Find a painter and decorator: 10 things to ask

Whether you're planning to refresh a single room or give your whole home a makeover, you need to find a painter and decorator. However, sourcing a reliable and skilled professional is easier than it sounds, so the local experts at Top Decs are here to help.

We understand how important it is for you to feel confident in the people you invite into your home. So if you're on the hunt to find a painter and decorator, we have compiled 10 essential questions to ask before making your final choice.

1. Are you fully insured?

While this might not be the most exciting question to start with, it is certainly one of the most important. Any professional painter and decorator should hold a valid public liability insurance policy to protect both you and your property in case anything goes wrong.

2. Can I see examples of your work?

A reputable decorator will be proud to show off their previous work to prospective new customers. Ask them for before-and-after photos of previous jobs, or better yet, see if they have any online reviews or a portfolio on their website. If you find a painter and decorator local to you, they might even be able to arrange a visit to a recently finished project

3. Do you have references?

Hearing comments from previous customers can give you a good feel for a tradeperson’s reliability, attention to detail and all-round professionalism. A good company should be happy to provide references - or better still, direct you to glowing ones already online on Google or their own website.

4. What’s your experience with this type of project?

Not all domestic or commercial decorating jobs are the same. Whether you need wallpapering, feature walls, or a full interior revamp, make sure the firm has relevant experience in the kind of work you need.

5. What materials and paint brands do you use?

When you find a painter and decorator, it is always worth asking what materials they recommend and why. A professional will have preferences based on quality, durability and finish, and they should be happy to explain their choices. When you hire a professional you expect a first-class finish, so don’t ask them to find cheaper products.

6. What’s included in your quote?

Whenever you deal with any tradespeople you should always ask for a written, detailed quote that breaks down the precise costs into labour, materials, prep work and any extra charges. This helps avoid misunderstandings later on and ensures you're comparing like-for-like quotes.

7. How long will the job take?

This is a key question when you try to find a painter and decorator. While timelines can vary depending on the project, your decorator should be able to give a clear estimate of how long the job will take - and stick to it wherever possible.

8. Do you handle the prep work?

Preparation is key to a flawless finish. A quality painter and decorator will take care of any sanding, filling and priming required for the walls, as well as protecting your furniture and floors with sheeting. You should also ask about what furniture will need moving before work starts.

9. What is your availability?

Good decorators are often in demand, so check their availability early in the selection process. If you're on a tight deadline, it’s better to know up front whether they can fit you in.

10. What happens if I’m not happy with the work?

A trustworthy professional will want you to be 100% satisfied with the final result. Ask about their process for handling snags or touch-ups after the job is complete.

Need advice on how to find a painter and decorator?

When you're looking to find a painter and decorator, taking the time to ask these key questions can save you a lot of stress further down the line. Here at Top Decs, we pride ourselves on being open, honest and reliable - and we’re always happy to talk you through your options.

If you live in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and are ready to transform your home, get in touch today for a FREE quote.