Understanding how long a painting project will take helps you plan around the disruption. Here are realistic timelines based on our experience in Chelsea properties — which, due to their period features and typically higher standards, often take longer than average London properties.
Room-by-Room Timelines
| Room | Duration (1 painter) |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom | 1.5-2 days |
| Double bedroom | 2-3 days |
| Reception room | 2-3 days |
| Kitchen (walls & ceiling) | 1.5-2 days |
| Bathroom | 1-1.5 days |
| Hallway & stairs | 2-4 days |
| Landing | 1-1.5 days |
**Note:** These assume standard Chelsea ceiling heights (2.7-3m). Higher ceilings add time. Rooms with extensive woodwork or period features add 50-100% to these timelines.
Whole-House Timelines
| Property | Interior Only | Interior + Exterior |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | 3-5 days | N/A |
| 2-bed flat | 5-8 days | N/A |
| 3-bed terrace | 8-12 days | 15-20 days |
| 4-bed townhouse | 10-15 days | 20-30 days |
| Large family house | 15-25 days | 30-45 days |
What Affects Duration
- **Preparation needs:** Stripping wallpaper, making good damaged surfaces, and dealing with previous poor workmanship all add time
- **Ceiling height:** Rooms above 3m require scaffolding setup time
- **Number of coats:** Some colours require 3+ coats for even coverage
- **Drying time:** Between coats (typically 4-6 hours for emulsion, overnight for woodwork paints)
- **Period features:** Hand-finishing cornicing, mouldings, and panelling is painstaking work
- **Weather (exterior):** Rain, frost, or very hot conditions can pause exterior work
How We Manage Timelines
We provide a detailed schedule before starting, typically working room-by-room through the property. We keep you informed of progress and any changes. Our goal is always to finish on time without compromising quality.