5 Common Painter and Decorator Problems and When to Call a Professional

The problems that come up most

These are the jobs painters and decorators are most commonly booked for. Catching them early almost always costs less:

• flaking paint on exterior woodwork
• damp stains bleeding through emulsion
• peeling paint in bathrooms from poor ventilation
• cracked filler around skirting and frames
• wallpaper lifting at the seams

What you can safely check yourself

Before calling anyone, gather information: when the problem started, whether it's getting worse, and clear photos. This helps a professional give you a realistic first assessment and helps you describe the job accurately when collecting quotes.

Basic observation is always safe; DIY repair is not always. If the problem involves gas, electrics, working at height or the structure of your home, stop at observation and call a professional.

Signs it's time to book someone

Book a professional when the problem is getting worse, when it involves safety, when your own attempts haven't held, or when you simply don't know the cause. A correct diagnosis is usually cheaper than a wrong repair.

For context on cost: Painters and decorators typically charge £150–£250 per day. Painting a standard room usually costs £300–£500 for labour, plus paint.

Choosing who to call

Painting and decorating is unlicensed, so check reviews and ask to see recent work. Membership of the Painting and Decorating Association is a positive signal you can verify on the association's website.

Check recent reviews before booking — Hammerscore company pages for painters and decorators combine ratings from several platforms, and the low-star reviews tell you most about how problems were handled.