15 Questions to Ask a Decorator Before Hiring
A practical list of questions to put to a painter or decorator before you agree a job, covering prep, materials, timing, tidiness, payment and problems.
The right questions turn a vague quote into a clear agreement. You do not need to interrogate anyone, just cover the points where misunderstandings typically happen. Here are fifteen questions, grouped by theme, with notes on what a good answer sounds like.
About their experience
1. Have you done work like this before?
Look for specific answers. "Yes, I painted two similar Victorian terraces last spring" is more useful than "I do everything".
2. Can I see examples or recent photos?
Close-ups of edges and ceiling lines tell you more than a wide room shot.
3. Who will be doing the work?
If the person quoting is not the one on site, ask who is and how the work is supervised.
About preparation
4. What preparation is included?
Expect mention of filling, sanding, caulking, cleaning and priming where needed. The finish is only as good as the prep. See filling and sanding walls.
5. What will you do about cracks, stains or damp?
Stains and damp should be investigated, not simply painted over. Our damp and mould guide explains why.
6. How will you protect floors and furniture?
Good answers include dust sheets, masking and moving items carefully, rather than just "I will be careful".
About materials and finish
7. What paint and finish do you recommend, and why?
You are looking for reasoning based on the room: moisture in a bathroom, traffic in a hall, light in a bedroom.
8. How many coats are included?
Two coats on walls is common; fewer may leave a patchy result.
9. Who supplies the paint?
Either can work, but agree it in advance. See should you buy paint yourself or let the decorator.
About time and logistics
10. When can you start and how long will it take?
Ask what drying time is allowed for. A rushed job often means missed coats.
11. What do I need to do before you arrive?
Typically clearing space and removing valuables. See preparing a room before decorators arrive.
12. What happens if the weather or other work delays you?
Particularly relevant for exteriors.
About price and payment
13. Is the price fixed or an estimate?
If it is an estimate, ask what could change it.
14. What payment terms do you use?
A deposit for materials is common, but you should know how much and why. See paying a decorator.
About problems
15. What happens if I am not happy with something?
A good decorator will have a straightforward answer: a snagging walk-round at the end, and a willingness to fix issues. If you hire through Compito, you can use messages to record what is agreed, and the platform has support if something goes wrong.
Putting the answers to use
Make notes during each conversation. Afterwards, compare answers to the same questions. Differences in prep, coats and timing often explain differences in price.
If someone seems to be avoiding questions, gives answers that do not match their quote, or is reluctant to put details in writing, that is useful information too.
How to use these questions in practice
Ask in the same order each time, and write the answers beside the quote. A short note works: "Prep: filling, sanding, caulk. Coats: two on walls, two on woodwork. Paint: supplied, trade emulsion. Start: three weeks. Payment: deposit then balance." Looking at three of these side by side makes differences obvious.
Follow-up questions worth having ready
- Can you describe a typical day on this job? Gives you a sense of how work is organised and how much time they expect in your home.
- How do you handle drying times between coats? Shows whether the schedule is realistic.
- Who will be on site, and will they be the same people each day? Useful for security and consistency.
- How will you deal with noise, dust and cleaning up? Especially important in flats and homes with children.
- What do you do about surfaces that look worse once the first coat is on? Good decorators expect this and have a plan.
Questions for specific jobs
Older homes
Ask how they handle old paint layers, lime plaster and walls that cannot be sealed in the usual way. See lead paint in older homes.
Exteriors
Ask about access equipment, weather allowances and what happens if rain delays the job.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Ask about moisture-resistant products, ventilation and masking of fittings.
Occupied or rented homes
Ask how they work around pets, children and tenants, and how they handle access.
What good answers sound like
Good answers are specific and relaxed. They mention things you had not thought of, and explain trade-offs in plain language. Be wary of answers that are all reassurance with no detail, or that change when you ask again in a different way.
Using the answers to decide
Do not just choose the lowest price or the friendliest voice. Score each provider on prep, clarity, timing and communication, and consider how comfortable you feel having them in your home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to ask all fifteen questions?
Not every job needs all of them. For a one-room repaint, focus on prep, coats, materials and timing. For larger or exterior work, the fuller list is worth using.
Should I ask for references?
Recent photos and reviews are often easier to check than references. If you want to ask for a reference, a short call or message with a recent client can be informative.
What is the single most useful question?
"What preparation is included?" Most differences in finish and price come from there.
Is it rude to ask for details in writing?
No. Most professionals expect it and appreciate clear instructions. A short message summarising what you agreed is a good habit and protects both sides.