A national trade body is calling on householders to check the credentials of painters and decorators before allowing work to start on their home.

The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) has an online database of its members, who are all trained, insured and experienced operatives, who commit to the Associations Code of Practice.

Householders can also check the credentials of painting and decorating businesses by telephoning the PDA head office.

PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie, said: “PDA members have to fulfil our robust membership criteria and commit to our Code of Practice before they are able to display our trademarked logo.

“We always recommend people choose a PDA member to ensure a quality job at a reasonable price, but we are aware that some painters and decorators are claiming to be PDA members when they are not.

“For peace of mind that you are engaging a trained, insured and experienced decorator, who is subject to the PDA’s impartial mediation and arbitration service, we recommend that householders make their initial search for a trader through our website.

“Some members are not online, so to check their PDA membership, householders can also telephone the friendly team at PDA Head Office, or ask to see the decorator’s PDA membership card, which will have their name, membership number and dates of validity on it.”

To find a PDA member visit: paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk/find-a-member or telephone: 024 7635 3776.