Quoting software for UK painters & decorators

Create clear, professional painting and decorating quotes from rough site notes. TailoredQuote drafts the scope, structures the work, adds your branding, and creates a PDF ready to send. You stay in control of every price.

Why painters and decorators need better quoting

Painting and decorating is one of the most competitive trades. Clients often get four or five quotes for the same job, and many decorators still quote by text message — “lounge, hallway, and stairs: £1,200.” That works until a competitor sends a branded PDF with room-by-room scope and a clear price breakdown.

TailoredQuote’s AI drafts the scope for you. Type your site notes in plain English, the AI structures the quote with line items for each room, and you review and set every price before sending. The AI drafts — you decide.

What your decorating quote should cover

A professional painter and decorator’s quote should include:

• Preparation — filling, sanding, scraping, lining paper removal, sugar soap wash
• Ceilings — mist coat or full decoration, artex covering, crack repair
• Walls — emulsion colour and finish, number of coats, feature walls
• Woodwork — skirting, architraves, doors, frames, window sills, radiators
• Wallpaper — hanging, feature walls, paste and lining paper if applicable
• External work — fascias, soffits, windows, doors, render (where applicable)

TailoredQuote prompts you for the key details and drafts these sections automatically. You review, adjust, and add anything specific to the job.

Common exclusions to put on every decorating quote

Decorating disputes usually trace back to undefined preparation, undisclosed paint cost, or "while you’re here" scope creep. Exclusions document the boundaries:

• Paint supply — quote labour only OR specify the brand/colour and price firm; do NOT leave open-ended
• Wallpaper supply — treat as customer-supplied; quote hanging only
• Heavy preparation revealed during prep — major cracks, blown plaster, mould, woodworm (PC sum or variation)
• Replacement of damaged plasterboard, skirting, architrave (refer to a carpenter / plasterer)
• Stain blocking on persistent damp / nicotine / smoke staining requiring specialist primer (variation)
• Existing wallpaper removal beyond agreed area / number of layers
• Lead paint testing / safe removal where pre-1992 paint suspected (PC sum)
• Asbestos in textured ceiling coating ("Artex") — PC sum until tested
• External work programme is weather-dependent — rain, frost, <5°C stops painting
• Furniture moving and floor protection — state who provides dust sheets, who moves heavy items
• Make-good of damage to adjacent rooms or fittings during access
• Touch-ups after substantial completion — one snagging visit included; subsequent visits charged
• Drying time — programme depends on humidity and ambient temperature
• VAT (where you’re VAT registered)
• Variations — any change of scope (extra room, different paint, additional coats) is documented and re-quoted

Example: what you’d type into TailoredQuote

From that, TailoredQuote drafts a structured scope with line items for each room. You set the prices, add your letterhead, and send a branded PDF — all from your phone.

Create your first decorating quote free

Common customer objection painters face

“The other decorator was a lot cheaper.”

When three decorators quote similar prices, the one who sends a typed, branded, room-by-room PDF stands out. It signals that you are organised and professional. A clear scope showing preparation, coats, and colour specifications helps the customer understand what they are paying for — and shows exactly where a cheaper quote might be cutting corners.

Optional: show the finished room

On the Pro plan, you can upload a room photo and describe the colour scheme. TailoredQuote generates an AI visual guide showing one interpretation of what the space could look like. Attach it to your quote PDF so the customer can picture the colours in their room before work starts. AI mockups are visual guides, not exact representations — the final result depends on paint brand, lighting, and finish.

Pricing

Essentials: £35/month. Pro: £68/month. No VAT to add (TailoredQuote is not VAT registered). 14-day free trial on both plans. No card needed. Cancel any time. See plans and pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Type your site notes, the AI drafts the scope, you set the prices. The whole process takes in minutes. You can adjust any line item before sending.

Yes. You can attach up to 8 photos to any quote. On Pro, you can also generate AI room visuals and embed them in the PDF.

Even on smaller jobs, a professional PDF quote sets you apart from competitors quoting by text. The Essentials plan at £35/month covers quoting and invoicing without mockups.

Yes. The AI drafts the scope and line items. You set every price, adjust every description, and control the final total before sending.

Related guides & tools for painters & decorators

• Free quote calculator
• Painting & decorating cost UK
• Plastering cost UK (often pairs with decoration)
• Render cost UK
• How to write a builder’s quote
• Digital signatures (every plan)
• Quotes with photos — document existing condition + colour decisions
• AI mockup generator (Pro plan) — visualise colour schemes before pricing
• Customer questions: how long does exterior paint last?, are quotes binding?