How to Get the Most Out of a Painter and Decorator Professional
Hiring a painter and decorator can transform your home—if you do it right. But are you really getting the best value for your money? Too many people hire a professional without a plan, only to end up with half-finished ideas, cost overruns, or disappointing results.
Want a finish that looks magazine-worthy without the stress?
Here’s how to work with your painter and decorator to get a stunning result—and every pound’s worth of quality.
Know What You Want Before They Arrive
A decorator isn’t there to design your space from scratch. They bring your vision to life.
Ask yourself:
- What colours work in this room’s lighting?
- Are you going for cosy, clean, bold, or calm?
- Do you want matt, satin, or gloss finishes?
- Have you tested sample swatches on your walls?
Tip: Paint reacts differently on your walls than it does on the tin or a brochure. Try testers in different corners and under various lighting conditions before choosing.
Example: Dulux found that over 60% of customers changed their first colour choice after testing it on the wall.
Choose the Right Professional, Not the Cheapest
Not all decorators are created equal. Look for experience, not just a low quote.
How to evaluate them:
- Ask for a portfolio or photos of recent jobs
- Check online reviews on Trustpilot, Yell, or Checkatrade
- Ask about their prep process—do they sand, fill and prime surfaces?
Red flags:
- Cash-only quotes
- Reluctance to give references
- “We don’t need to prep—paint will cover it” (It won’t.)
Example: A well-prepped wall with filler, sanding and primer can hold paint for 7–10 years. A rushed job may start peeling within 12 months.
Be Clear With Expectations and Boundaries
Don’t assume they’ll “just know” what you want. Miscommunication wastes time and money.
What to clarify:
- Exact colour codes and brands
- Whether you want skirting boards, ceilings, and doors painted
- Working hours—will they start at 8am or 10am?
- Access: Do they need a key or will someone be home?
Put it in writing:
Even a simple email listing your agreed plans helps avoid confusion.
Prep the Space Like a Pro
Time spent moving furniture and clearing surfaces is time not spent painting.
Do this before they arrive:
- Remove fragile or valuable items
- Take down curtains, blinds, and wall hangings
- Move furniture away from the walls
- Cover carpets with dust sheets if they haven’t provided their own
Bonus: A tidy space can shave a day or more off the project, depending on room size.
Discuss Paint Quality and Materials
You don’t need to be a paint expert—but you do need to know what’s going on your walls.
Ask about:
- Paint brand and durability (Johnstone’s, Dulux Trade, Little Greene, etc.)
- Is it washable? Does it need special primers?
- Are eco-friendly options available?
Why it matters:
Using low-grade paint may save £30 now but cost hundreds later in early touch-ups.
Example: Farrow & Ball paints are pricier, but their pigments are richer and require fewer coats in many cases.
Stay Involved Without Micromanaging
You don’t need to hover—but don’t disappear either.
Check in daily:
- Walk through the progress
- Ask questions if something looks off
- Take photos so you can compare results
Be respectful:
Trust their technique, but speak up if something deviates from your brief.
Example: If the feature wall colour looks lighter than expected, don’t wait until the end. Bring it up early so it can be adjusted before two more coats go on.
Address Snags Immediately
Snagging isn’t nit-picking. It’s ensuring a professional finish.
Typical snags include:
- Missed spots or thin patches
- Paint on plug sockets, floors or switches
- Uneven lines between walls and ceiling
What to do:
- Compile a short snag list at the end
- Review it with the decorator and agree a fix-up date
- Don’t make final payment until it’s resolved (if your contract allows)
Tip: Most pros expect a snag list—it’s a normal part of the job.
Pay Fairly and Promptly
Good decorators value good clients. Pay on time and you’re more likely to be prioritised for future jobs or get referrals to other reliable tradespeople.
Avoid paying 100% upfront:
A 10–30% deposit is common, with balance on completion.
Want extra work later?
Mention it during the job so they can advise or plan ahead. Many decorators book weeks or months in advance.
Keep Their Details for Future Jobs
A reliable painter and decorator is gold. Once you find a good one, don’t let them go.
Keep a file with:
- Their contact info
- Photos of the job
- Paint brand and colour codes used
- Notes on what went well (or didn’t)
This makes touch-ups or room expansions much smoother later.
Final Thoughts: Are You a Good Client?
Hiring a painter and decorator isn’t just about what they do—it’s about how well you work together.
Ask yourself:
- Have I communicated clearly?
- Am I respecting their craft and time?
- Have I done what I can to make their job easier?
Because the more effort you put into the process, the better the result you’ll get on your walls—and in your wallet.
