How to choose a painter and decorator

Choosing a painter and decorator is not just about picking someone who can hold a brush. The quality of preparation, the way your space is protected, and the details of what is included in the quote all make a big difference to the final result. Whether you are redecorating a single room, refreshing a shopfront or looking to restore a period home, knowing what to ask helps you avoid disappointment and compare businesses fairly.

Decide what kind of decorating you need

Decorators do much more than just paint walls. Being clear about the work you need helps you find someone with the right experience and skills.

• Interior decorating: Most decorators offer painting for walls, ceilings, woodwork and sometimes floors inside your home or business. Some also repair plaster or woodwork as part of their service.
• Exterior painting: Painting outside is a separate skill, often involving different materials and equipment. Exterior work depends on dry weather and can take longer to schedule or complete.
• Commercial decorating: Offices, shops and other commercial spaces may need out-of-hours work, specific safety measures or experience with larger projects.
• Wallpapering: Hanging wallpaper well requires a steady hand and careful preparation. Not all painters offer wallpapering, and some specialise in complex patterns or feature walls.
• Specialist finishes: Effects like textured paints, murals or restoration of historic details call for particular skills. If you want something unusual, ask for examples of similar work.

On Annuvell Local you can see which services each decorator offers, so you can shortlist those who match your job.

Check examples of finished work and preparation standards

A decorator’s previous jobs tell you a lot about their standards. Most will have photos of finished rooms, and many will be happy to talk through how they handle preparation and tidiness.

• Ask to see photos of rooms or exteriors they have completed—not just close-ups, but wider shots that show edges, corners and the finish around fixtures. This gives you a realistic idea of what to expect.
• Preparation is as much of the job as painting itself. Good decorators will explain how they fill cracks, sand surfaces, deal with stains or old wallpaper, and prime walls. If the job involves older homes, ask how they handle the risk of lead paint under old layers; professionals should know how to work safely.
• Tidiness matters, especially if you are living or working in the space during the job. Ask how furniture, floors and fittings will be protected, and whether dust sheets and masking are standard practice.
• On commercial or out-of-hours jobs, check how cleaning up and access will be managed so there is minimal disruption.

The compare tool on Annuvell Local lets you view service details and photos side by side for different decorators.

Understand what preparation involves and how it is quoted

Preparation work is often the difference between a finish that lasts and one that peels or cracks. Most of the time on a decorating job goes into getting surfaces ready.

• Filling and sanding: Ask how much time is expected to go into repairing cracks, filling holes or smoothing uneven surfaces. Some decorators quote for this as part of the job, while others price extra repairs separately if unexpected problems appear.
• Priming and undercoats: Not every wall or woodwork needs the same level of preparation. Ask if the quote includes priming, what type of primer is used, and whether any surfaces need special treatment (for example, stain blocks or sealers).
• Dealing with previous finishes: Old wallpaper, flaking paint or glossy woodwork often need additional work before new paint goes on. Ask how these will be handled and if extra charges might apply if the job turns out to be more involved.

Writing down what is included in each quote helps you compare like with like, rather than just looking at the total price.

Clarify materials, paint brands and finishes

Who supplies materials, and what kind, can affect both cost and outcome.

• Who provides the paint: Some decorators prefer to supply all materials, while others are happy to use paint you provide. If you want to choose your own brand or finish, agree on this upfront.
• Brand and finish: Paint quality varies widely. Ask what brands and finishes are included in the quote, and if you have a preference (for example, a particular shade, washable finish or eco-friendly paint) make this clear early.
• Colour matching: If you want to match an existing colour, ask how this will be done. Professional decorators can usually help with colour cards or samples, but matching old paint exactly can be difficult.
• Number of coats: A good finish often means two or more coats. Confirm how many coats are included in the quote, and what happens if extra coverage is needed for a strong colour change.

Checking these details avoids misunderstandings, especially if you are comparing quotes that look similar at first glance.

Check insurance, contracts and protection for your space

You are entitled to expect reasonable care and skill from any decorator under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, but asking about insurance and contract terms gives extra reassurance.

• Ask if the decorator has public liability insurance and what it covers. This protects you if something is damaged during the job.
• If the business is a company, you can check its status at Companies House. For sole traders, check that contact details are up to date—Annuvell Local flags unreachable websites and marks phone numbers verified if published by the business itself.
• If you agree to the contract at home, by phone or online, you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period. If urgent work needs to start straight away, you can be charged for what is done during this period.
• Ask how your furniture, flooring and personal items will be protected. Dust, splashes and accidental knocks are common hazards—a careful decorator will have a clear plan for protecting your space.

Know what a decorating quote should include

A clear, written quote makes it easier to compare options and avoid disputes later. Decorating jobs can be priced in different ways, and knowing what to expect helps you ask better questions.

• Per room or per project: Some decorators quote for each room or area, while others provide a price for the whole project. If you have several rooms, ask for a breakdown so you can compare with other quotes.
• Timescales and scheduling: Ask how long the job will take, what hours they work, and whether there are any likely delays. For exterior work, schedules often depend on weather—rain or cold can postpone painting, so a flexible timeline is normal.
• Access and disruption: For flats, shared spaces or commercial premises, check how decorators will access the space and what security or parking arrangements are needed. For exterior work, ask about ladders, scaffolding and any permits required.
• Payment terms: Agree when and how you will pay—some ask for a deposit, others invoice at the end. Make sure you know what is included in the price and what counts as extra.

Having all these points in writing helps if there are questions later about what was agreed.

Compare decorators fairly

Decorators may use different wording or include slightly different elements in their quotes. To compare fairly:

• Write down the details of what each decorator includes—preparation, number of coats, materials, protection of your space and cleaning up.
• Ask follow-up questions if anything is unclear or missing. A reputable decorator will be happy to explain.
• Use the compare tool on Annuvell Local to put two to four decorators’ services side by side. Check the labels on each fact: 'verified', 'provided by business', 'stated', or 'Not stated'.
• Request quotes from more than one decorator for anything other than a quick touch-up. You can use the Request Quote feature to send your description to several businesses at once.

Next steps

Write a list of what you want done, room by room, and decide whether you need interior, exterior, wallpapering or commercial decorating. Visit the decorators category page on Annuvell Local to find decorators near you, check their services, compare experience, and request quotes. Comparing what each includes helps you choose the decorator whose answers are clearest—not just whose price is lowest.