When I had my own house decorated throughout, it was several years ago and that was the first time since i moved into the property from absolutely spanking brand new build. The actual choice of having this major work carried out was brought about in very odd circumstances and I probably would never have gone that far, had it not been for a mutual acquaintance just about to fly home from abroad to complete a 6 week decorating contract, only to be stood down for two weeks whilst that property had other work completed. I quipped light-heartedly that there was a rather tired looking family house not a million miles from me that would benefit from a distinctly professional tidy up. Funny how these things happen. To cut a long story much shorter, I gave him a tour of my house via video, it was a challenge showing the extent of the stairwell and all the nooks and crannies. He asked lots of questions about the use of each room and whether I intended to keep the furnishings in the same places – that should have told me that he was very fussy about finishes. Anyway we agreed that he would arrive the following weekend and to save his time and my money, he’d stay in my guest room.
If anyone gets the same opportunity to watch a truly professional painter and decorator at work, it is fascinating. This chap didn’t even want to spend a couple of hours settling in. No, he arrived exactly on time, having driven up from the airport in down south. He agreed to have as cuppa whilst he looked around each room to verify dimensions. After that it was all helter skelter down to the local DIY emporium for brand new materials and tools. We bought everything he would need,, including trade sized cans of both white and main wall colour plus sampler tubs for the feature fireplace he was urging me to adopt. His working methods were so neat and tidy. Decorators sheets were put down before any work started; al loose items removed and rooms cleared. Vacuum cleaner fitted with brand new filters and bag; whilst he went round check the doors and taking non essential ones off their hinges I was asked to vacuum down the walls and carpets again in case my efforts leading up to his arrival, were not good enough.
The order of work was a surprise. I expected him to do each room sequentially but he did all the doors first, then the ceilings in each room. Then the skirting boards were done and each room shut to reduce the amount of dust floating above the wet paint. the paint finishes were superb of course, no patchy discoloured areas, no brush strokes jumping out at me. Anything that suddenly looked broken or very fragile had to e repaired there and then – he did all that. I knew there was good reason why I should take up his offer to fill those spare weeks at my house. It still looks good even after 11 years and I am happy to wait until he gets delayed on another summer holiday booking!