When instructing anyone to do work for you, it’s better to be able to trust them. If you don’t it can lead to uncomfortable questions and atmospheres.
That being said, there are some things better left unsaid……
‘Can I get a ball park for a 4 bedroom house?’
Believe it or not, we get this all the time over the phone. We’ve worked in 4 bedroom houses with 2 receptions rooms, 4 bathrooms, a dining room, coombe ceilings over 3 floors as well as 4 bed bungalows, so we still have to come out and see it!
‘I have work needing done, probably go in one coat, won’t take long.’
Can you imagine going to your dentist and telling them how long their job should take?? Well you shouldn’t do it to any profession.
‘I’ve stripped the walls for you so we just need them painted.’
Let us decide that. The finish absolutely reflects the prep that’s been done before hand.
‘You’ll be done in a day won’t you?’
The presumption on anyone else’s specialty is at best uneducated, at worst rude.
‘Can you do it in the evening?’
This is asked all the time. No one wants to work out of hours, please remember we all have lives outside work.
‘Do you give a pensioner / returning customer / student / emergency worker discount?’
It’s a really competitive market out there. Believe us, we’re giving our most competitive price already. If you get it for cheaper just remember…..you get what you pay for, and only that.
‘Could you start tomorrow?’
If you find any tradesperson who is free the very next day, you have to ask yourself why? I’d much rather rely on someone with a waiting list ~ that’s a reference in itself!
‘Can you use my materials?’
The answer is probably yes, but professionals use trade materials. They prefer to use these as it will have a better, longer lasting finish, no matter what it is.
When do you think you’ll be finished?
How long is a piece of string? If you’ve been given a price, believe us we want it finished quickly as you do! It depends on the job, the walls, the prep…….it’ll be worth it in the end.
‘Do you really need to undercoat/ line the walls?’
Usually a money/time saving question. It wouldn’t be suggested if it wasn’t needed. Really.
‘Are you the boss?’
David gets this a lot. He loves that he has a baby face! When he lets people know he’s been a qualified decorator for 31 years, he can’t wait to get a reaction from them.
‘What do you think of my work?!’
Usually asked by friends and family. Just so you know, you’ll Never be told it’s not that good.
If you want a professional finish please contact us, the year has just started, but our list is already growing.
The painters wife xxx
01236 424 804
