In case it's relevant, I live in a small seaside town in England.
I recently employed a painter-decorator who charged me £25 an hour.
I was wondering whether the following is normal or usual.
I had to supply the brushes, rollers and trays, white spirit as well as the caulk, filler, silicone and all the primer, undercoat and paint. Any little thing he bought he charged me for.
After he had left and I had a chance to look at his work there were loads of things not done properly. For example wall paint on electrical switches and sockets and hinges and skirtings, whilst the skirting paint was on walls and dripped on the vinyl flooring. Bits of wood left rough and clearly not prepped properly. I had to spend ages taking photos and making a list explaining what was wrong. He came back and spent a whole day (unpaid) putting right what he'd done wrong.
I would have thought that, at £25 an hour he should not need overseeing, supervision or instruction, nor why he didn't just do it right the first time.
The previous painter I had charged me £20 an hour and did a perfect job first time every time. Sadly he has now retired which is why I looked for this new one.