I suspect my decorator is dishonest
Discussion
Hello all
I would be really grateful for some advice on the following as it is causing a lot of anxiety.
I employed a decorator to repaint our hall stairs and landing - we were at work while he painted the walls.
He was supposed to use farrow and ball paint and has billed us accordingly - but having painted a patch of farrow and ball paint from the colour tester pot onto the wall it is now apparent that the paint on the walls is not the same shade or texture. I am firmly of the view that he has colour matched the shade with a cheaper brand of paint.
I asked him to give me the leftover paint and he maintains there was none left.
I have so far paid him £1100 in cash for the work - and he is owed a further £420 which I was going to pay into his account until I discovered this. Incidentally the £1100 paid exceeds what he originally quoted by £250 - he maintains the extra expense is due to an increased materials bill by virtue of us specifying farrow and ball paint.
I am going to challenge him on this tomorrow when he comes round to drop off his key but wondered where I stand on this. I am going to ask him if the paint is genuine - if he says that it is I am going to ask him to prove this by way of a bank statement or receipt. I doubt these will be forthcoming, and if he continues to argue the point I was then going to contact the paint manufacturer, who are up the road, to ask their opinion.
I would really appreciate any advice on this - has anyone else been in the same situation?
Thanks in advance
Keith
I would be really grateful for some advice on the following as it is causing a lot of anxiety.
I employed a decorator to repaint our hall stairs and landing - we were at work while he painted the walls.
He was supposed to use farrow and ball paint and has billed us accordingly - but having painted a patch of farrow and ball paint from the colour tester pot onto the wall it is now apparent that the paint on the walls is not the same shade or texture. I am firmly of the view that he has colour matched the shade with a cheaper brand of paint.
I asked him to give me the leftover paint and he maintains there was none left.
I have so far paid him £1100 in cash for the work - and he is owed a further £420 which I was going to pay into his account until I discovered this. Incidentally the £1100 paid exceeds what he originally quoted by £250 - he maintains the extra expense is due to an increased materials bill by virtue of us specifying farrow and ball paint.
I am going to challenge him on this tomorrow when he comes round to drop off his key but wondered where I stand on this. I am going to ask him if the paint is genuine - if he says that it is I am going to ask him to prove this by way of a bank statement or receipt. I doubt these will be forthcoming, and if he continues to argue the point I was then going to contact the paint manufacturer, who are up the road, to ask their opinion.
I would really appreciate any advice on this - has anyone else been in the same situation?
Thanks in advance
Keith
Would I be right in saying that there is a different finish from the Farrow and Ball Dead Flat, Estate, and Modern range of paints? So the match pot might finish not necessarily match the version of the final paint used.
Although it does sound suspect that none is left over.
If you know exactly what was supposed to be used, buy a 2.5L can and paint over a bit that he has already done that wont really be seen or on a board and see what it looks like and if different, show the decorator.
Although it does sound suspect that none is left over.
If you know exactly what was supposed to be used, buy a 2.5L can and paint over a bit that he has already done that wont really be seen or on a board and see what it looks like and if different, show the decorator.
Oldest trick in the book 
First, dominate the hallway. Second, ask for a receipt. Third, ask for the place, name and day he bought the paint (in case it is a fake receipt / invoice off the Web) and verify it with them by phone. Fourth, perhaps a long shot, but ask the paint company if there is any way they can test the dried paint if you post them a sample. If faked, demand a 100% refund (for false work).
First, dominate the hallway. Second, ask for a receipt. Third, ask for the place, name and day he bought the paint (in case it is a fake receipt / invoice off the Web) and verify it with them by phone. Fourth, perhaps a long shot, but ask the paint company if there is any way they can test the dried paint if you post them a sample. If faked, demand a 100% refund (for false work).
So, you are not happy with the colour/texture, but if it's the right brand you're OK? 
Just spoofing. Surely the conversation is " the look is a little different to what I was expecting? What do you think Mr Decorator? Aha, did you remember to use the specified brand? You did? Can batches really vary that much from the sampler? Suggest we talk to the supplier to get this mis match resolved.
Just spoofing. Surely the conversation is " the look is a little different to what I was expecting? What do you think Mr Decorator? Aha, did you remember to use the specified brand? You did? Can batches really vary that much from the sampler? Suggest we talk to the supplier to get this mis match resolved.
mgtony said:
buy a 2.5L can and paint over a bit that he has already done that wont really be seen or on a board and see what it looks like and if different, show the decorator.
This. Could save much aggro and being wrong but dug in. Cheap check (well cheap-ish - I'm more a Leyland man as have other priorities) 
I was searching about f&b online and came across a lot of decorators who claim people can't tell the difference and have used other cheaper stuff instead, so you're right to be suspicious.
Although they also might have watered it down, plus f&b can vary a bit, their website tells you how to check tins are from the same batch and recommends mixing them together if not.
Although they also might have watered it down, plus f&b can vary a bit, their website tells you how to check tins are from the same batch and recommends mixing them together if not.
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