Whether you want to update your living room or increase the value of your home or business, painting is a job best left to the professionals. It may seem like a D-I-Y project fit for all, but there are many steps to producing quality work.
It’s best to get bids from a few contractors so that you can compare prices as well as get a feel for who can get the job done best. You’re looking for quality so don’t skimp by going with the lowest price, but you don’t need to find the highest priced contractor either. Middle-of-the-road pricing along with a contractor who answers all your questions is a good standard.
You’ll want to consider these five things when hiring a painting contractor:
Do they come highly recommended?
Seek out recommendations from your local network — friends, family, and neighbors. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a local business and to hear quality reviews from people you trust. Look for reviews online, too, with sites like Yelp and other contractor rating sites so you can get a wide scope of what’s out there. Remember that hiring a big, renowned company doesn’t mean you’ll get better quality than a one-man show and an older company may not be as reliable as a new one. You just have to do the research.
Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
Whether or not it’s mandatory for professional painters to have all these documents, it’s safest to hire a company that does. It’s best to hire a company that is licensed in their province or state because it shows they are in good standing financially and are up to code. General liability is necessary to cover the workers, as well as you and your home. Painting can be dangerous so make sure you’re covered and not liable for damages or injuries.
What is their painting process?
Preparation or prep work is the best indicator of a company’s job quality. Do they take the necessary steps to create a perfected look or do they skimp on the order of operations? A good painting contractor will prep the location, have a specific list of steps and people involved, clean up after themselves, and put as much time into the prepping as they do the finishing. You also want to ask about their materials and the grade of the paint they use. If you have design questions, take them up on their suggestions and design knowledge, too.
Will they supply an estimate and contract?
Have your contractor come to your house and give an estimate. If the company doesn’t find a way to give you a formal estimate and take a good look at the project, don’t hire them. Some companies will give you verbal confirmation or notes on a piece of paper. Make sure you get a written estimate for both of you to abide by and a plan set in stone. The cost can change from the beginning of the project to the end, but any adjustments should require your authorization.
The great thing about hiring a specialist like a painting contractor is that you can have quality work done in a convenient amount of time. Solid research will help you choose the best candidate for the job. Afterward, you’ll have the professional look you desired without getting dirty yourself!
