How to find a good decorator
How to find a good decorator
Inviting a tradesperson into your home is a big decision. It’s about more than just the price. It’s about trust, professionalism, and feeling comfortable with the person working in your space.
Whether you’re planning a full interior redecoration, feature walls and wallpapering, staircase painting, or a smaller touch‑up, choosing the right local decorator makes all the difference to your experience and the final finish.
At Bees Knees Decorating, we’ve spent over 20 years working in homes across Brighton, Hove and the wider Sussex area, transforming kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, staircases and home offices. This guide explains what to look for before you say yes to anyone picking up a brush, roller or spray gun in your home.
1. Check Credentials and Insurance
A trustworthy tradesperson will be happy for you to ask about qualifications, experience and memberships. Most professional decorators hold recognised accreditations such as City & Guilds and CITB, and may be members of relevant trade bodies.
One of the most important checks is insurance. Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong, and a reputable decorator will be able to confirm their cover and the amount of protection they carry. Qualifications, training and memberships demonstrate a commitment to standards, safety and ongoing professional development rather than a “quick coat of paint” approach.
2.| Look for Real Examples of Their Decorating Work
A good decorator should be able to show you real examples of past projects, ideally similar to the work you’re planning in your own home. Ask to see before‑and‑after photos, case studies or a portfolio covering rooms they’ve decorated.
For general interior decorating, you’re looking for:
- Clean, crisp paint lines around ceilings, skirting and architraves.
- Smooth, even finishes on walls, ceilings and woodwork.
- Neat wallpapering with patterns matched correctly and seams barely visible.
If someone struggles to show any examples, or only has one or two vague photos, that’s usually a sign to dig deeper before getting a quote.
3. | Read Testimonials – and How They Respond
Testimonials and online reviews tell you how a decorator works, communicates and treats people’s homes. Look for patterns: do customers regularly mention punctuality, cleanliness, friendliness, eye for detail and reliability?
Specific comments are more useful than general praise. “They protected all our carpets and left the room spotless” reveals more than “Good decorator”, and feedback about how challenges were handled shows you how they respond when things don’t go perfectly. If you see any lower‑rated reviews, focus on how they replied – a respectful, solution‑focused response speaks volumes about their professionalism.
4. Ask About Their Process for Decorating
A reliable decorator will have a clear, structured way of working rather than “seeing how it goes on the day”. This usually includes a site visit to understand the rooms properly, followed by a written quote breaking down labour, materials and timelines.
For interior painting and wallpapering, expect a discussion about:
- Preparation: filling, sanding, caulking and priming.
- Masking and protection of floors, furniture and fixtures.
- Access and working with your household routine.
A well‑planned process, from prep through painting or wallpapering to cleanup, gives you clarity about what will happen, when, and why. This all leads to a smooth, tidy, high‑quality finish.
5.| Communication is key
You can learn a lot about a decorator from your first enquiry. The right professional communicates with clarity, respect and genuine interest in your project, responding promptly and taking time to understand what you’re aiming for.
Good communication continues throughout the job – from confirming start dates and timelines to updating you on progress and explaining any unexpected issues, such as hidden cracks or damp patches discovered once old paper comes off. That steady, open dialogue helps you feel confident and in control, turning what could be a disruptive experience into a smooth, straightforward process.
6.| Notice How They Treat Your Home
The way a decorator treats your home is just as important as the technical skill they bring. A true professional will ask about your vision, parking, access, pets and children, and will explain how they’ll protect floors, furniture and adjoining rooms.
For interior decorating, that means:
- Dust sheets and floor protection laid carefully.
- Furniture moved or covered properly.
- Doorways, sockets and fixtures masked where needed.
You’re not just hiring a skill, you’re inviting someone into your personal space. Politeness, reliability and respect for your home should be non‑negotiable.
7. | Ask About Their Range of Services
Different decorating projects require different skills, products and methods, so it helps to ask what they actually specialise in. A good interior decorator will be comfortable explaining their approach to:
- General room painting, including ceilings, walls and woodwork.
- Wallpapering, feature walls and pattern matching.
- Staircase and hallway transformations.
- Repairing minor surface defects before painting.
- Kitchen resprays
If you’re planning a series of rooms or a whole‑house refresh, choosing someone experienced across all of these areas can give you a more consistent, cohesive result.
FAQs – Choosing a Decorator
How do I choose a reliable decorator?
Look for proven experience in the area, proper insurance, clear communication, and real examples of similar projects such as living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, staircases or full interior redecorations.
Should a decorator have insurance?
Yes. Public liability insurance is essential – it protects both you and them if something goes wrong during the job, and any professional should be happy to confirm their cover.
How much does interior decorating cost in Brighton & Hove?
Costs vary depending on room size, the preparation needed, the products used and whether the work includes specialist wallpapering or spraying. A detailed written quote should explain exactly what’s included and how the price is built up.
How long does it take to decorate a room?
Most single rooms can be completed within a few days, depending on how much preparation is needed and whether wallpapering is involved. Hallways and staircases may take longer due to access and detail work.
Can I have multiple rooms decorated at once?
Yes. Many homeowners choose to have several rooms done in one go to create a more cohesive look and reduce disruption. A good decorator will help you plan the sequence so you can still use your home comfortably.
The Bees Knees Decorating Way
Choosing the right decorator is about more than just finding the lowest quote. It’s about trusting someone to work safely, respectfully and to a high standard in your home.
At Bees Knees Decorating, we specialise in kitchen spraying, interior painting and decorating, wallpapering, spray finishes for furniture and staircases, and whole‑room transformations. We combine traditional skills with modern techniques for beautiful, long‑lasting results. If you’re planning a project, we’d be happy to visit, talk through your ideas and provide a clear, no‑obligation quote.
If you’re looking for a reliable decorator in Brighton & Hove to refresh your rooms, wallpaper feature walls or update your staircases, get in touch to discuss your project and find out what’s possible.
Check out our reviews on Google, Facebook and Yell.
WHY CHOOSE US
We pride ourselves on being polite, respectful, friendly & considerate. We offer:
Top class workmanship Professional, dependable, reliable service Great communication from start to finish Qualified in both traditional painting and decorating methods and the latest technologies Public Liability Insurance, City & Guilds Accredited, CITB registered 