Would you hire this guy?

[Suziee37]

I found a guy to paint front of house and he’s quoted a reasonable enough price and I got quotes from others too. He seems reliable as he responds promptly to messages, BUT I have a sinking feeling and can’t explain it. Today he asked if I have a ladder he could borrow when he comes to do job! When he came to quote he came in a normal car whereas others came in vans. I’m obviously not going to pay him till job is done. I’m really worried I’ve chosen wrong guy. Surely he should have a ladder if this is his job?

I think it's one thing going to do quotes in the car if it's not during his working day, he could be using the family car to do other things while he's out but I absolutely would not hire a decorator who didn't have a ladder!!

Could you say you've lent your ladder to a roofer that you know?
Your bucket is currently with a window cleaner.
The drain rods have been borrowed by a chimney sweep.
Your screwdriver, that lights up, is on loan to an electrician.
A taxi company is using your car.
The washing machine is at the laundrette.
A landscape gardener has your lawnmower and hoe.

OP, depends where you are re quotes.

Round here, to strip paint, plaster then re-paint for £450 would be about right.

Plastering/rendering isn't something just anyone can do well.

And for those recommending Checkatrade - don't bother, some of the worst tradespeople I've used came from there.

And for those recommending Checkatrade - don't bother, some of the worst tradespeople I've used came from there.

Any system where the trader pays for exposure is pants. They will always side with who pays the bills.

I lost interest after we had a cowboy from TrustedTrader and were told that actually it's "RatedPeople" that is the good one. One cowboy later and it was "Checkatrade" you see.

Personally I would have Checkatraded out of the deal when he asked for a ladder. (Unless I was in a really snippy mood in which case I might have asked if he wanted brushes, paint and someone to do the job for him ....)