01
Know who they are
- Business identity & trading history
- Relevant previous work
PAINTER & DECORATOR GUIDE
How to check a painter & decoratorbefore you hire.
Practical guidance on preparation, finish specification, access, programme and snagging before decorating work begins.
Check a painter & decoratorAt a glance
For decorating work, pay particular attention to:
02
Check preparation & protection
- Insurance & access
- Surface preparation
03
Agree the finish
- Paint system, materials & finish
- External appearance / heritage considerations
04
Agree programme & snagging
- Programme & payment structure
- Completion & snagging
What to verify
The essentials at a glance.
Open any area to see the detailed checks, questions to ask and what good looks like.
Practical conversations
Questions worth asking
Resolve the responsibilities, assumptions and practical details that matter before work begins.
What surface preparation is included?
Resolve this point before work begins.
How will floors, furniture and fittings be protected?
Resolve this point before work begins.
Are repairs or stain treatment included?
Resolve this point before work begins.
Which paint system and sheen are included?
Resolve this point before work begins.
How are colours approved?
Resolve this point before work begins.
How many coats are assumed?
Resolve this point before work begins.
Look for a coherent pattern
Evidence that supports confidence
Look for several consistent signals rather than relying on any one claim or profile.
- Consistent business identity
- Comparable finish quality
- Clear preparation specification
- Current insurance
Resolve uncertainty
Things worth investigating
Not automatic failures — prompts to look more closely.
- Preparation left vague
- Unspecified products
- Large unexplained upfront payment
- No snagging process
Protect the project
Before you agree the work
Turn the check into a clear project agreement.
Clarify preparation and protection before work begins.
Clarify paint / finish specification before work begins.
Clarify programme and access before work begins.
Clarify final snagging before work begins.
Useful answers
Painter & Decorator hiring FAQs
Straightforward answers to common questions about hiring a painter & decorator.
Does a painter and decorator need a licence?
There is no single UK licence that every painter and decorator must hold. Identity, relevant workmanship, insurance, preparation and a clear written scope are usually more meaningful checks.
Check before you commit
Ready to check this painter & decorator?
Check the painter & decorator's details and get a clearer view of the evidence before you commit.