Is It Worth Paying Extra for a Highly Rated Decorator?

Choosing the right decorator can transform your home. The question is whether paying extra for a highly rated professional is truly worthwhile. The short answer is yes, but it’s important to understand why higher ratings often reflect value, quality, and reliability.

Quality of Work

Highly rated decorators consistently deliver superior finishes. Walls look smoother, edges are crisp, and colours are applied evenly. Attention to detail makes a difference, especially on trim, ceilings, and textured surfaces. The extra cost often reflects the time spent on thorough preparation: filling cracks, sanding, priming, and masking correctly. Poor preparation leads to peeling, patchy coverage, and uneven surfaces, which may require costly repairs later.

Experience and Skill

Top decorators bring years of experience across different properties. They know how to handle older homes, new builds, kitchens, bathrooms, and period features. Experience means fewer mistakes, faster problem-solving, and a polished result. Highly rated professionals understand the right paint for each surface and finish, which reduces the risk of discolouration, chalking, or flaking. Paying extra often guarantees the decorator knows what works for your specific project.

Time Efficiency

Experienced decorators work efficiently without cutting corners. They plan the workflow, coordinate prep work, and apply multiple coats with precision. This efficiency reduces disruption in your home and often compensates for the higher day rate. Less experienced decorators may take longer, require additional visits, or leave uneven results, which ultimately costs more in time and materials.

Reliability and Professionalism

Highly rated decorators arrive on time, communicate clearly, and stick to deadlines. They provide detailed quotes, explain processes, and offer guarantees for their work. Professionalism minimises stress and ensures your home remains protected during the project. Cheap decorators may offer lower prices but often cut corners, arrive late, or leave a messy workspace, adding frustration and extra cleaning costs.

Long-Term Value

Paying more upfront can save money over time. High-quality finishes last longer and require fewer touch-ups. Walls maintain colour and integrity, woodwork resists chipping, and surfaces stay cleaner. Choosing a highly rated decorator means fewer problems in the future and less risk of repainting prematurely.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Ratings are not just numbers—they reflect consistent performance. Positive reviews indicate decorators who take pride in their work, manage customer expectations, and deliver reliable results. Checking reviews provides insight into workmanship, punctuality, and attention to detail. A well-reviewed decorator is more likely to meet your standards than someone offering a lower rate without proof of expertise.

When Paying Extra Makes Sense

Consider spending more if your project involves:

• Large areas or high ceilings
• Kitchens, bathrooms, or high-moisture rooms
• Specialist finishes like gloss, wood stains, or textured walls
• Properties with period features or delicate plasterwork
• Full-house redecorations requiring precise prep work

In these cases, experience and attention to detail are critical. The investment ensures a finish that lasts and looks flawless.

Finding a Highly Rated Decorator

Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Check online reviews, portfolios, and ratings carefully. Always request a detailed written quote and clarify what is included. A highly rated painter and decorator provides clear terms, uses quality materials, and delivers results that justify the higher price.

Conclusion

Paying extra for a highly rated decorator guarantees quality, reliability, and a professional finish. While cheaper options exist, they often cut corners or produce inconsistent results. The right decorator transforms your space efficiently and with precision, giving long-term value and peace of mind. Investing in experience and reputation is a decision that pays off in the quality and longevity of your home’s decoration.