The best painting contractors can transform your interior and exterior spaces into the home you’ve always dreamed of. They can also save you the time and hassle of doing it yourself, or hiring inexperienced amateurs who may deliver less than spectacular results. But before you hire someone, do some homework to find the right fit for your project. Research online using your ZIP code and you’ll likely yield a long list of painting contractors near me with ratings, customer testimonials, and websites to check out.
When interviewing candidates, make sure you’re clear on pricing and what is included in the job. A professional painter should be prepared to explain what he’s charging for labor, materials, and travel (if applicable) in detail. He should also provide a detailed estimate with a breakdown of each item. If the estimate seems choppy or looks like it was scribbled on a napkin, run away!
Do you offer a warranty on your work? If so, what does it cover? This is a big question to ask, because it’s not uncommon for companies to cut costs by skipping this step. Look for a company that guarantees its work against flaking, blistering, excessive fading or chalking for two years after the project is completed.
How do you plan to prepare surfaces before painting? This is another important question to ask, because not all painting contractors include surface preparation as part of their base price. This is a key step in ensuring a quality paint job. Look for a company that will sand and scrape rough areas, fill in holes and cracks, remove wallpaper, priming the surface, and cleaning all areas to be painted.
Do your painters require that the homeowner move furniture? This is a common request, and it’s worth considering before you hire a company. The answer will influence how much prep work you need to do, and it’ll impact the overall project cost.
Lastly, it’s essential to choose a company that is licensed, insured, and bonded. Choosing a contractor without insurance leaves you vulnerable if something goes wrong, like if one of their crew members gets injured on the job or if they damage your property during the paint job. Verify that the company has general business liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and get a copy of their insurance policies for your records.
Hiring a reputable painting contractor can help you ensure that your next painting project is done properly and on budget. By asking the right questions, selecting a qualified company, and getting a thorough written contract, you can rest assured that your next painting project will be a success.