Finding Decorators Near Me: A Swansea Homeowner’s Story
When you type “decorators near me” into Google, you’ll probably see a long list of names, ads, and directories. But which one do you trust? We’ve lost count of the times we’ve been called in after someone picked the first decorator on the list, only to regret it.
To explain what we mean, let’s share the story of a homeowner in Sketty who recently asked us to put right a decorating job gone wrong. It’s a good lesson in how to find the right team – and what happens when you don’t.
The First Attempt
The homeowner had wanted a fresh look for their hallway and living room. They searched “decorators near me” and chose the cheapest option. No references, no photos, just a quick message exchange and a promise to “do it in a week.”
When the work was done, the problems showed almost immediately:
- Roller marks everywhere.
- Paint flaking near the skirting.
- Gloss drips left on the door frames.
- Patches where the old colour bled through.
The customer was frustrated – they’d paid out, taken time off work, and still ended up embarrassed when friends came over.
Where Things Went Wrong
The decorator had rushed through without proper preparation. Walls hadn’t been sanded, damp patches hadn’t been treated, and cheap paint had been watered down to cover more surface. All things we see far too often.
This is the risk when searching for “decorators near me” without digging deeper. The location’s right, but the skill and care aren’t guaranteed.
Our Approach
When we were asked to fix it, we did things differently:
- Inspection: We checked for hidden damp and found moisture around the window reveals.
- Prep Work: Walls were sanded smooth, stains were blocked, and filler was applied where cracks had opened.
- Paint Selection: We used a durable, scrubbable matt for the hallway (high-traffic) and a soft neutral finish in the living room to brighten the space.
- Execution: Edges were cut in neatly, multiple coats were applied properly, and everything was left spotless.
The difference was night and day – and the customer admitted they wished they’d chosen more carefully in the first place.
Lessons Learned When Searching “Decorators Near Me”
If you’re on the hunt yourself, here are the takeaways from that experience:
- Don’t just go by price. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
- Ask for local references. Reputable decorators will have recent Swansea jobs to show you.
- Check what’s included. Prep work should be explained clearly – it’s the foundation of the finish.
- Look for trade paints. Names like Dulux Trade, Crown Trade, or Johnstone’s mean you’re getting lasting coverage.
Why Local Experience Matters
As Swansea decorators, we’ve worked in everything from damp old terraces in Brynmill to modern new-builds in Gorseinon. We know the quirks of local properties and the challenges of coastal weather.
For instance, in a cottage in Mumbles, we treated salt staining on interior walls before painting – something a decorator from outside the area might not have spotted. These small details make a big difference.
Final Word
The phrase “decorators near me” should mean more than just proximity. It should mean trust, local experience, and a finish that lasts. Otherwise, you risk paying twice for the same job.
We’re decorating homes and businesses across Swansea every week – yours could be next. Explore our house painting services or see how we handle commercial decorating projects.
Not sure whether your walls need a quick touch-up or a full re-do? We’ll give you an honest answer before you commit to anything.