When contemplating the redecoration of
his or her property, the wise owner needs to look no further than the
symbol of the British Decorators Association.
In a trade where the unwary can pay dearly for their ignorance, the BDA
offers both security and confidence in a job professionally done.
A registered employers` Association it
has a membership of some 2,100 firms, ranging
from the large national painting contractors to small family businesses.
If a job`s worth doing, its worth doing
well. And when it comes to Painting and Decorating, the professionals have
the edge every time. So when you are looking around for a reputable
decorator to transform your home or business premises with flawless
brushwork and skilfull paper hanging, make sure you choose wisely.
We all know the best jobs are always
done by professional specialists who have had a full training - and the
painting and decorating trade is no exception.
Cheapest is not always best in the long
run, as many people have found to their cost. It pays to shop around to
find a reputable firm who will give you an agreed price for the work to be
done.
On many occasions, householders have
been misled by very cheap job estimates and had to pay for very
sub-standard work. People on their own and pensioners are particularly
vulnerable to these operators.
Ensure that the quotation details the
work to be done, and if any extras come to light, then obtain a price for
those too. Leaving things to chance means possible trouble ahead.
Always remember - NEVER give a decorator
money before he does a job. No bona fide decorator asks for money for
materials or payment in advance. He may ask for an interim payment for
work done, if a job is to last a long time. Don`t allow the decorator to
talk you into hanging new wallpaper on top of old or not using undercoat.
This is not professional.
There are other serious considerations
such as insurance. If a decorator accidentally sets fire to your house
when he`s burning off paint, or drops a tin of gloss on your carpet - will
you be able to make a claim? Not if he`s inadequately insured or not
insured at all.
Firms in membership of the British
Decorators Association subscribe to the terms of it `s 'Code of Practice'
which requires them to maintain adequate insurance cover in respect of
both employer`s and public liability risks. The Code of Practice also
guarantees the quality of work for a minimum period.
Customers should always ask:
