Five questions to ask your painter

Ask about practical issues, as this may save time and help the work run smoothly. For example, what needs to be removed, moved or covered in your room – and do they expect you to do that? The same goes for clearing up afterwards. Find out what hours they work, when they will start, and how long the job will take.

It’s worth checking who will actually be doing the work. You may feel perfectly happy about letting the painter into your home, but what if they send someone else to do the decorating? It’s important to be comfortable with the people who will come into your home and to feel confident about their level of skill and experience.

It’s a good idea to ask for expert advice about how to achieve the level of finish that you want. For example, are you looking for a polished, pristine finish, or do you want to retain the character of an old building? A good decorator will actually ask you the right questions in return, so that you are both clear about the level of finish required.

Where possible, ask for a detailed quote (not an estimate) if you do not have one. This should list every aspect of the job: preparation, materials, how many coats of paint will be applied, how long the job will take, which parts of the room are to be painted, and whether the work is guaranteed.

It's worth asking about the liability of the painter when your furnishings are damaged during the decorating. It may be unlikely, but if they spill paint over your expensive carpet, you don’t want to be the one who ends up paying for everything. So, discussing up front all the details regarding warranty with the painters who are going to work in your house could go a long way to prevent future issues.