How to Find the Right Painting Contractor For Your Home

Your home is your showplace, and you don’t want to trust it to just anyone.

When you’re ready to hire a home painting contractor, you need to do your homework. There are many common mistakes when it comes to finding the right person to paint your home, and you want to avoid making them. Painting requires a certain type of expertise that goes beyond rolling your color of choice onto the walls. If you make the right choice the first time, you will enjoy the results for years to come.

Here are some tips on how to find the right painter for your project

Ask Around

Word-of-mouth is generally the best way to find a painter. Once you’ve decided on your painting project, ask friends, neighbors and colleagues if they know anyone. Chances are, you’ll be able to find the best candidates from people you know.

Don’t Interview Just One

Once you’ve got a few names and phone numbers, don’t interview just one painter. Interview at least three contractors separately and get a feel for which one accurately shares your vision, and who seems most competent to do the job.

Get Estimates From All the Candidates

When a painter agrees to take on a job, he or she should provide an estimate. Those estimates should not differ wildly from one another. Based on the number of rooms, and the amount of work involved, the estimates should be in the same ballpark. If there is a huge difference between them, you need to ask why. It could be that the painter is attempting to cut corners if the estimate is low, or padding the charges if it seems unreasonably high.

Provide All the Details About Your Project

Make sure you give all the details to prospective painters when they come to your home. Be specific about what you want done in each room, down to the color and the type of paint you want used. Moreover, make sure you show the painter any damage that needs addressing, and whether or not you want trim and moldings painted as well.

Note the Painters’ Behavior

As you meet with each painter, look for certain signs and behavior patterns:

• Does the painter seem experienced and professional?
• Is the painter businesslike and courteous?
• Does the painter have a full schedule? The good ones are usually always busy.
• Does the painter return phone calls and provide information in a timely manner?
• Does the contractor show up on time for appointments?

It is worth noting that you should also be conscious of the painter’s behavior when asking these questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed, insured and bonded by the state?
• Do you subcontract work or perform it yourself?
• Can you provide references?
• Which products do you use?
• Do you guarantee your work for a specific period of time?

Check References

Get at least three references from each painter you interview. Don’t just get them; call them. Speak to them and ask if you can come by to take a look at the work to see how well it has held up over time.

Read the Contract

Once you’ve decided on a painting contractor, review the contract thoroughly. Make sure the details include the following:

• The contract should state which room or rooms are being painted.
• Paint types and colors should be listed.
• How does the painter plan to protect items not being painted?
• How much time will the project take?
• Will the painter be responsible for preparations and clean-up?
• Deposits and payment schedules should be clearly noted.

By taking these important steps, you’ll feel confident about hiring the painting contractor that’s right for your project. Soon, you’ll be enjoying your newly painted home for years to come.

Contact us for a free on-site inspection and estimate today!