Finding a Painter and Decorator

Finding a good quality, reliable, and price competitive painter or decorator can be a problem for many homeowners ,not least because this is not something they have to do very often – once every few years perhaps. Finding painters and decorators has traditionally been done through word-of-mouth and by thumbing through directories such as the Yellow Pages. However, with the internet now being used by more and more people from all walks of life, this has also become a good way of finding suitable tradesman such as painters and decorators.

GetTradeQuotes.co.uk is a website which puts local painters and decorators in touch with people looking for someone to paint their house or workplace. With this approach you can post your job on the website and will receive quotes from several local firms. It is important that you can then compare each of them by asking the same kinds of questions. Important questions to ask will include a breakdown of the price in terms of materials and labour, payment terms, and how the long the job will last (with a start date and a completion date). You should also satisfy yourself that the contractor has valid public liability insurance so that if there are any accidents or injuries you will not be held liable. Check the contractor’s credentials, including things like membership of any trade associations, Company and VAT registration documents.

It is important however, when you are trying to find a painter or decorator, to be clear about the job you want doing. This will enable you to brief the contractor exactly on your needs and expectations and will allow him or her to prepare the most appropriate quotation for you. Be clear, for example, about how much of the basic preparation work you are willing to do yourself in order to keep the costs down. This might include measures such as removing furniture and floor coverings from rooms, or even sanding down surfaces to be painted. Make sure you are both clear about the quality and brand of paints to be used, and how many coats will be applied.

Finding a painter or decorator who does a really good job for you is worth all of this homework. Equally important, having discussed and agreed with you painter exactly what he or she is going to do, for what price, and by when, you should then make sure this is confirmed in a solid legally-binding contract.

Sarah is the author of this article on Find A Painter And Decorator. Find more information about Find Painters And Decorators here.