Frequently Asked Questions and Customer Advice
How will you price for the work required?
Every project is unique, and so are our customers’ needs. That’s why we provide clear, tailored estimates based on the specific requirements of your job.
We’ll ensure everything is outlined in detail on your estimate, including a sensible and transparent payment plan that reflects the scope of the work. Our pricing is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of quoting, and it’s extremely rare for costs to increase unexpectedly.
If any additional work becomes necessary during the project, we will always discuss it with you first and agree on any changes before proceeding. We’re committed to keeping additional costs to an absolute minimum.
An example estimate is included below for your reference.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes—all our work comes with a 12-month guarantee as standard. We stand by the quality of our craftsmanship and use only trusted materials, so you can have complete peace of mind. If any issues arise within that time frame, we’ll return to put things right.
What should I expect during the job?
We’ll keep you fully informed at every stage of the work. You’ll know what’s been completed, what’s happening next, and when. We use dust sheets to protect your home and do everything possible to minimise disruption. If you’d like us to separate working areas with additional sheeting or barriers, just let us know—your comfort is important to us.
Do you clean up after the job is done?
Absolutely. We treat your home with the same care and respect we’d treat our own. All work areas will be left clean and tidy, and we remove any debris we’re responsible for. If you’d like us to take care of all waste removal, we’re licensed waste carriers and can do so for a small additional fee.
Do you work with other trades?
Yes—we have trusted electricians, gas engineers, and other specialist tradespeople we work with regularly. If your job requires work beyond our core services, we’ll coordinate everything so the project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Do you charge for quotes or site visits?
No—quotes and site visits are always free and come with no obligation. We’ll visit your property, listen carefully to your needs, and provide a clear, detailed estimate tailored to your project. We also offer flexible payment plans to suit your budget and job size.
Are you insured?
Yes—Total Interior is fully insured, including public liability insurance, for your complete peace of mind. We operate professionally, transparently, and with full accountability.
Should I avoid going with the cheapest estimate?
In short: yes—cheap estimates can cost you more in the long run.
While it might be tempting to choose the lowest quote, especially in today’s climate, doing so often leads to compromised quality, hidden costs, and, ultimately, disappointment. We’ve seen many customers come to us after having work redone because corners were cut or the job simply wasn’t done properly.
When reviewing quotes, the most important thing you can do is compare like for like. Ask yourself:
-
Does each estimate include the same level of detail and scope of work?
-
Are the materials and methods clearly stated?
-
Does the tradesperson explain how the job will be carried out?
-
Do they seem knowledgeable and experienced when asked questions?
Choosing a tradesperson should never be just about price—it should be about trust, professionalism, and a commitment to quality. A proper tradesperson will:
-
Be open and honest about their process
-
Have public liability insurance in place
-
Provide references and present themselves respectfully
-
Show genuine interest in doing the job well
-
Give expert advice and answer your questions confidently
You should feel comfortable and confident with the person you’re hiring—they’ll be working in your home, after all.
Beware of “foot-in-the-door” tactics
A common tactic used by less reputable tradespeople is to offer a very low initial quote to secure the job. Then, once work begins, they increase the price—sometimes significantly—by pressuring customers into agreeing to additional (often unnecessary) work. This kind of manipulation is, unfortunately, becoming more common.
Our advice?
Pay for quality and peace of mind. Choose a business that respects your time, your home, and your investment. A realistic, transparent quote from a skilled professional will always deliver better long-term value than a cut-price offer that leads to stress, extra costs, or a poor result.
How do I choose the right estimate and tradesperson?
Our honest advice? Go with the person you trust to do the best job. Your instincts are important—if someone seems professional, knowledgeable, and respectful, that’s a good sign.
Here’s a practical guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Provide a clear brief to each tradesperson
Write down exactly what you want done and give it to every contractor who visits. This ensures everyone is quoting for the same scope of work, which makes comparisons much easier.
2. Always ask for a written estimate
A proper estimate should clearly state the total cost, what’s included, and whether materials are covered. Ask if waste disposal is part of the quote, as this can vary.
3. Look out for hidden extras
Make sure there are no vague or “to be confirmed” items. If something is uncertain, ask for clarification in writing.
4. Ask to see previous work
Most professional tradespeople have a portfolio of past projects or online reviews. This can help you get a sense of their style, standards, and reliability.
5. Check for public liability insurance
A reputable business should be fully insured. This protects both you and the tradesperson in the unlikely event something goes wrong.
6. Be cautious with deposits
We recommend never paying more than 20% upfront. Unfortunately, there are too many stories of customers paying 50% or more only for the tradesperson to disappear or leave the job unfinished.
7. Don’t rush your decision
Take your time. Once you’ve gathered your estimates, sit down, have a cup of tea, and go through them carefully. Choose the person who makes you feel confident, not just the one offering the lowest price.
8. Leave feedback afterwards
Sharing your experience helps others make better decisions—and supports honest, hardworking professionals.
At Total Interior, we’re proud that most of our work comes through word of mouth and recommendations. We offer free, no-obligation estimates, a transparent pricing structure, and a 12-month guarantee on all work as standard.
Why choose Total Interior?
Professional & Reliable Tradespeople
We turn up on time, complete projects to the highest standards, and leave your home clean and tidy.
Comprehensive Interior Services
From plastering and painting to full kitchen and bathroom installations, we manage your project from start to finish.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
We’re proud that most of our work comes through recommendations. Every job is completed with your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Free 12-Month Guarantee
Enjoy peace of mind with our complimentary one-year guarantee on all workmanship.
Registered Waste Carrier
We recommend that customers dispose of all waste from jobs we complete but we do offer responsible waste disposal services at an additional cost if preferred.
Get in touch today
Arrange your free consultation and see how we can help improve your home