Selecting the right commercial decorator for your project

01Check RAMS and safety documentation

Safety is the most important factor when working on commercial sites, so you should always ask to see a contractor's Risk Assessment and Method Statement, known as RAMS. These documents prove that the decorator has thought through the specific hazards of your building, such as working at height, using specialist equipment, or managing fumes in occupied areas. A professional contractor will produce site specific RAMS rather than generic templates, showing they have actually visited your premises and understood the environment. This documentation is not just a box ticking exercise, it is a vital part of ensuring the work is carried out without incident and that your business remains compliant with health and safety regulations.

02Verify insurance and references

Before any work begins, you must verify that the decorating company holds appropriate public and employers liability insurance. Commercial projects often involve higher risks and more expensive assets than domestic ones, so the level of cover should be sufficient for the scale of your building. Beyond the paperwork, asking for recent references from similar commercial projects is the best way to gauge reliability. A reputable contractor will be happy to put you in touch with other business owners or facilities managers who can speak to their quality of work, their ability to hit deadlines, and their professionalism on site. Seeing examples of their previous work in Hampshire or Dorset can also give you confidence in their local reputation.

03Assess out of hours and phasing capabilities

Commercial decorating often has to happen at night, over weekends, or in carefully planned phases to avoid closing the business. When interviewing contractors, ask about their experience with out of hours working and how they manage their teams during these shifts. A contractor who is used to daytime only work might struggle with the logistical challenges of night shifts or the pressure of having a space ready for trade the next morning. You need to know how they will protect your furniture and equipment during each phase and how they will ensure the site is clean and safe for your staff to return to at the start of every working day. This flexibility is often what separates a true commercial specialist from a general decorator.

04Look for itemised and transparent quotes

A professional commercial quote should be clear, detailed, and itemised room by room or phase by phase. Avoid vague estimates that only give a total figure, as these often lead to disputes over what was actually included in the scope. The quote should clearly state the products being used, the number of coats, the level of preparation included, and any costs for access equipment like scaffolding or towers. Having this level of detail allows you to compare different quotes accurately and ensures there are no hidden surprises halfway through the job. It also makes it easier to adjust the scope if your budget changes, as you can see exactly how much each part of the project costs.

05Ask about supervision and communication

On a large commercial project, you need to know who will be supervising the work on a daily basis and who your main point of contact will be. Will there be a dedicated site foreman or project manager, or will you be dealing with the decorators directly? Clear communication is essential for keeping the project on track and for resolving any issues quickly. Ask how they handle progress updates and what their process is for snagging and final sign off. A contractor who has a structured management approach is much more likely to deliver the project on time and to the required standard, especially when multiple trades are working on the same site simultaneously.

• Who will be the primary contact during the project?
• How often will you receive progress updates?
• What is the procedure for managing changes to the scope?
• How is the final snagging and handover process managed?