As professional Painting and Decorating specialists covering Hitchin, Letchworth and surrounding areas, we understand you'll have questions when embarking on a decorating project. We've put together this detailed FAQ to provide you with comprehensive answers and ensure a smooth, transparent and enjoyable experience with Dekoh.

What services do Dekoh offer?

At Dekoh, we offer a comprehensive range of professional painting and decorating services for both residential and commercial clients across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and London. Our expertise includes:

• Interior Painting & Decorating: From single rooms to entire properties, we handle all aspects of interior painting, including walls, ceilings, woodwork, and specialist finishes.

• Exterior Painting: Protecting and enhancing your property's exterior with high-quality, weather-resistant paints and expert application.

• Wallpapering: Skilled application of all types of wallpaper, from delicate patterns to intricate murals.

• Specialist Paint Effects: Creating unique and bespoke finishes such as limewash and other decorative techniques to add character and depth to your space.

• Spray Finishing Services: Achieving incredibly smooth and uniform finishes on various surfaces, often quicker than traditional brush and roller methods, whether in our dedicated facility or on-site.

• Dustless Sanding: Utilising advanced sanding equipment to minimise airborne dust, ensuring a cleaner environment during and after the project.

• Paint Removal: Safe and efficient removal of old paint, preparing surfaces for a fresh new look.

What areas do you cover?

From our Hitchin base, Dekoh proudly serves clients across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London. If you're unsure whether your location falls within our service area, please don't hesitate to contact us.

How much will my painting and decorating project cost?

The cost of your project will depend on several factors, including:

• Size of the area: Larger rooms or properties will naturally require more time and materials.

• Scope of work: Whether it's a simple refresh, a complete colour change, or intricate decorative effects.

• Condition of surfaces: Extensive preparation work (e.g., significant filling, plastering, or extensive stripping) will impact the overall cost.

• Type of materials: High-quality, specialist paints or wallpapers can influence the material cost.

• Accessibility: Projects requiring scaffolding or specialised access equipment may incur additional costs.

We believe in transparent pricing. We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs and provide a detailed, no-obligation quotation tailored to your specific project. This quote will clearly outline all costs involved.

How do you prepare surfaces before painting or wallpapering?

Thorough preparation is the cornerstone of a long-lasting and flawless finish. Our meticulous preparation process typically includes:

• Protection: We carefully cover and protect all furniture, flooring, and non-working areas with dust sheets and appropriate coverings.

• Cleaning: Surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, dust, grease, and any other contaminants using suitable cleaning agents.

• Inspecting for Damage: We meticulously inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, holes, and imperfections.

• Filling & Repairing: All cracks and holes are expertly filled with appropriate fillers, and any loose or damaged plaster is repaired.

• Sanding: Surfaces are sanded smooth to create an ideal key for paint adhesion, removing any existing bumps or old paint drips. We utilise dustless sanding equipment wherever possible to minimise mess.

• Priming & Undercoating: Depending on the surface type and existing condition, we apply appropriate primers or undercoats to ensure optimal adhesion, coverage, and a uniform finish, especially on new plaster, previously dark colours, or stain-prone areas.

What type of paints do you use? Can I choose my own colours?

We primarily use high-quality, professional-grade paints from reputable brands known for their durability, coverage, and finish. We work with a wide range of paint types and finishes, including:

• Emulsion paints: Available in various finishes like matt, silk, and eggshell, suitable for walls and ceilings.

• Woodwork paints: Including gloss, satinwood, and eggshell finishes for doors, skirting boards, and other wooden elements.

• Specialist paints: Such as limewash, anti-mould paints for bathrooms, or durable paints for high-traffic areas.

Absolutely! We encourage you to choose colours that reflect your style and vision. We can offer expert advice on colour schemes, finishes, and suitability for different rooms, and can provide paint swatches or help you source samples to ensure you're completely happy with your choices before we begin.

Are you insured?

Yes, Dekoh is fully insured with comprehensive Public Liability Insurance. This provides peace of mind, covering any unforeseen circumstances such as accidental damage to your property or injuries to third parties during the course of our work. We also hold other necessary insurances to operate legally and responsibly in the UK.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and customer satisfaction. While specific guarantees can vary based on the project and materials used, we stand by the craftsmanship of our work. If you experience any issues directly attributable to our workmanship within a reasonable timeframe, please contact us, and we will gladly address them. Your satisfaction is our priority.

How long will the project take?

The duration of your project will depend on its size, complexity, and the current condition of the surfaces. During your initial consultation, we will provide you with an estimated timeframe for completion. We always strive to work efficiently and minimise disruption to your daily routine, maintaining clear communication throughout the project.

Do I need to move furniture or clear the room before you start?

While we always take the utmost care to protect your belongings, we kindly request that you remove any small or fragile items, valuables, and personal effects from the areas to be decorated. We will carefully move larger furniture and cover it appropriately, but clearing the space as much as possible beforehand will help us work more efficiently and safely.

Can you help with colour selection and design advice?

Absolutely! We understand that choosing the right colours and finishes can be daunting. We are more than happy to offer our expert advice and guidance on colour schemes, current trends, and the best paint types to suit your lifestyle, desired aesthetic, and the specific function of each room.

What steps do you take to minimise disruption and keep my home tidy?

We pride ourselves on being tidy and considerate decorators. Our approach includes:

• Thorough Protection: Extensive use of dust sheets, masking tape, and protective films to cover all furniture, flooring, and fixtures.

• Daily Clean-up: We conduct thorough clean-ups at the end of each workday, tidying away tools, materials, and any debris.

• Minimising Dust: Utilising dustless sanding equipment where appropriate.

• Clear Communication: Keeping you informed of our progress and any potential disruptions.

• Respectful Conduct: Our team is professional, courteous, and mindful of your living or working environment.

How do I get a quote?

Getting a quote from Dekoh is straightforward. Simply contact us via phone or our website's contact form to arrange a complimentary, no-obligation consultation at your convenience. We'll visit your property, discuss your requirements in detail, and provide a comprehensive and transparent quotation.

What makes Dekoh different from other decorators?

At Dekoh, we believe our commitment to craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. We focus on:

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous preparation and precise application for a flawless finish.

• Experienced & Skilled Team: Our decorators are highly experienced and passionate about their work.

• Reliability & Punctuality: We respect your time and project deadlines.

• Clear Communication: Keeping you informed every step of the way.

• Premium Quality Materials: Using only the best products for lasting results.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Your vision and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.

We hope this FAQ has answered your questions. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Dekoh team!