10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter & Decorator in North London

The right questions — asked before any work begins — protect your home, your budget, and your sanity. Here are the ten questions every North London homeowner should ask before hiring a painter and decorator.

The 10 Essential Questions

1. Are you insured? Ask for public liability insurance of at least £2m. Accident cover for workers on site is also important if they employ staff.

2. Can I see examples of recent local work? Ask for photos of comparable projects within the last 12 months, ideally within a mile or two.

3. Will you provide a detailed written quote? The quote should specify rooms, prep required, number of coats, and products used.

4. What preparation is included? This is where quality decorators separate themselves. Proper prep (filling, sanding, knotting, priming) is what makes a finish last.

5. Who will actually do the work? Will it be the person you're meeting, or will it be subcontracted to a crew you've never met?

6. What paint do you use? Trade paint used as a topcoat (Dulux Trade, Leyland) doesn't compare to high-pigment premium paint (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene). Make sure the spec matches the price.

7. How long will the job take? Get a start date and completion date in writing.

8. Do you offer a guarantee? A confident decorator guarantees their workmanship for a defined period — typically 2–5 years for interior work.

9. What payment schedule do you operate? Avoid paying more than 20–30% upfront. Stage payments tied to completion milestones are professional practice.

10. Will you clean up fully at the end? Ask specifically about dust, paint splashes, and removal of materials. Get it included in the quote if unclear.

We're happy to answer all these questions at our free site visit. Call 020 3874 2670.