Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest Quote
Hiring a painter in London can feel like a gamble. Prices vary wildly — from £150/day cash-in-hand operators to £400+/day for established firms. But the cheapest quote often costs more in the long run: patchy finishes, missed prep work, paint on your skirting boards, and having to call someone else to fix it six months later.
As a decorator based in SE17 who’s fixed more bad paint jobs than I can count, here are the 10 questions you should ask before anyone picks up a brush in your home.
1. Are You Fully Insured?
Public liability insurance is non-negotiable. If a painter knocks over a tin of emulsion on your hardwood floors or puts a ladder through a window, you need to know you’re covered. Ask to see their certificate — any professional will have it ready.
2. Can I See Recent Work or Reviews?
A decent painter has photos of completed jobs and can point you to Google reviews, Checkatrade, or TrustATrader profiles. If they can’t show you anything, walk away. In South London, word of mouth is everything — ask neighbours in Kennington, Camberwell, and Brixton who they’ve used.
3. What Prep Work Is Included in the Quote?
This is the biggest differentiator between a cheap job and a quality one. Proper prep — filling cracks, sanding walls, caulking skirting boards, masking edges — takes as long as the painting itself. If the quote doesn’t mention prep, assume it’s not included and the finish will show it.
4. Which Paint Brand Do You Recommend — and Why?
A painter who says “whatever’s cheapest” is not the one you want. Trade paints (Dulux Trade, Johnstone’s, Crown Trade) cost more but cover better and last longer. Farrow & Ball and Little Greene look beautiful but need more coats. A good decorator explains the tradeoffs.
5. How Many Coats Will You Apply?
One coat almost never cuts it — especially going from dark to light. Two coats is standard, three for dramatic colour changes or premium finishes. If a quote sounds suspiciously cheap, check whether it’s for one coat or two.
6. Do You Use Dustless Sanding?
If your walls need sanding (they probably do), a painter using a dustless sander with a HEPA vacuum attachment will save you days of cleaning. This is especially important in London flats where open-plan living means dust travels everywhere.
7. What’s Your Timeline?
A standard London flat (2-bed, living room, hallway) takes 5–7 working days for a full repaint with proper prep. Anyone promising to do it in 2 days is cutting corners. Ask for a start date and daily schedule.
8. Who Supplies the Paint?
Some decorators include paint in the quote, others ask you to buy it separately. Both are normal. If you’re buying, they should give you exact quantities and product names. If they’re buying, they should tell you the brand and finish upfront.
9. What Happens If I’m Not Happy?
A professional decorator offers a snagging period — typically 7 days after completion — where they’ll return to fix any issues at no extra cost. Get this in writing. The ones who dodge this question are the ones you’ll be chasing later.
10. Can You Provide a Written Quote?
Never accept a verbal estimate. A written quote breaks down: rooms, prep work, number of coats, paint brand, timeline, and total price. It protects both of you. In London, expect to pay £200–£350 per day for a quality decorator, plus materials.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No insurance certificate
- Asks for full payment upfront (20-30% deposit is normal)
- Can’t show any previous work
- Vague about what’s included
- Pressures you to decide on the spot
Covering South London
We cover SE17, SE5, SE15, SE1, SE11, SW9, SW2, and surrounding areas — Walworth, Kennington, Camberwell, Peckham, Brixton, Bermondsey, and Elephant & Castle. If you’re looking for a reliable painter in South London, get in touch for a free quote.