Finding the right decorating contractor for your school’s needs can make all the difference to your project. No matter whether you are refreshing a primary school or building an entire modular campus, you need to know you’re putting your trust in the right team.
With budgets to balance, timelines to meet and safety to prioritise, the right commercial decorators allow your project to run smoothly. But, with so many commercial decorators out there, how can you choose the right one for your educational project?
Let the experts at Intertech Contracts guide you through what to look out for.
Why Choosing the Right Decorating Contractor Matters
Educational settings come with different challenges and considerations to most other industries. Unlike commercial offices or retail units, schools and colleges often operate on tight timetables with little space for downtime. They have strict safeguarding requirements for students and staff and need hard-wearing, easy-clean finishes that stand the test of time.
Choosing a team of commercial decorators who understand this environment and can meet these needs is essential. The wrong contractor can cause delays, affect health and safety measures or result in poor-quality finishes that need redoing within the year.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Decorating Contractor
If you know what you’re looking for, it’s often easy to see the green flags when looking for a decorating contractor. Things to look out for include:
Relevant Experience in the Education Sector
Decorating a school or university is not the same as painting a house or office. Look for commercial painters and decorators who can demonstrate past experience with education clients. This shows they understand the challenges of working around term dates, managing safeguarding procedures and choosing materials suitable for high-traffic areas.
Check their website for case studies or examples of previous school or college projects. A good contractor will be proud to show them off.
Health and Safety Knowledge
Any reputable decorating contractor should follow strict health and safety protocols, but this is even more important in educational environments. Contractors must understand and comply with policies around working near children and young people, including DBS checks and safeguarding awareness.
They should also demonstrate safe working practices, especially when using ladders, scaffolding or chemical products in confined or busy areas.
Flexibility and Reliability
Schools and colleges often need work done during specific time windows, such as half-term breaks and summer holidays. That makes flexibility and punctuality a valuable trait to look out for.
Reliable commercial decorators will work with you to plan a schedule that suits your academic calendar - and stick to it. They should also have contingency plans in place to avoid delays due to weather, delivery issues or staffing problems.
Quality of Workmanship
It goes without saying that the quality of the finish matters, but in education settings, it’s not just about the visuals.
The finish must be durable. With hundreds or thousands of people passing through daily, walls and woodwork need to resist scuffs, marks and wear. It should also be low maintenance, and surfaces should be easy to clean and resistant to staining. Additionally, paints should be low-VOC and non-toxic, especially in nurseries and primary schools.
Ask to see samples or photos of previous work and read reviews from past clients to gauge the standard of workmanship.
Clear Communication
From the initial quote to final handover, clear and open communication is essential. Your decorating contractor should provide:
Detailed quotes and timelines
Updates throughout the project
Transparent explanations of any issues or changes
Strong communication avoids misunderstandings, manages expectations, and helps build trust, especially if you're managing a large or multi-phase project.
Fully Insured and Certified
Check that the decorating contractors you’re considering have all the appropriate insurance, including public liability and employer’s liability. They should also be able to provide evidence of industry accreditations or memberships (e.g. CHAS, Constructionline and other associations). These show a commitment to quality, compliance and professionalism.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
To make sure you’re choosing the right contractor, don’t be afraid to ask questions such as:
Have you worked on similar education projects before?
Can you work outside term time?
What materials and paints do you recommend for high-traffic areas?
Can you provide references or testimonials from past education clients?
How do you manage safety on site?
A trustworthy team will be happy to answer, and their responses will help you make an informed decision.
Why Intertech Contracts Is the Right Choice
At Intertech Contracts, we specialise in providing professional commercial decorating services to schools, colleges and universities across the UK.
Our team understands the specific needs of the education sector. We work closely with school leaders, facilities managers and local authorities to deliver high-quality decorating solutions on time and on budget.
From small classroom touch-ups to full-scale fit out projects, we’re proud to support educational institutions in creating inspiring and functional spaces for students and staff.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing the right decorating contractor for your education project isn’t just about price. It’s about finding a professional team that understands your needs and delivers top-quality results with minimal disruption.
By prioritising experience, safety, flexibility and communication, you can be sure that your project is in safe hands.
Our team of experienced commercial decorators is here to help you transform your space. Contact Intertech Contracts today to discuss your upcoming school or college decorating project.
