How to Choose a Painter and Decorator in Edinburgh
What to look for when hiring a decorator — and how to make sure you get the right one for your home.
What Should You Look for in a Decorator?
Choosing the right painter and decorator can feel overwhelming, especially in a city like Edinburgh where there are dozens of options. The difference between a good job and a poor one often comes down to preparation, communication and attention to detail — things that aren’t always obvious from a website or advert.
Here are the key things to look for when hiring a decorator in Edinburgh.
Experience with Edinburgh Properties
Edinburgh’s housing stock is distinctive. Tenement flats in Bruntsfield and Stockbridge have high ceilings, original cornicing and deep window reveals. Victorian villas in Morningside have ornate plasterwork and multi-storey hallways. Georgian townhouses in the New Town have delicate mouldings and grand proportions.
A decorator who regularly works in Edinburgh will understand these challenges and know how to prepare and paint period features properly — without cutting corners. Ask whether they have experience with your type of property.
Reviews, Portfolio and References
Before hiring anyone, look at their previous work. A reputable decorator should be able to show you photos of completed projects and point you to genuine customer reviews. Look for consistent feedback about quality of finish, tidiness, timekeeping and communication.
You can see examples of our recent work on the project showcase page, covering everything from tenement flat repaints to full house transformations.
Written Quotes and Clear Preparation
A professional decorator should always provide a written quote after visiting your property — not a rough estimate over the phone. The quote should clearly set out:
- What work is included (preparation, priming, coats of paint, woodwork)
- What materials are covered
- The expected timeline
- Any additional costs (wallpaper removal, lining, specialist finishes)
Be cautious of quotes that seem unusually low. In decorating, the preparation is where most of the time and skill goes — a cheap quote often means corners will be cut on filling, sanding and priming, which always shows in the finished result.
For guidance on what decorating typically costs in Edinburgh, see our pricing guide.
Insurance, Tidiness and Communication
Make sure your decorator has public liability insurance. Ask how they protect your furniture and floors during the work — dust sheets and masking should be standard on every job.
Good communication matters too. A reliable decorator will keep you updated on progress, flag any issues early, and be clear about when they’ll arrive and how long each stage will take. If communication is poor before the job starts, it rarely improves once work begins.
Looking for a Decorator You Can Trust?
We offer a free, no-obligation home visit for every project. We’ll discuss your plans, assess your property, and provide a clear written quote — so you can make an informed decision.
