Painting your home can be an exciting way to freshen up the look of your space and increase its value.
However, if you’re not a skilled painter, or if you don’t have the time and energy to take on such a project, you might want to hire a painting contractor.
Choosing a painting contractor can be daunting, but by following these five steps, you can find a reliable and experienced contractor who can get the job done right.
Quick Links
- Explore your options
- Get multiple bids
- Interview the paintings contractors
- Check Reference
- Pay it forward
- FAQ
Step 1: Explore Your Options in the area.
The first step in choosing a painting contractor is to explore your options.
Look for painting contractors in your area by doing an online search, asking friends and family for recommendations, or checking with your local chamber of commerce or home builders’ association. You can also check reviews and ratings on reputable websites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor.
Step 2: Get Multiple Bids on the job
Once you have a list of potential painting contractors, ask each one for a bid on your project. Be specific about what you want, such as the type of paint, number of coats, and any repairs or prep work that needs to be done. Compare the bids to see which one offers the best value for your money.
Step 3: Interview The Candidates and contractors
Narrow down your list of potential contractors to the top three or four, and then interview each one. Ask questions about their experience, credentials, and the type of paint and materials they use. Make sure they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. It’s also important to find out how long the project will take and if they have a warranty for their work.
Step 4: Check References and job referrals
Once you’ve interviewed the candidates, ask for references from previous clients. Contact these references and ask about their experience with the painting contractor. Were they happy with the quality of the work? Did the contractor finish the job on time and on budget? Was the contractor easy to work with?
Step 5: Pay It Forward to the painter
After you’ve chosen a painting contractor and the project is complete, pay it forward by leaving a review online or recommending the contractor to friends and family. This not only helps the contractor build their business but also helps others in your community find a reliable and skilled painting contractor.
What you should take away from this blog
Choosing a painting contractor can be a challenging task, but by following these five steps, you can find a contractor who meets your needs and budget. Remember to explore your options, get multiple bids, interview the candidates, check references, and pay it forward. With a little bit of research and due diligence, you can find a painting contractor who will bring new life to your home.
FAQ
What should I look for when exploring painting contractor options?
A: You should look for factors such as experience, expertise, quality of materials used, warranties or guarantees offered, and communication style.
How many bids should I get before choosing a painting contractor?
A: It’s recommended to get at least three bids to compare pricing, process, and quality.
What should I ask during interviews with potential painting contractors?
A: You should ask about their experience, process, team, timeline, materials and products used, and warranties or guarantees offered.
What should I look for when checking references for a painting contractor?
A: Look for feedback on their quality of work, professionalism, communication, and whether they completed the project on time and within budget.
How important is communication with a painting contractor?
A: Communication is very important as it ensures that the project runs smoothly and that you are kept up-to-date on progress and any issues that arise.
Should I choose a painting contractor based solely on the lowest bid?
A: No, the lowest bid may not always be the best option as it may indicate lower quality materials or a lack of experience.
Should I ask for a written contract with a painting contractor?
A: Yes, a written contract protects both you and the contractor and should outline the scope of work, pricing, timeline, and any warranties or guarantees.
How important is it to pay attention to a painting contractor’s safety practices?
A: Very important, as a contractor who doesn’t prioritize safety could put both their workers and your property at risk.
What types of products should I expect a professional painting contractor to use?
A: Professional contractors should use high-quality, eco-friendly, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and primer products.
Can I negotiate pricing with a painting contractor?
A: It’s possible to negotiate pricing, but be cautious of contractors who offer significant discounts as this could indicate lower quality materials or work.