Colin Brewer: Painter and Decorator

Decorating in Hayling Island and surrounding areas

Frequently asked questions

1. How do you provide an estimate for a decorating job?

   When you first contact me, I will arrange with you a time that is suitable with yourself to come and view the work. Then I will work out an estimate and either post or email this to you. I always aim to write my estimates with as much clarity and tranparency as possible, but if there is anything you would like to query about the estimate, please always contact me and I will be happy to discuss it with you.

2. What do I do if I am happy with the estimate?

   When you receive your estimate, if you are happy with the price and wish to go ahead with the work, then please phone or email me so that we can arrange a convenient date for the work to begin. Please get in touch with me as soon as you can as I do tend to get booked up quite quickly.

3. Do you charge by the day or by the hour?

   Neither. I provide a written estimate for the job which we agree on, and then that price will stick, regardless of how long the job takes, unless the customer makes changes to the work that they require to be done.

4. Are materials included in the price?

   Yes, I include materials in with the price unless it is stated otherwise on the estimate. All interior paint prices are based on Dulux regular matt or silk trade paint prices. Should a more expensive paint be chosen, eg. Farrow & Ball, Dulux Lightspace, Dulux Endurance, etc etc, then there will be an additional cost and this will be stated on the estimate.

5. I have wallpaper on my wall. Until it is removed, I will not know whether the wall needs lining. How will you provide an estimate for this?

   When you have wallpaper, it is often impossible to tell until the job of removing it has started whether the wall will need lining or not. In this case, when I provide the estimate, this will include two seperate prices; one for if the walls need lining, and one for if they do not. When actually doing the job and the wallpaper is removed, I will then discuss with the customer whether they want me to proceed to put up lining paper, or whether they are happy to continue without.

6. What happens if you are painting exterior walls and the weather is bad?

   If the weather looks to be wet on a day when I am doing exterior decorating, I will always phone a customer to let them know if I am unable to come to do the decorating on that day. I would not continue painting in the rain... it does not lead to a good finish!

7. Do you charge VAT?

   No, I do not charge VAT.

8. What if there are any problems after the job is completed?

   I do my best to make sure that the work is completed to the highest standards, but should there ever be a problem after I have completed a job, please call me straight away so that I can fix whatever problem has arisen. I pride myself with always trying to do a good job, and this is supported by the fact that I get most of my work via word of mouth. I always strive to maintain my reputation as a good, honest and reliable decorator.