Hiring a painting contractor is an important step in your home improvement project. It is crucial to choose the right one for your home and your budget. However, it is also important to ask the right questions and to avoid being taken advantage of.
Here are some things to look for when hiring a painting contractor:
The number of years in business and their experience with various types of surfaces is another good sign that they are reputable and have the right skills to handle your job. Painters who have been in business for a long time are usually more experienced and have a track record of satisfied customers.
Find out if they have formal training programs in-house or through trade associations such as PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) or paint manufacturer’s representatives. This is a good indicator that the company knows what they are doing and has invested in their employees’ education.
Check if they have the correct insurance coverage for your property and their employees. It is best to hire a painting contractor that is covered by complex business liability with a minimum of millions of dollars in protection. This is especially important if the painters are working in or around your home and can cause damage to your structure.
A reliable painter will give you a written warranty that covers both labor and materials for a set amount of time. This will ensure that you can have the peace of mind that you need in order to get your painting project done well.
Before the work begins, ask your painting contractor to go over their plan for the entire project. This is especially helpful if you are unsure of what you want to be done and how long the entire process should take.
Your contractor should also explain their paint and color selection process and how they plan to complete the job. Be sure to listen to them if they have suggestions for colors, but be willing to make the final decision on your own as well.
The type of materials that the painting contractor will use is also important. This will impact the quality of your finished project and can be a big factor in how long the finish lasts. Many contractors will choose cheaper products to save money, but these can actually be harmful over time.
A reputable painting contractor will have a management system that ensures the workers are following a set schedule to complete each part of the work, including surface preparation and cleaning up. This will help to prevent the workers from rushing or putting too much pressure on themselves, resulting in poor quality work.
They should also provide a written contract that details what is and is not included in the project. This will make it easier for you to get the project completed on time and on budget.
Lastly, be sure to get references from past clients. The most important reason to have references is to ensure that you are choosing a contractor who has the right skills and is able to complete the job with a high level of professionalism and quality.