How do I find a good painter and decorator?
So, it’s time to give your property a little refresh… or maybe even a big overhaul! Whatever your decorating plans are, you want to feel like you are in safe hands in terms of the contractor you choose to work with.
Searching for the right fit can be difficult – there are many painting and decorating contractors out there to decide between, and most will typically offer similar services and match their competitors’ prices. Considering, then, that all these companies and tradesmen appear to be much of a muchness, how should you distinguish who is the right man, or woman, for the job?
To start, educate yourself with some general knowledge
It might be tempting to dive right in and blindly leave all the decorating decisions to the experts. This is not something we would recommend. The best results are attained when the client can clearly communicate their desired outcome.
Contractors carry out their work in order to realise your vision. They have the skill to make your decorating dreams happen and bring your design concept into reality. But for them to be able to do this, the client should first arm themselves with some general knowledge. This way, there is a better overall understanding between client and contractor when discussing the various elements of the project.
Go with a specialist rather than a general handyman
A lot of homeowners veer towards the local handyman when it comes to decorating or painting their property. We probably all know someone, or know someone-who-knows-someone, who does odd jobs like plumbing, painting, or electrics at a “friends and family” rate: Or, at least much cheaper than quotes you’ve seen from professional companies.
This might seem like a fantastic idea to save yourself a bit of cash, but the consequences often range from disappointing to disastrous. We’ve all heard about someone who’s cut their own hair at home and then end up spending twice the money at the hairdresser to fix the mess they’ve made – and the same can apply for painting and decorating!
People typically underestimate the level of skills, expertise, and knowledge necessary to achieve a professional finish. Not to mention the other factors that play an important role in the quality of result: the brand, type, and appropriateness of tools and paint, knowing the correct specifications for water percentage in an emulsion, base coat application and cutting in techniques, etc. It’s more complicated than you think.
Play it safe when choosing a contractor and, where relevant, bear in mind things like licensing, qualifications, insurances, and experience.
Make sure you are clear on their working process
It’s wise to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of exactly what is going to happen during your decorating project.
This is a good time to make sure that the contractor is clear on your expectations, too! You should cover things like:
- How long is the job going to take?
- Which area will they start with?
- What about guarantees, warrantees, and liability?
- Practicalities, like – where will their vans be parked?
- In which order will the areas/rooms/surfaces be painted?
- How long before the paint is dry, and the space can be used again?
- Will the painting contractor take care of protecting furniture and home items with coverings?
- What furniture or home items do you need to move, or remove?
- Will the decorator do a thorough job of cleaning up?
- How many workmen will be in your property, and during which hours of the day?
- Will the workmen need any extra space to store tools, materials, and equipment?
Having all of this information prior to going ahead with the job means that both parties can have a good idea of how the work will pan out, and there should be no unpleasant surprises along the way.
Get a quote
It seems obvious, but a vital part of managing your expectations is getting a definitive quote for the work. Most decorating contractors will provide an estimate for free. In order to provide an accurate quote, it is a usual practise for the painter decorator to visit your property and assess the scope of work prior to giving you a solid figure.
Choose somebody experienced and reputable
The value of word-of-mouth referrals is palpable: If someone you trust provides you with a recommendation, it is, naturally, extremely convincing. That being said, be sensible and always make sure you are happy with your choice of contractor, rather than hastily following others’ advice. Remember, every project is different, and someone who is a specialist in deck repair and painting, for example, may not be the correct choice for an indoor plastering job!
Luckily, here at Limassol Painters, our experts cover a range of services and have a wealth of experience in many areas. Call us today and one of our specialists will be happy to provide you with a fair quote for your next project.
