Before you hand over a deposit for paint and materials for an interior repaint or full redecoration, run the company through Verafy. The same intelligence that protects M&A deals protects your home project.
Check a Painter & Decorator NowJust the one job? A single report is £25 — about the price of a takeaway, and it could save you from a cowboy. Need to check trades regularly? See subscription plans →
Confirm the company is genuinely registered and still active — not dissolved or trading under a borrowed name.
See the director's full history — how many other companies they've run into liquidation before yours.
Spot phoenix operators who dissolve after taking deposits and reopen under a near-identical name to dodge warranty claims.
Check for CCJs and insolvency history before you sign anything or pay a penny.
Do I really need to check a painter and decorator's company?
It's lower-stakes than a builder or roofer, but the same principle applies: if you're paying a deposit for materials upfront, it costs nothing to first confirm the company is genuinely registered and active rather than a name with no real business behind it.
What does it mean if a company has no filing history?
Every UK limited company must file accounts and a confirmation statement annually. A company with none on record is either brand new (not necessarily a problem on its own) or overdue, which Verafy flags directly — worth asking about before you commit.
Can I check a sole trader the same way?
Only if they operate as a limited company — sole traders aren't on the Companies House register. If they've quoted you a limited company name, Verafy can check it; if they're a sole trader, ask for references and insurance details instead.