Painting is one of the most popular home improvement projects. Some people decide to go DIY, while others want to ensure pro results and hire contractors. In a nutshell, you have a chance to potentially save money on one hand or time and effort on the other. When it comes to the latter case, the success of the project depends on the choice of the painting contractor. The workmanship eventually shows, but it is better to be on the safe side.
On the fence
Selecting the right painter is not as simple as it sounds. There are various factors you can base your decision on, including reputation, price, or mere hunch. What you do not have is a silver bullet or a one-size-fits all solution. Painters vary widely in terms of quality of service they provide and smoke and mirror tricks are not uncommon. Besides, painters will spend a lot of time in your space, and you do not want to let just anyone in.
Many entrepreneurs and homeowners decide to conduct an online research. This approach can prove to be fruitful, provided that you really do the homework. Others prefer to ask friends, family members, colleagues, and other for recommendations. This makes sense considering that you can trust these people more than contractors themselves, who might be unqualified, unlicensed, or shady for all you know.
Million dollar questions
As for the factors you should weigh, we first come across contractor’s experience. Namely, it helps if you assess how long the contractor has been in the business. Years of successful operating tend to leave the trace in the form of content customers. Thus, try to find their reviews, comments, and testimonials. They speak volumes about the contractor’s competence and credibility.
Asking questions always goes a long way in allowing you to make informed decisions. And since one of the key stages of painting is preparation, you want to make certain that the contractor will not dodge prep work or cut corners. Furthermore, shed some light on techniques, materials, and products will be used. All of these elements must be put into a written contract.
Numbers game
Bear in mind that reputable companies go an extra mile and provide guarantees on paint products as well as preparation and application processes. Of course, you also want to know the exact price before the work commences. Be wary of contractors that are able to come up only with a ballpark figure and do not make the mistake of picking a contractor that offers the lowest price.
You do not have to spend a truckload of money either. It is advisable to factor in price as just one of the indicators and not necessarily the most pertinent one. For example, it pays off to see whether the contractor employs painters directly or as subcontractors. This aspect matters because in direct employees, unlike subcontractors, are covered by workers’ insurance and general liability insurance policies.
Keep your options open
Another thing to take into account is the type of space you want to be painted. Size and layout determine the scope of the work. There are different requirements when it comes to residential and commercial spaces. In case you own a commercial space, for instance, you might want to hire industrial painters who work with specialized coating for specific applications.
There are some other questions that are worth asking, such as the length of the warranty, but we will not go into more detail. Remember that the most important thing for you is to do the homework. Strive to get multiple bids before making a call and carefully weigh the offers according to factors we have mentioned earlier. Steer away from the bad contracting experience and complete the project with flying colors.
For good measure
Painting is a serious project that needs to be planned, managed, and executed well. And since anyone with a paintbrush and a business card can masquerade as a contractor, you must cover all the bases. Do not be left in the dark concerning any aspect or detail of a project. Opt for a well-established contractor who meets your needs, budget, and expectations. Measure twice and cut once.