Do you charge for quotations?
No. Quotations are free and provided in writing, with the specification, schedule and price set out before any work starts.
Do you supply the paint and materials?
Yes. Materials are included in our quotations and we bring everything required. If you have already bought a particular paint or wallpaper we are happy to use it.
Which paints do you use?
Most of our demand is for Dulux, Leyland, and Farrow & Ball, and we also work with more specialist finishes and colour palettes when required. We will recommend a product to suit the room and how hard it will be used.
Is any job too small?
No. We are happy to undertake any size works, from a day decorating an individual room up to a twelve week communal parts overhaul project.
How long will it take?
It depends on the preparation needed more than the size of the room. As a guide, a single room in reasonable condition usually takes two to three days including woodwork; a full flat between tenancies is typically around a week. Your quotation will include a programme.
Do I need to move out or empty the rooms?
No. We move furniture to the centre of the room and cover it. We do ask that ornaments, pictures and anything fragile or valuable are put away before we arrive.
Can you work while a tenant is living there?
Yes. We contact the tenant directly to agree access and work room by room. It takes a little longer than an empty property, and we allow for that in the programme.
Can you collect keys from our agent?
Yes, we collect and return keys from an office local to the property.
Do you work evenings and weekends?
For offices and commercial premises we offer an overnight and weekend service so the working day is not disrupted.
Can you match an existing colour?
Yes. If the original paint is known we use it, and if not we colour match. We will tell you in advance if we think a patch is likely to show.
What about damp, mould or water stains?
Stains are sealed before painting so they cannot bleed through. Mould is treated and an appropriate paint used, but if the underlying cause is still active, for example a leak or poor ventilation, it needs fixing first or the problem will return. We will tell you if we think that is the case.
Do you do repairs as well as painting?
Minor plaster and carpentry repairs are part of the job. For anything beyond decoration, LAP Decoration forms part of LAP Property Services, who offer gas, electrical, plumbing, flooring, and handyman services.
How often should the outside of a property be painted?
We would always recommend the external decoration be completed every five years with regular inspections over this time to ensure any issues are highlighted promptly.
Are you insured and accredited?
We are members of the Painting & Decorating Association and SafeContractor approved. Insurance details, method statements and risk assessments are available on request.
How soon can I use the room?
Water based wall paints are touch dry within a couple of hours and rooms can normally be used the same evening. Paint takes a few weeks to cure fully, so avoid scrubbing walls during that time, and leave doors and windows on the latch overnight where woodwork has been freshly painted.
Will you leave the leftover paint?
Yes. We leave labelled part tins for future touch ups and note the product and colour on your paperwork.
Something we have not covered? Call 020 7993 8269. Get a free quotation