In short
- Ask to see current public liability insurance, and employer's liability if they employ staff.
- Ask which render systems they use most, and to see recent jobs in the same system, ideally in person.
- Get a written quote that names the system, preparation, beads, mesh, colour, finish and guarantee.
- Avoid large upfront deposits and pressure to sign. Most contracts agreed at home have a 14-day cancellation period.
Get prices for your house
Free survey, fixed written quote, no obligation.
Checks before you meet
- Look up the business on Companies House if it is a limited company.
- Read reviews across more than one platform.
- Ask whether they are trained by, or on an approved list for, the render manufacturer they propose.
Questions to ask at the survey
- What system do you recommend for my wall, and why?
- Will you render over the existing surface or remove it? How did you test it?
- Where will beads and movement joints go?
- How will you handle window sills, the damp-proof course and roof edges?
- Is building control needed, and who will arrange it?
- What guarantee applies, from whom, for how long, and what does it cover?
- Who will be on site, and how long will the job take?
Red flags
- A quote that just says "render house".
- Pressure to decide on the day or special offers that expire tonight.
- Large deposits before any materials are ordered.
- Unwillingness to show insurance or previous work.
- Plans to render in heavy rain or frost.
Your rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. Most contracts agreed in your home carry a 14-day cancellation right under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
How we measure up
We hold ourselves to this checklist. Our rendering team carries £5 million public liability insurance, has more than 10 years on Surrey homes, quotes in writing with the system named, and gives a 10-year written workmanship guarantee. See how we work.
Understanding what you are signing
Before you agree, make sure you have:
- a written quotation with the specification attached;
- the start date, expected duration and how weather delays are handled;
- the payment schedule;
- guarantee details;
- who is responsible for scaffold, skips, building control and making good;
- your cancellation rights in writing, where the contract is agreed at home.
During the job
Keep in touch with the site lead, photograph each stage, and raise concerns early. Walk round with the contractor before the scaffold comes down so that any snagging can be done from it. Pay the final balance only when you are satisfied and have your guarantee paperwork.
Questions people ask
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a sensible number for a large job. Make sure they price the same specification.
What deposit is reasonable?
A modest deposit toward materials is common. Be cautious about paying large sums before work starts.