How to Hire a Painter and Decorator

Written by James Walker · Last reviewed 15 August 2026

James Walker has 2 degrees in construction (BSc (Hons) Building Surveying · MSc Environmental Design of Buildings) and an extensive background in issue resolution, resolving over £4 billion of consumer issues.

The short answer

Preparation is most of the job, and it is the first thing removed from a cheap quote.
Specify the number of coats. "Painted" is not a specification.
Establish who supplies materials, and what quality.
Ask what filling and sanding is included, and whether that is a separate charge.
A quote much lower than others usually means fewer coats or less preparation.

On this page

What makes hiring a decorator different
What to specify
Deposits and payment stages
Questions to ask

What makes hiring a decorator different

The finished result looks similar on day one whether or not the preparation was done. The difference appears months later, when paint peels off unsanded gloss or filler shrinks and cracks.

Because of that, price differences in this trade almost always reflect how much preparation and how many coats are included, not the painting itself. Comparing quotes without specifying both is comparing nothing.

What to specify

Number of coats, per surface type
Filling, sanding and caulking, what is included
Whether existing gloss is being sanded or primed
Paint brand and finish, and who supplies it
Whether ceilings, woodwork and radiators are included
Removal of old wallpaper, if applicable, and making good afterwards
Furniture moving, covering and clean-up

Wallpaper stripping is a common source of dispute. What lies beneath is unknown, and walls frequently need making good afterwards. Agree how that is handled before starting.

Deposits and payment stages

Where the decorator supplies materials, a payment against the actual order is reasonable. Otherwise no deposit should be needed.

Inspect in good daylight before final payment, and look at edges, cut-in lines and coverage over dark colours.

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Questions to ask

How many coats, and on which surfaces?
What preparation is included?
Who supplies the paint, and which brand and finish?
Is making good after wallpaper removal included?
Who moves and covers furniture?

How it works

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