Yes,, don't be tempted to tape it up,
good joints and insulation is essential,or you will suffer from false alarms or later problems as Alarm has said.Ideally the cable should be renewed, or a portion of the run renewed so the new join can't be seen or disturbed.
I for one try and avoid choc blocks ,or other kinds of junction boxes because of problems that can occur, especially when the run has been taken back and joined in a none visible location.
I prefer to solder all wiring joins and insulate each wire with heat activated shrink tube,
Just thought I would mention that if you are planning on repairing it yourself, twisting the wiring together and insulating with tape won't suffice.
I agree with Alarm, the decorator shold be held responsible for all costs regarding the repair,what ever you decide on gud luck.
e manno
August 2012