Hiring the wrong decorator can leave you with a poor finish, wasted money, and a job that needs redoing far sooner than it should. Hiring the right one gives you a clean, lasting result and a straightforward experience from start to finish. Here is what to check before you commit.

1. Check for Genuine, Verifiable Reviews

Start with Google reviews or profiles on platforms like Checkatrade or Rated People. Look at the number of reviews as well as the scores. A decorator with 40 or 50 consistent reviews built up over several years is a far safer choice than one with only a couple.

Ask whether they can provide references from previous clients, particularly for jobs similar to yours in scope or location.

2. Confirm They Are Properly Insured

Any professional decorator working in your home should hold public liability insurance. This protects you if something is accidentally damaged during the job. Ask for proof of insurance before work begins. A reputable decorator will have no issue providing it.

3. Ask for a Written Quote

A verbal quote is not enough. Always ask for a written quotation that sets out the scope of work, the products being used, and the total cost. This protects both parties and gives you something clear to refer back to if questions arise later.

Be cautious of quotes that simply state a lump sum with no breakdown. Vague pricing makes it very difficult to challenge any additional charges if they appear.

4. Ask What Preparation Is Included

This is the question many homeowners forget, and it is one of the most important. Ask specifically what preparation work is included before painting starts. Filling, sanding, and priming should be standard. If a decorator is pricing low and brushing past the preparation question, the finish will reflect that within months.

Good preparation takes time and it is what separates a lasting finish from one that starts to fail quickly.

5. Find Out What Materials They Use

Ask what paint brands and products they use. Professional decorators use trade-quality or premium materials, not the cheapest option from a supermarket shelf. The products used have a direct impact on how long the finish holds up and how good it looks on completion.

6. Get a Clear Timeframe

Ask how long the job will take and whether the decorator will be working on site continuously. A realistic timeframe, communicated clearly upfront, is a positive sign. Be cautious of anyone promising an unusually fast turnaround on a large project, as this often means the preparation or drying time is being cut short.

7. Check How They Work on Site

A professional decorator respects your home. Ask how they protect floors and furniture and whether they tidy up at the end of each working day. If a decorator leaves dust sheets across your furniture for days on end with no effort to keep things orderly, that attitude tends to show up in the finished work as well.

Why Choose YD Decorating Services in Epsom?

At YD Decorating Services, we cover every point above. We are fully insured, provide clear written quotes, use quality materials, carry out thorough preparation on every job, and work cleanly and respectfully throughout. We have been serving homeowners across Epsom and Surrey for over 15 years, and our reputation is built on consistent, reliable work.

Call us: 0742 41 83 510 | Email: info@yddecorating.co.uk