HomeMoversPack 2020

52
DON’T FORGET TO ASK
www.homemoverspack.co.uk
Important questions to ask
your builder or decorator
When choosing the right builder or home decorator, there are some key issues you need to
think about. For example, it’s imperative that you arm yourself with some basic knowledge
first before choosing a specialist. Find out exactly what a tradesman’s process is going to be
and get a detailed quote from each tradesperson you’re considering.
Here we discuss these key points in greater detail.
Arm yourself with some basic
knowledge first
Before you invite any decorators round to
quote on your project, it’s worth doing a bit
of research yourself to find out what steps
typically apply to your sort of project. That
way, you’ll better understand the processes
they describe, and will be in a position to work
out who is taking the right approach to the job.
Choose a specialist rather than a
general handyman
When it comes to certain DIY or painting and
decorating work, a lot of homeowners choose
to do some of the work themselves - or hire a
general handyman. This can be in an attempt
to save money, or because they’re under the
impression that decorating is a fairly simple,
straightforward task that most people can
get to grips with. However, by opting for a
specialist, there is far less room for error,
therefore little need for corrections and will be
more cost-effective in the long run.
Find out exactly what their
process is going to be
It’s really important that you
ask each tradesperson you’re
considering exactly what their
system is going to be. Don’t be
afraid to ask them to take you
through each aspect of the
job step by step. If they’re
skilled and honest, they will
have no problem answering
your questions fully.
And if they are planning
to shortcut the proper
process, that will be
revealed.
Get detailed quotes from each person
you’re considering
Get at least three professionals to look at
your job, and ask them to each give you
a detailed quote, in writing, that itemises
and breaks everything down. That way,
you’ll be able to compare like with like, and
see exactly where your money is going. As
well as covering materials and labour - and
costing each aspect of the technical process
- the quote should also highlight any possible
additional expenses. This could mean the hire
of scaffolding, the moving or covering up of
furniture, or the disposal of waste.
It’s also important the tradesperson
highlights their charging structure in writing:
Do they charge per hour/per day, or do they
come up with a fixed price for the total job?
For large projects a painter and decorator
might ask for a deposit at the start; but never
pay the full amount upfront. Instead, wait until
the project has been completed, and you’ve
inspected the work.
Ask how long the job is going to take
It’s often about which tradesperson goes
through the correct decorating process, in the
right order. For example, a lounge or bedroom
would typically take a day to decorate. A
general handyman may not have the same
level of decorating experience to get the job
completed properly in a single day and will
charge for a couple of days’ work. That means
even if the day rate is cheap, the customer will
end up paying more overall.