D. Barrett Decorating - The Blog

For the first Christmas in a long time, I have an eagerness to begin work as soon as is possible. So much has changed for myself work wise the past two months it's unbelievable to even think 12 months ago it would have happened. From finally taking control and setting up alone properly, to having my work assessed and accepted by Dulux Select and TrustMark, to joining checkatrade it's been a whirlwind. But it also very exciting to see what the future is going to bring. Already booked up the fi...

It's taking the initial leap which is often the biggest obstacle in starting your own business. Once that leap is taken, you begin to wonder what the fuss was all about. This is what I've found myself recently. After debating for a couple of years, with the odd independent job here and there, I've actually gone ahead and gone fully fledged solo. So far it's a decision I'm glad to have made, despite the stress of not knowing what is round the corner!Getting your name out there is very hard, of...

Painters I have found over the years, have to be one of the bitchiest trades out there. Put a group of painters together and they will pick faults with others work, moan about standards and the way others work. Basically if it's not the way they'd do it, it's wrong. Now you can tell from that opening comment that on the painting online forums it's a bitch fest at times! Personally I have learnt a whole lot the past couple of years using them. Some of the work I have seen from other members I ...

The past few weeks I have tried to implement the standards I produce on domestic works into the new build plots I am working on currently. Sometimes this is not always possible, as we are often given unreasonable deadlines to paint a house so it ends up getting flooded with labour and done over a weekend! However when I am given the time to do it right I do. Full prep, correct coats on all surfaces, etc. What I have found is that regardless of how perfect you can make a job on new builds ther...

It seems that work is picking up a lot, which after the tough last few years we've all suffered can only be a good thing. Myself I have had a lot of phone calls recently from people wanting work doing, sadly most want it doing the next day! I love the fact my phone is ringing, people asking me to do work for them. Being the man I am, I don't like letting anyone down so when I have to refuse because of time constraints, it is hard. However at the same time, it is unreasonable to expect me to b...

It always seems to be this time of year where you start to question what you are doing is right for you. The past few weeks I have found myself doing exactly that, whether it can be put down to new year blues, the fact I have had enough of the current job I'm on or just want a complete change. Personally it is a combination of all three.To combat that, I need to know where I actually want to be. Have I had enough of working for someone? Yes and no. Yes because the appeal of being your own bos...