How to brief a commercial decorating contractor properly

01Describe the building and how it's used

Tell contractors whether the space is occupied, trading, or vacant, and what hours it operates. This single detail affects programme, price and method more than almost anything else.

02State the scope clearly

List which areas, surfaces and elements are included, and just as importantly which are excluded, to avoid disputes about scope creep once work is under way.

• Rooms, floors or zones included in the works
• Surfaces excluded, such as areas under separate contract
• Any specialist items like signage, metalwork or fire doors

03Provide access constraints up front

Parking, loading bay hours, security procedures, lift access and any induction requirements should be shared before quoting, not discovered on the first day on site.

04Set out the specification you want, or ask for options

If you already have a colour scheme, product range or finish level in mind, share it. If not, ask contractors to propose options rather than assuming a default specification.

05Confirm timescale and any fixed dates

A fixed handover date, lease event or opening date should be stated clearly, since it changes how a contractor sequences labour and shifts.

06Ask how quotes are broken down

Requesting a breakdown of labour, materials and access costs makes it far easier to compare quotes from different contractors on a like-for-like basis.