Frequently asked questions.
Common questions about the work, the process and how I quote. For questions specific to a service, each service page has its own FAQ too.
Spraying, decorating and the difference
What's the difference between a painter-decorator and a kitchen sprayer?
A painter-decorator handles walls, ceilings, woodwork and wallpapering. A kitchen sprayer resprays cabinets, drawer fronts and freestanding furniture with a specialist sprayed finish. The skills overlap in prep and painting, but they use different equipment, paints and techniques. Most operators do one or the other. I do both, so a full kitchen refresh runs as one job rather than two.
Why choose a local Norfolk decorator over a national kitchen-respray company?
Local means the person who quotes your kitchen is the person who does the work. National chains often subcontract to franchisees, so you can't be sure who'll turn up. Local also means accountability: I've built my name in Norfolk over 25 years and I stand behind every job personally. Pricing is broadly similar; local responsiveness is usually better.
What's the difference between spray painting and hand painting cabinets?
Spray painting applies paint as a fine atomised mist; hand painting uses a brush or roller. Spraying gives a smoother, more uniform finish without brush marks, closer to a factory finish, and the even paint film lasts longer on cabinets. Brushing is fine for small areas and doesn't need a booth. For walls, brushing and rolling remain the standard.
Living with the job
Will the smell be bad during the work?
Low-VOC and water-based paints have very little odour beyond a faint paint smell that clears within a few hours of ventilation. I default to water-based systems for interior work, so most customers barely notice it. If anyone in the household is particularly sensitive, mention it at the survey and I'll specify a system that minimises odour further.
Do I need to be at home during the work?
Not necessarily. Many customers leave a key or use a key safe so the work happens around their schedule. I let myself in, work, tidy up at the end of the day and lock up, and I send a quick update by text or WhatsApp so you know what's done and what's next. Some prefer to be in for the first morning to talk it through, which is fine too.
Will the work disturb the rest of the house?
Dust extraction during sanding keeps airborne dust low, and floor-to-ceiling protection seals off the working room, so the rest of the house stays usable throughout. On larger jobs I sequence the work so you've always got at least one room undisturbed. Children, pets, or working from home? Mention it at the survey and I'll plan around it.
Can you work weekends?
Occasionally. Weekdays are the default because suppliers are open and paint dries to schedule, but I'll take weekend work for time-sensitive jobs like a property listing or a move-in deadline, with a small premium for the disruption. For most jobs, a weekday schedule gives the best result at the best price.
Quotes, payment and insurance
Do you provide a written quote?
Yes, every quote is written. After a free survey I send it through promptly, listing the labour, the paint (or a paint allowance if you're supplying it), any specialist materials and the day count. No pressure to sign. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
How do you take payment?
Bank transfer is preferred and most common; cash is fine too. On larger jobs, payment is usually split into a start stage and a completion stage. The schedule is set out clearly in the written quote.
Are you insured?
Yes, fully insured, with full public liability cover. Proof is available on request. Most customers don't ask, but for larger or commercial jobs it's standard practice and I'm happy to share the certificate.
Do you take small jobs as well as full rooms?
Yes. A single door, a touch-up, a small feature wall, a stairwell, a hallway repaint, none of it's too small. For very small jobs I'll sometimes group nearby visits in the same week to keep the cost sensible, and I'll always tell you honestly at the quote stage whether it's worth doing on its own.
How do I get a quote?
Phone 07714 691090, message on WhatsApp, or use the contact form. Photos of the work speed things up. I'll arrange a free survey at a time that suits, look at the work, talk through your plans and send a written quote. Just an agreed start date confirms the booking.
Still got a question?
Ask. Phone, WhatsApp, or message, whichever suits.