Before hiring a painting contractor, make sure to check the company’s references, insurance certificates, and portfolio. If the painting contractor doesn’t provide these documents, ask for them. Also, ask for proof of their training. If the painting contractor claims to have trained their employees for more than three years, you may want to ask to see the documents to verify the information. An experienced painting contractor will have many references, and a portfolio will be an excellent way to see their level of knowledge about color, products, and trends.
One of the most effective referral sources for a painting contractor is word of mouth. You can ask friends and family to give you a recommendation, and if they’ve had a good experience, you’ll want to listen. Ask your prospective painting contractor for the names and contact numbers of three satisfied customers. You can then call these references to ask questions about the quality of their work, their attention to detail, and their schedule flexibility. Remember that the more references a painting contractor has, the better.
Ask to see references. Before hiring a painting contractor, ask to see photographs. It is also helpful to check how accessible a painting contractor is. If they take four days to return your call, that’s a red flag. Make sure to get everything in writing, including the surfaces to be painted, the extent of surface preparation, payment procedures, and their warranty. Make sure to follow up with their references. And always ask for references!
If you plan on being home during the painting project, it’s important to know the contractor’s schedule. Ask whether they’ll be available to come back to your home at different times. Also, make sure you find out whether the contractor will need to move furniture or do other work before they begin the painting. Knowing what the contractor needs to do before they begin their work can ensure a high-quality paint job. The best painting contractors will follow through from start to finish.
Check if the painting contractor is a member of city trade associations. Membership in these organizations can help a painting contractor stay up-to-date with local business practices and increase their reputation. Unfortunately, some painting contractors have figured out ways to deceive customers by forming fake organizations or placing accreditation stamps on their materials. If you have any doubts about the quality of their work, look elsewhere. It may be easier to hire a painting contractor with a BBB accreditation.
When hiring a painting contractor, make sure to get several estimates. Remember to avoid painters who offer ridiculously low estimates. Those low prices can end up costing you more money in the long run. Make sure you ask for references and recommendations from previous customers. Check out HomeAdvisor for painting contractors in your state. You can even compare quotes by contacting these painters directly. If you’re unsure about hiring a painting contractor, give us a call today!