How to Pick a Good House Painting Contractor If you’re looking for a painting contractor to repaint your home’s exterior, there’s much to be considered. Besides, these pros are not all created equal, so you have to know how to assess them and choose wisely. Begin with two or three different prospects. Call these contractors and ask them to come and meet you in your home. You need to be there so you can see how long it took them to check things out. Usually, longer is better.
Why People Think Painters Are A Good Idea
Present your expectations.
Figuring Out Painters
How many coats must be applied isn’t the only factor that affects the price and quality of the job. Preparation is crucial as well. For instance, if you’re looking for totally smooth and even results – that is, free from any remnants of previous paint jobs – make it known to the contractors, and don’t be surprised if they charge you extra for it. Get a written estimate from each of your prospects. This should include every single detail that affects the outcome of the project, from labor to surface preparation requirements to primer and paint coats and the rest. Talk to references and look at previous jobs. If you get good feedback about the contractors, that’s clearly a positive sign. However, don’t be happy with mere words. Ask them if you may visit them and look at the contractors’ work. The older the projects, the better – you want to see how they’re holding up. Review the contractors’ credentials. Membership in a trade association or business group makes no guarantee of good work, but it indicates the level of commitment and reliability of the contractor. Also find out if the contractor has any unresolved complaints filed by previous clients (your attorney-general’s office and the Business Business Bureau) and if they even have the appropriate licenses to begin with (your state’s Contractor’s License Reference website). Have a written contract and make sure it’s complete. To be complete, a contract should have the contractor’s name, office landline and cellphone number, office address, and license number, plus every single detail included in the written estimate. Most importantly, the document should clearly state what is and what is not part of the job, including the start and end dates. You shouldn’t have to pay for the project in full until you are completely satisfied with the result. A 10-15% deposit may be required. Make it a point to get a copy of the pro’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. Needless to say, don’t use a contractor who is not insured. Demand a guarantee. You should get a guarantee for chipping, excessive fading, peeling or any other quality issues within a period of two years after completion of the project. Finally, remember that labor warranty and paint warranty are not the same.