Painting rooms is a task a lot of people really don't enjoy, and there's even the risk of things going wrong if you're not certain of your ability. For these reasons, it's fairly common to hire a professional to carry out painting work for you. That way, you can be sure you'll get a good quality finish and you won't have to spend time doing something you dislike.

Before you settle on a painter and the work begins, it's best to make sure you're dealing with the right company and that they're professional and reliable. Here are some things to ask your interior painting contractor to avoid unforeseen issues.

Is all the prep work included?

Decorating a room isn't just a simple case of slapping some paint on the walls; there's a lot of preparation to be done in order to get a good, lasting result. While this should be included in the service, it's best not to assume.

Knowing exactly what the job includes gives you the opportunity to either arrange the extra tasks or hire a different contractor.

Are they insured, and what happens if there's a problem?

Anyone carrying out work in your home should be insured against damage and accidents, but people occasionally try and get away with not being. It's not rude to check before you hire someone. If they're offended or evasive, they're probably not someone you want doing your painting anyway. A legitimate professional understands that accidents sometimes happen, and they should be prepared for them.

You should also find out what the process is if anything does happen, just so you know what the worst-case scenario might be.

Can you see some previous work?

The only real way to get a feel for a painting company's ability is to see some of their work. This is particularly important if you want anything unusual or intricate, so ask to see a portfolio of previous jobs.

How long will the work take?

Get a solid estimate of when you can expect the painting to be finished, but be aware this may change slightly when the work begins. An expert should be able to give you a close idea, though.

Is there anything you need to do?

Ask if you need to clear rooms or walkways and if there's any cleaning you need to perform before the team can start work.

You should also ensure the company has all the information they need from you so the work can go ahead as planned without any delays.