Code of Conduct for painters and decorators
Code of Practice
At Traditional Painter, we are committed to maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards in every aspect of our work.
The standards we expect from every Traditional Painter member.
This Code of Practice outlines the principles, responsibilities and expectations we uphold in our daily business.
1. General Standards
- Take pride in our work and maintain consistently high standards expected by clients and peers.
- Demonstrate exceptional knowledge and expertise within our specialist field.
- Stay up to date with current trade practices, products, skills and techniques.
- Actively promote good decorating practice within the trade and to the public.
2. Running a Business
- Only undertake work within our professional capabilities.
- Run projects efficiently and safely, especially when other trades are involved.
- Act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of business.
- Maintain all legally required business documentation, records and accounts.
- Ensure a sound financial framework to deliver each project as promised.
- Hold appropriate and current insurance to operate responsibly.
3. Estimates & Quotations
- Determine the full scope of work required to achieve a high-quality result.
- Provide estimates or quotations in writing.
- Include scope of works, price, VAT, variable costs, timescales, payment terms and conditions where relevant.
- Once agreed verbally or in writing, a contract exists between contractor and client.
4. Daywork
- Clearly state all daywork labour rates.
- Clarify any mark-up on materials or hire costs.
- Provide a scope of works and estimated total cost when requested.
5. During the Work
- Keep clients informed of any delays as soon as possible.
- Maintain clear communication throughout the project.
6. Extras & Variations
- Discuss, record and approve any changes before proceeding.
- Clearly state daywork rates for extra tasks.
- Clarify mark-ups on materials or equipment.
- Once agreed verbally or in writing, a contract exists for those additional works.
7. Complaints & Disputes
- Contractors are responsible for the quality of their agreed work.
- Complaints raised during a project will be addressed promptly and appropriately on site.
- If further action is required, clients should refer to our Complaints Procedure.
- Where needed, independent ADR support may be provided by Ombudsman Services: Consumer Ombudsman.
8. Health & Safety
- Comply with current Health and Safety legislation relevant to the work.
- Maintain a safe working environment at all times.
9. Professional Codes
- Adhere to the codes of practice of relevant trade or professional organisations.
- Comply with applicable British or European Standards, building regulations and technical codes.
10. Privacy & Respect
- Respect clients’ privacy at all times.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure the security of the home or site.
- Maintain a clean, safe and considerate working environment.
Professional standards in practice.
It may sound like a lot of boxes to tick, but in reality, most of this comes naturally if you have been properly trained from the outset and have been motivated to adapt and adopt the practices of the best professionals in the construction industry.
To formalise these standards, we have referred to respected construction industry drivers for quality, including the Heritage Building Register, the Painting and Decorating Association and Ombudsman Services: Consumer Ombudsman.
High standards, clearly stated.
Traditional Painter members are expected to work with care, professionalism and respect for every client, every home and every project.
Traditional Painter
The UK's original invitation-only network of independent hand-painted kitchen and furniture specialists.