth.