Painters And Decorators

Five tips for finding a good painter and decorator.

Make sure that you avoid the painting and decorating cowboys by following our quick and easy guide to finding the right painter and decorator.

1. Ask these questions

When Bodgit and Scarper Ltd come to give you a quote for your painting and decorating, flush them out by gauging their responses to these questions:

Do you have insurance? What type of insurance is it? (the answer is 'yes' 'public liability insurance'). If they don't know what type of insurance it is they are either too stupid to paint your walls or they don't have it.

Do you give a guarantee for the work you do and the materials you use? Well, what is it then? If it sounds like they've made it up on the spot, it's because they have!

Who is paying for the paint or wallpaper? - Make sure it's clear who is paying for this so you don't get the 'and it's £400 for the paint' at the end of the project.

Ask how many coats of paint they put on as standard. Take one coat off that total because they will exaggerate and if it's more than 2, you've got an indication that they might do a good job.

Will they move furniture or will you need to do this before work starts? - Find out now or don't surprised when you get a bill for it at the end.

Has the quote you've got from your painter been broken out into VAT, materials, labour? No, walk away then - they are not professional enough to paint your house.

Is this a fixed price? Make sure you get a fixed price for all painting work or you'll be paying for your painters and decorators to drink beer in the pub most afternoons. I speak from experience on this point.

Who will actually be doing the work? Don't assume that the person who has given you the quote will do the work. Ask to meet them - they might not be the sort of person you would like to invite into your home or at least let the neighbours see going into your home!

2. Get references and check them

Never be shy in asking for references of their previous work. Take the time to call the people mentioned and ask how the work went for them. If you can, go and see the work that has been done. Make it hard for anyone to swindle you by asking questions. The painter will know that you are not someone to be messed with when you call the references up!

3. Make it clear and get it in writing

Don't assume anything. Let's be honest, painters and decorators are not usually very intelligent people. What may seem obvious to you may not be obvious to someone who sniffs paint all day! Most painters and decorators are doing the job because they are not qualified to do anything else and they can do it with a hangover. Some painters are still very good and I've even met one who said it was what he's always wanted to do - I think he may have even believed it!

But make sure you explain fully what you want them to do and get them to put it in writing so you can read it back to them afterwards if you're not happy. Because they won't remember it, I can assure you. So, if you want a certain paint finish on the window frames and doors - note it down. If you want 3 coats of paint on the ceiling - note it down. If you want satin finish - you get the idea.

4. Are they members of any trade bodies?

There is no official governing body for painters and decorators. There is no official accreditation, either. But there are some qualifications such as The City & Guilds Basic Skills in Construction award: Painting and Decorating and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Intermediate/Advanced Construction Award in Decorative Occupations (Painting and decorating).

There are some unofficial associations out there but as they survive by selling memberships I shouldn't take too much notice of anyone who is a member of one of them.

5. Use your instincts and common sense

The final advice is to trust your instincts. You know when someone is telling you a lie. You know when someone is not trustworthy and you know when you don't like someone. It's just that you don't always go along with these instincts. Whether that is because you are rushed, lazy, have allowed yourself to be persuaded otherwise or you're being politically correct. Well, trust them. Your first instinct is almost always right in this respect. If you don't get a good feeling about the painter and decorator - do not employ them.