How to Find a Reliable Painter and Decorator in London

Start With Word of Mouth

The most reliable way to find a good decorator is still a personal recommendation from someone whose taste and standards you trust. Ask neighbours, friends, or family — particularly anyone who has recently had decorating work done. A recommendation from someone who has seen the work in person and dealt with the tradesperson directly is worth far more than any number of online listings.

If you're in a local Facebook group or community forum, it's also worth asking there. Tradespeople who come up repeatedly in local recommendations over time tend to have earned that reputation.

Check Reviews — and Read Them Properly

Online reviews are useful, but they require a critical eye. Look for:

• Volume and recency. A decorator with 40 reviews over three years is more credible than one with 4 reviews from last month. Consistent reviews over time suggest consistent work.
• Specific detail. Genuine reviews tend to include specifics — the room decorated, how long it took, how communication was, what the finish was like. Vague five-star reviews ("great job, would recommend!") tell you relatively little.
• How they handle negatives. Most decent businesses will have the occasional less-than-perfect review. What matters is how they respond — professionally and constructively, or defensively and dismissively.
• Verified platforms. Reviews on Checkatrade or Google tend to carry more weight than reviews on the business's own website, where only curated feedback appears.

You can read our own customer reviews and see what our clients across London and Surrey say about working with us.

Always Confirm They're Insured

This is non-negotiable. Any professional painter and decorator working in your home should hold public liability insurance — typically a minimum of £1 million cover. This protects you if there's accidental damage to your property during the work.

Don't be embarrassed to ask for proof. A reputable tradesperson will be happy to provide it. If someone is reluctant or evasive about insurance, that's a significant red flag.

Get Multiple Quotes — But Don't Just Go for the Cheapest

It's sensible to get two or three quotes for any significant decorating project. But the cheapest quote is rarely the best value, particularly in London and Surrey where labour costs reflect the local market.

A very low quote usually means one of the following: the decorator is cutting corners on preparation (the most labour-intensive part of any paint job), using cheaper materials, or simply underestimating the job and hoping to add extras later. None of these outcomes is in your interest.

Compare quotes on what's included — not just the headline price. Does the quote include preparation, priming, the number of coats? Is paint included or additional? Is moving furniture included? These details make a significant difference to the true cost.

Ask the Right Questions Before Booking

A few questions worth asking any decorator before committing:

• How long have you been trading, and do you have examples of similar work?
• Are you insured, and can I see proof of your public liability cover?
• How do you handle surface preparation before painting?
• What paint brands and products do you typically use, and why?
• How do you protect floors and furniture during the work?
• Will you be doing the work yourself, or subcontracting it?
• What's your process if I'm not happy with something once the work is done?

The answers will tell you a great deal. A decorator who is confident, clear, and unpressured in answering these questions is likely to be the same way throughout the job.

What to Look For in a Written Quote

Any quote you receive should be provided in writing and should clearly set out:

• The scope of work — exactly which rooms and surfaces are included
• The preparation work included (filling, sanding, priming)
• The number of coats of paint
• Whether paint and materials are included or extra
• The expected start date and duration
• Payment terms — a reasonable deposit (typically 10–25%) is normal; paying the full amount upfront is not

If a quote is verbal only, or vague about what's included, ask for it in writing before proceeding. A professional business will always be happy to provide this.

Red Flags to Watch For

These are signs worth taking seriously:

• Cash only, no paperwork. Legitimate businesses are happy to provide receipts and invoices.
• Pressure to decide immediately. High-quality tradespeople are in demand and don't need to pressure you. "I can only do this price today" is a sales tactic, not a professional approach.
• Reluctance to provide references or show previous work. Any decorator with a track record of good work will have customers happy to speak on their behalf.
• A quote significantly lower than all others. As discussed above, this almost always has a reason behind it.
• No fixed address or verifiable business details. You should be able to find the business online and verify that it exists independently.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

A decorator who works regularly in your area will know the local housing stock — the types of plaster, render, and period features common in your neighbourhood — and will have built relationships with local suppliers. For properties in Richmond, Clapham, Wandsworth, Epsom, Banstead, or across West Sussex, a locally based decorator is also simply more practical — less travel time means more time on the tools, and scheduling is easier for both parties.

We're based in Surrey and work across London and Surrey. We know the area, and we're easy to reach if anything needs attention after the job is done.

One Final Check: Do They Communicate Well?

This sounds obvious, but it's genuinely one of the most important indicators. Does the decorator respond to your enquiry promptly? Are they clear about availability? Do they follow through on what they say they'll do — sending a quote when they said they would, turning up for the survey on time?

How a tradesperson behaves during the quoting process is usually how they'll behave during the job. Good communication from the start is a strong signal of a professional who will keep you informed throughout, and who will handle any issues that arise honestly and efficiently.