Following last year's Dulux Trade competition to celebrate painters and decorators who excel, Delux is now looking for the UK’s Ultimate Professional Decorator for 2014.

Dulux Trade asked 3,000 homeowners and 300 decorators which qualities they think make up the perfect professional decorator, and the results will form the basis for the judging criteria.

The survey revealed that the top ten qualities householders look for in their perfect professional decorator are:

  • Trust
  • Feeling comfortable with them in their home
  • Respect for their house and property
  • Attention to detail
  • Sticking to the original quote
  • Cost
  • Quality of work
  • Returning my calls
  • Punctuality
  • Tidiness.

Trust and respect came out on top among homeowners, with more than 80% saying these were the main factors when choosing a painter. In comparison, decorators ranked quality as the most important factor that they believe customers look for.

Other attributes that make up the profile of the Ultimate Professional for both homeowners and decorators include attention to detail and sticking to the original quote.

Decorator David Robinson, who won last year’s competition, said: “It’s a great idea from Dulux Trade to carry out this survey, as it gives homeowners the chance to tell us exactly what they are looking for when hiring a decorator. It’s not surprising when you have a stranger coming into your home that trust and reassurance are key and rank high among homeowners.

“The survey also showed that customer service and quality are really important to our customers, but also that we’re delivering this day in day out, with over 92% of homeowners saying they would or already have recommended their decorator.

“The competition is really important to recognise the impact that decorators have on people’s lives – it’s more than just putting paint on the walls. I’m very proud of winning last year’s competition. It’s great to know you are appreciated by customers and I would encourage any homeowners whose decorators are ultimate professionals to nominate them.”

In addition to the Ultimate Professional Decorator Award, the competition will also feature a category to find the UK’s Ultimate Professional Painting Contractor. 

The competition closes for entries 4 October. For further information and full terms and conditions, visit www.ultimateprofessionals.co.uk.