Looking for a reputable painter and decorator can be a difficult task. The finish of your home is the difference between okay and amazing and this can also add value to your home in the process. So why is finding a good decorator such a difficult task and why do we feel like it's a lottery each time we book someone. We're going to look into some of the factors you might want to consider before taking on your next project.
Plan ahead! If you find a good painter and decorator the chances are they will be booked up weeks in advance. This might be inconvenient for you but it shows other people think they are worth the wait. On the other hand. If you contact someone and they have availability the following week then this could raise questions.
Does the trades person only decorate, or are they a handyman. We would always recommend to hire a specific painter and decorator. Having a specialised tradesperson will generally give a superior level of workmanship rather than a general tradesperson. The knowledge of preparation, paints, techniques and equipment will be a level above a handyman for instance.
3. Let the tradesperson discuss the work which will be carried out. On a medium to large room you would expect around half a day of preparation. Without the preparation you will not got a good finish. If this isn't discussed then it should be raised at time of receiving the quote. Painting along does not leave you with a professional finish. As the saying goes "it's all in the preparation".
4. Price! Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. The cost of painting a room will differentiate wildly. If you receive a very cheap or very expensive quote you need to ask questions. It is always better to get 3 or 4 quotes to understand the different price points. You will also learn a lot along the way talking to the different trades people which will help your decision. Don't be afraid to ask why someone is cheaper or more expensive than the competition. The tradesperson will welcome the feed back and should have good reasons why they are more expensive.
5. The person! Above all things discussed there is one over-riding point that is more important than all. The person. Some of the questions above can help you with the decision but ultimately, you are trusting someone to come into your home and you are trusting for them to do a good job. Your own intuition about that person goes above all else. Do you like the person, do you feel engaged with them and do you feel they care about the end result (rather than the money). If the answer is yes, then you are a long way down the road of hiring the individual.
Next time you are hiring a tradesman then try the points above and let us know how you get on. Remember price is only part of the equation. Why not ask a tradesman why their quote is cheaper or more expensive.
Also explain your position. Are looking for the lowest price possible and happy for the quality to suffer. Maybe the opposite, you are looking for the best finish? It's important to have these conversations as sometimes key details can be lost in the enquiry process. Happy Hiring.