How much should I pay to have my window frames etc painted? (England, not London)

Question

I need to get the external window frames (all softwood, all with flaking paint), sills etc properly painted before the winter and I want to weigh up the cost compared to the alternative of having double glazing sealed units. There are 7 windows, two are quite large with two openers each, the other five medium size with one opener. I would want the job done thoroughly with quality products to ensure no further painting would be needed for another 4 or 5 years. How much is this likely to cost please?

Answer 1

Wow, how long is a piece of string !

First, are the windows easy to reach ? can they be worked on from the ground, hop-up or step ladder, or will you need to get scaffold.

Secondly, what state of repair are they in i.e. is there any rot that needs cutting out and needs replacing by a carpenter, or just small damage that could be fixed with wood hardener and two pack wood filler.

Thirdly, you say you want a quality job done, so labour wont be cheap for a good decorator who should sand, primer, if needed, undercoat, sometimes twice, and gloss, let alone any repairs that need doing and materials.

So what I'm really trying to say is, every job needs pricing up for its own merits.

But quality does come at a price, so don't fall over if you get a quote for over £500.

Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings  

Answer 2

I would have thought between £350 - £450 for a professional job.

Answer 3

The how long is a piece of string answer is right.  

It can be worked out by how many days, @ how much per day, plus materials.

Typically I have quoted £1,500 when unqualified and uneducated chancers have quoted £300.  But then I am six times faster, on the job three times longer doing preparation and my job stands the test of time.  

I would get half a dozen quotes and ask for references and preferably a city and guilds qualification.