Tips for Hiring an Experienced Painter

Over the course of my 30-year career as a painter check this, dozens have been told to me about the bad experiences that customers had with contractors. Painting contractors are the most common source of horror stories. They take a down payment, and then leave without ever returning. They were actually thieves. It is one of many common customer stories. This article will tell you what to look for in a painting contractor.

Many ways exist to find an experienced painting contractor. These include the Internet or yellow pages. You can ask co-workers and friends who have worked with them in the past. They will also be able to tell you about their experience. You should ask if they’re satisfied with the service, how much the work cost, and how long the project took. Also, ask for recommendations from your local store. If none are successful, contact your Better Business Bureau and ask them to recommend someone. Ask first for the certificate. The best contracting firms will happily provide copies of the insurance certificates. While not all municipalities or states require licensing for contractors, registering in the locality as well as state is an excellent minimum.

It is a good idea to ask contractors for recommendations who you believe are the most reputable. Honestly discuss the service that they received. Ask questions about services and money. To be certain that you’re hiring an expert, ask questions about quality and price. One cannot understate the importance a written contract. Contractors with a good reputation will always encourage you to use written contracts. The contract must be clearly defined. This contract should include the items that are important to you, such as the painting surface and the preparation of the surface, the duration of the project, the payment method, etc. It is easier to estimate the cost of various contractors if you document their entire scope of works. Both the contractor and you will benefit from a contract.

A good question to ask is how long the business has been around. Painting is a business that sees a lot turnover. Be sure to hire someone with at least 5 years of experience in the industry. It is important to ask the workers about their experience, because some firms hire people with little or zero experience just to cut costs. Also, you should ask about the work that the painting contractor will do. This is because the preparation step is crucial in the painting process. The painting contractor may have suggestions about the best materials for your job. Painting contractors have the ability to recommend paints and colors.

You should also find out if the contractor has included a paint warranty. Ask the contractor to specify how long his work will be warranted. Just stating a warranty is not sufficient. The warranty should be in written form and must contain any limitations. Many contractors request an initial payment upon signing the agreement. Verify all references of the contractor before a downpayment is made. You should be cautious of contractors who demand a substantial down payment. Do not pay more than 20% in advance.

Comparing quotes takes time. It is not always the best decision to choose the lowest cost. You can ask the contractors for an explanation if there is a wide range in their bids. All contractors use the exact same colors and materials. It is possible that the lowest price bidder will cut corners on quality. It’s not the lowest bidder that you should be looking at first. If you need someone to paint your house make sure that they are skilled, experienced, insured, have a good crew, and are well-versed in the painting process. Like in many industries, what you pay for is what you get. They will do everything they can to earn your business. The best professional painting contractors will offer you references, insurance documents and give advice on the color and finish. After you’ve decided, let the professional painter do the job you requested. If you want a professional, high-quality painting service, be prepared to spend the money.