Meet Alex Gonda, Owner & Director Of P&F Painting Solutions
I’m Alex Gonda, owner and director of P&F Painting Solutions.
I have more than ten years of painting and decorating experience, working across private homes, high-end residential refurbishments and larger commercial projects.
I have also managed teams of up to eight subcontractors, giving me practical experience in organisation, quality control, scheduling and project delivery.
For me, professional decorating is not just about applying paint. It is about preparation, communication, planning and delivering what you have promised.
Why I Chose Painting & Decorating
I have always enjoyed practical work where you can clearly see the difference you have made.
Painting and decorating gives me that, while also combining:
- Practical skill
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Planning
- Visible transformation
I purchased P&F Painting Solutions because I wanted greater control over the quality of the work and the opportunity to provide a more reliable, professional service.
Taking P&F Forward
P&F Painting Solutions was established in 2014, originally carrying out smaller residential decorating projects.
I became director in 2020 and focused on building a more structured business capable of managing larger domestic and commercial projects.
Today, our work can involve:
- Residential and commercial decorating
- Larger teams and subcontractors
- Full refurbishments
- Specialist equipment
- Detailed scheduling
- Commercial documentation and planning
I want the business to continue growing, but not at the expense of quality.
What P&F Means To Me
The P&F name originally represented the surnames of the previous owners.
When I took over, I kept the established name but gave it a new meaning:
Professional & Flexible.
That reflects how I want us to work.
We should always maintain professional standards while being flexible enough to adapt to each client, property and project.
For me, the difference is often in the details customers do not immediately see.
A professional contractor should:
- Prepare surfaces properly
- Protect the property
- Use the right materials
- Avoid rushing the finishing stages
- Communicate clearly
- Turn up when agreed
- Leave the working area clean
Painting ability matters, but reliability and communication matter just as much.
Preparation is one of the most important parts of decorating.
Depending on the surface, this may include:
- Cleaning
- Repairs
- Filling
- Sanding
- Priming
- Stain treatment
Even excellent paint will not give a professional, durable finish if the surface underneath has not been prepared correctly.
Preparation often takes longer than painting, but it helps prevent peeling, cracking, staining and uneven finishes.
Before I consider a decorating project complete, I look closely at:
- Consistency of the finish
- Sharp lines and edges
- Smooth, properly covered surfaces
- Woodwork
- Sockets and fittings
- Windows and corners
- Areas viewed in natural light
- The cleanliness of the finished workspace
Most importantly, I make sure the result matches what we agreed with the client.
I particularly enjoy projects where planning and attention to detail make a noticeable difference.
These include:
- High-quality residential refurbishments
- Period and older properties
- Full home redecorations
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Retail premises and warehouses
- Refurbishment projects
- Projects with demanding deadlines
Every property presents different challenges, and I enjoy finding the right solution rather than treating every project the same way.
How I Work With Clients
Before work starts, I discuss the project carefully with the client and inspect the property or site.
I want to understand:
- The required finish
- Colours and product preferences
- How the space is used
- The timescale
- Any concerns or problem areas
I then provide a clear written quotation setting out the agreed scope.
Communication continues throughout the project. If something unexpected is discovered, I explain the issue, discuss the options and agree any additional costs before proceeding.
That keeps the client informed and in control.
What Clients Can Expect From P&F
I believe clients value our:
- Reliability
- Clear communication
- Professional approach
- Respect for their property
- Attention to detail
- High standard of finish
P&F Painting Solutions also holds £5 million Public Liability Insurance and can provide appropriate planning and documentation for larger commercial projects.
From Woking To Farnborough
P&F relocated from Woking to Farnborough in 2025 following my own move.
Farnborough gives us a strong base for working across:
- Hampshire
- Surrey
- Berkshire
- Surrounding areas
It also places us close to a wide mix of residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Our experience across Surrey and Hampshire has taught me to adapt our approach depending on the environment. A high-end home may require exceptional decorative detail, while a commercial project may depend more heavily on scheduling, teamwork and minimising disruption.
Building P&F Around Contract Work
Commercial and contract work is an important part of where I want to take the business.
We are looking to build long-term relationships with:
- Main contractors
- Property managers
- Facilities management companies
- Developers
- Commercial property owners
We can also work as a decorating subcontractor, supporting refurbishment and maintenance programmes.
Commercial projects often require careful planning around access, staffing, equipment, deadlines and the way a building operates.
Where necessary, we can work in stages, outside normal business hours or at weekends to minimise disruption.
The Best Lesson I Have Learned
One lesson has stayed with me throughout my career:
Your reputation is built on the promises you keep.
Good workmanship is essential, but being honest, arriving when agreed and taking responsibility when something goes wrong are just as important.
That reliability is what creates repeat business and recommendations.
The Person Behind P&F
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, travelling and discovering new places.
I’m also interested in business and property and enjoy learning about new opportunities.
Even when I am away from decorating, I often find myself thinking about how properties or businesses could be improved.
What I Am Most Proud Of
I am proud that P&F has developed from smaller decorating projects into a business capable of completing substantial residential and commercial work.
I am particularly proud of:
- Building a strong reputation
- Managing larger teams
- Winning repeat work
- Receiving recommendations
- Progressing into larger projects
- Growing without losing our focus on quality
Where I Want To Take P&F Next
My goal is for P&F Painting Solutions to become a recognised and trusted painting and decorating contractor across Hampshire, Surrey and the surrounding counties.
That means:
- Building a reliable team
- Securing more commercial contracts
- Developing long-term contractor relationships
- Supporting refurbishment and maintenance programmes
- Taking on larger residential and commercial projects
As we grow, I still want clients to feel that someone is personally taking responsibility for their project and cares about the finished result.
My Approach In One Sentence
Whether we are redecorating a home or managing a larger commercial contract, my approach remains the same:
Prepare properly, communicate clearly and deliver what we have promised.
Alex Gonda
Owner & Director
P&F Painting Solutions
Item added to cart