Avoid problems with work

• Before you start
• Build an ideas file
• Decide on a colour scheme
• Minimise stress
• Avoid problems with work
• Get everything in place
• Add these contacts to your ideas file

If you're getting a professional in, be it a decorator, plumber, electrician or kitchen fitter, it's essential to go through all the details of what you want them to do and have it written into the contract.
• For decorators, state the exact shade of paint you want and how many coats.
• Go through the work to make sure it fits in with your plans and get a firm commitment to start and finish dates in the contract
• Agree in writing on how and when you'll pay a deposit to cover cost of materials

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