Questions you should ask...
A few minutes of due-diligence before committing to someone may well pay dividends later. We think you should do these checks before you invite a decorator into your home.
Has your decorator put in writing exactly what they will be doing?
Your decorator's quotation should be in writing and sufficiently detailed that both parties know exactly what they have agreed to. As a minimum, it should include detailed steps of preparation, the number of coats of paint, what paint they will use, etc.
Do they have a professional dust extraction system?
A professional-grade dust-extraction system extracts dust right at the point of sanding. It prevents fine dust particles from becoming airborne.
A set-up such as our Mirka Denos system costs around £2000, so you know if your decorator has this, decorating is their vocation.
A Henry (£150) will not do the job because it cannot extract the dust at source.
If your decorator sands walls and ceilings without dust-extraction at source, the air throughout your home will fill with very fine dust particles that sit in suspension, and it takes around a week for this fine dust to settle on all your possessions.
And if your decorator is not sanding walls and ceilings prior to applying paint, you should ask yourself why!
Is your decorator adequately insured?
There is no legal requirement for a tradesperson to have public liability insurance, so make sure the people working in your home have adequate cover in case something does not go entirely to plan.
Can your decorator evidence a criminal records check?
Do you know who you are about to allow into your home? Can you restrict their access to certain areas, or keep them under constant supervision?
You should ask your decorator to provide a certificate of a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which will show you if they have a criminal record.
Can they provide references of recent work?
You should ask your decorator to give you the name and telephone number of a client who they have recently worked for. You are likely to get a more honest, detailed and nuanced account by speaking to them by phone. Your decorator should be delighted for you to speak to a previous client.
Do they have multiple projects running simultaneously?
You want your decorating project to be completed with as little disruption as possible. Once they start, will they be with you every day, or will they be absent because they are on other jobs?
Has your decorator provided an 'Estimate' or 'Quotation'?
Your decorator should provide a fixed quotation with no room for unexpected additions. A quotations shows a fixed price whereas an estimates does not.
Is their quote significantly different to others'?
If the price is significantly lower than other quotes, are they intending to do all the prep and coats required, or are they just putting a single coat straight onto walls?
Will they do the work themselves, or 'sub it out'?
Is the person you are dealing with the same person that will be doing the work, or will they subcontract it to someone else who you don't know?
Is your intuition telling you something?
Would you be happy to leave this person alone in your home if you have to go out? Would you be happy to leave them with a key? Could you leave them in your house while you are at work?