choosing a painter and decorator

There are many Painters and Decorators out there, so find one that you feel confident will be able to deliver what you need.  If you want one with attention to detail, you've come to the right place. 

• Does the Decorator ask for cash in hand?  They may not be a legitimate business.  
• Are they insured?  You can ask to see their Certificate of Insurance if you are in doubt.  I am happy to show mine to customers.  
• Does the decorator have Terms and Conditions? These help you to know where you stand and should be fair.  If in doubt, you can check by looking on the Competition and Markets Authority website, a UK Government Agency that helps protect consumers against unfair practice.

  Inviting a tradesperson into your home can seem daunting, so trust your instincts when you meet a potential decorator. Do they seem professional? Are they happy to answer your questions? Do they sound like they know what they are talking about?

There is a big difference between an estimate and a quotation.  An estimate is what the cost might be, and could go up, whereas a quotation is what you will pay for the work specified.  If the project encounters unforeseen complications, the decorator should discuss this with the customer before proceeding. An amended quotation should then be provided for you to approve.  Quotations should provide enough detail for you to be able to see what you will be getting for your money.  A picture of my quote template is shown here.

A professional decorator will be proud to show off photos of their projects.  Look closely at the pictures - If it's a job in progress, have they covered the floor? Is the workspace clean and tidy? If it's a finished job, how does it look when you zoom in? Can you tell if the lines are straight, the colours are even and any wallpapering is free from bubbles?