Each firm in membership of the British Decorator`s Association, formerly the National Federation of Master Painters and Decorators of England and Wales, (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) shall subscribe to and be bound by the terms of this Code of Practice which establishes standards for the conduct of, and the work undertaken by, such member firms so as to raise the status of painting and decorating contractors and to improve their trade relationships with both private and industrial clients.

1. Each member firm of the Association shall, in all senses and at all times, observe a high standard of commercial honesty in dealing with its clients.

2.
(i) A member firm shall submit a written quotation for work to be undertaken, unless the work is of such intricate a nature as to preclude the submission of a fair quotation; in such cases, it should be pointed out to the client that it would be to the advantage of both parties if the work were to be carried out on a day work basis.

(ii) In such cases, prior to the commencement of any work, the client should be informed of day work rates for labour and materials; daywork sheets and/or fully costed time sheets should be presented to the client if so requested.

(iii) A member firm shall be under no obligation to submit an estimate merely for establishing the value of an insurance or other claim; but if an estimate is submitted for such purpose, a fee may be charged therefor.

(iv) Any quotation submitted shall be fair to both parties and shall be such as to yield reasonable profit for a fair job.

3.
(i) A member firm shall so conduct its business that all work shall be executed by competent workmen and apprentices under proper supervision. Employees shall be paid fair wages in accordance with rates agreed between their trade unions and the Association. (ii) A member firm shall, if so requested, make recommendations as to the materials to be used, such materials to be of good quality and to be used in accordance with the makers’ recommendations.

4. A member firm shall arrange, and at all times maintain, adequate insurance cover in respect of employers’ liability and any such other liability risks as may be determined necessary by the type of work undertaken.

5.
(i) A member firm shall always recommend to the client a method of treatment which will give a good and lasting job. When working to a specifications, the terms thereof shall be faithfully carried out. When asked to recommend a specification, a member firm shall recommend one which shall be adequate for its purpose.

(ii) The attention of the client or his representative shall be drawn at any apparent shortcomings which exist in a specification, but no responsibility will be accepted for work which the client has requested to be carried out in direct conflict with the member firms`s professional advice.

(iii) Having complied with clause 5.(ii), no member shall have any responsibility for an inadequate specification prepared by a professional architect or surveyor.

6. A member firm ought not to be expected, without financial compensation, to rectify matters which are not its responsibility.

7. A member firm shall guarantee its work against failures due it its defective workmanship for a period of six months from the date of completion of the work.

8. A member firm should display on its premises, wherever practicable, the Association symbol to publicise the observance of the Code of Practice. Member firms should also display the Association symbol on company letterheads, transport, and in media advertisement. Member firms should also display this Code of Practice Statement.

9. A member firm shall ensure that the advertising or promotion of its services is accurate

10. A member firm shall comply with the regulations laid down in respect of all of its work by the Health & Safety Executive.

11. The British Decorators’ Association which sponsors the Code, provides a clients’ advisory service with conciliation and arbitration arrangements, available to help resolve any disputes which arise between member firms and their clients.