Being a homeowner, you will likely repaint your home a few differing times in the courser of owning it. So, how do you choose a good painter?
Sure, you can ask your friends and neighbors to commence with. But, what if they certainly have someone to recommend? Although many people simply pick a random name from the phone book, your better of going to a site like SmartGuy.com, which lists thousands of local professionals many with ratings you can verify.
how to find a good painter
Regardless, here are some things that may help you choose a good painter.
Make a plan. Make sure you know beforehand exactly what you want to paint and what color. To keep your costs down, you should do it right the first time. Also, when meeting with various painters, make it clear that you would like several coats, as well as the sort of paint you want to work with. Like most materials, there are better quality paints, and cheaper paints that won’t last for as long. Emphasize the necessity for proper preparation and make sure all this is in the contract you sign.
Get yourself a few estimates. Seek a written detailed estimate from each one of the painting contractors. The estimate will include a listing of labor, material costs, the amount of requested coats of primer and paint, the specific make of materials, and details of the scope of job that is to be painter.
Verify references and past jobs. Get yourself a list of past clients from each painter and call these to see how they did, just how long it took them and if they experienced any problems dealing with the painter. You might like to even ask them for references of a few jobs they did five years earlier to observe how they are supporting.
Consider reviews. Before hiring the painter, look and see if they have a BBB rating or SmartGuy rating. You can even enter their company name accompanied by what “rip off” or “scam” and discover if anything arises. You could also find some information on their company at your state’s Contractors License Reference Site.
Demand a detailed contract. Don’t assume whatever is said, however, not in writing. The contract must include all the painter’s information, including: name, address, office and cell numbers, and license number, plus whatever details were in the estimate. It’s important that the contract evidently states what’s which is not contained in the job. Also, get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. Be cautious If he lets you know that he doesn’t have coverage. If something goes wrong, you will be responsible. For example, if a worker gets hurt or damages a neighbor’s property.
Request a warranty. Worthwhile painter should be confident of his work and be happy to provide a guarantee against chipping, peeling, blistering or excessive fading or chalking that might happen a couple of years following the job is performed at no or little cost. Don’t permit the painter to let you know it isn’t necessary because the paint has a warranty, because that doesn’t cover the labor – the more expensive area of the job.
Finally, make sure you never give more than 10-20% beforehand. You don’t want the money your paying him to go to bills from his last job, rather than for your materials. Also, don’t pay him the last 20% until the whole job is done to your approval.
Picking a good painter seems easy, but it is important to use the right steps to avoid choosing the poor one. Choosing the right painter can make a huge difference in both look of what your painting, as well as your pocketbook!