Over the past 30 years, I have worked as a professional in painting and heard hundreds of horror tales learn more here. Customers tell me their experiences with hiring painting contractors. Many people have told me stories. Painting contractors have not returned a customer’s initial payment. In truth, they were fraudsters. Here are a few stories customers have told. It is possible to protect yourself when you hire a painting contractor.
You can find good painting contractors in a variety of places, such as the Yellow Pages or local papers. But the best place to start is by talking to your family members, friends and colleagues. What did they think of a certain painting contractor? Ask about the painter’s quality, price, and time it took for them to finish the task. A local paint store might also have a recommendation. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau if none of these sources lead you to an appropriate painting contractor. Begin by asking the contractor to provide an insurance certificate. Most contractors who are reputable will be happy to supply copies of their certificates. Registration is not required in all states or municipalities, but it is a minimum.
Do not hesitate to ask for references from serious contractors. Ask them to be honest and up front about their experiences. Ask any question you like about the service or price. Ask about the price and the quality of the job. Contracts in writing are essential. Most reputable contracting companies will insist that the agreement be in writing. The scope of work will be clearly defined in the contract. The contract should include the type of surface to be coated, methods and extents in which the surface is prepared, as well as timelines and payment procedures. It will be easier to compare costs if you have all of the work in writing. Both you and your contractor are protected.
A second question to ask is the length of time they have been in operation. The painting industry is known for its high turnover. You should hire someone who has been working for at least 5 years. You may want to hire people with little experience if you are looking to save money. A good painting contractor will be able to explain what preparations they’ll make. Preparing the surface for painting is crucial. You should be able get recommendations from a painting contractor. A professional painting contractor will be able to suggest paint colours, textures and finishes.
Ask if they offer a paint guarantee. The contractor will be able tell you how long the warranty lasts if it was included. Ask the contractor how long they will guarantee their work, if there was a paint warranty included. Most contractors will ask for an upfront payment as soon as you sign your contract. You should always make sure that your contractor is reputable and trustworthy. Never pay a huge downpayment. Pay no more than 20% upfront.
Compare the prices carefully. Even though the lowest price is attractive, it might not be your best value. If you notice a large difference in two bids, ask the contractor to explain why. Has everyone used the exact same paint or material? It is possible that the lowest bidder may not provide the best service. The price should not be the primary consideration. If you want to find the best painter for your job, look for someone who is experienced and skilled. They should also be fully insured. The crew should be experienced. Most of the time, you get exactly what you paid for a painting job. Painting contractors that want your business are those who will offer you references, an assurance certificate, color suggestions, finishing suggestions, and professionalism. After you have made your final decision, let the professional finish the project. It is expensive to get high-quality, professional services.