How to Choose a House Painting Contractor If you’re searching for a professional painter to give your home exterior a fresh coat of paint, you have a few things to look into. After all, there can be huge differences among these pros, and you need to know just how to assess the so you can make a smart choice. Start with at least two or three prospects. Give these contractors a call and have them visit you in your home. It’s important for you to be there so you know just how much time they spent checking things out. Longer is better in most cases.
Understanding Painters
Lay down 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. If you’re going for total smoothness and evenness of the surface, with zero traces of earlier paint jobs, tell the contractors but be prepared for additional charges. Get a written estimate from each of your prospects. This should cover everything, from number of paint and primer coats to brands to labor costs and all. Talk to references and look at previous jobs. If you get good feedback about the contractors, that’s clearly a positive sign. Don’t just leave it all to words though. 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 your prospects’ credentials. Membership in a business association may not guarantee quality work, but it shows that the contractor is reliable and committed to the industry. Also take time to check if they have the necessary licenses (visit your state’s Contactor’s License Reference website) and whether they have a history of unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau or with your attorney-general’s office. Have a written contract and make sure it’s complete. A complete contact will have the contractor’s business information – contractor’s name, office address, cellphone and office landline number, and license number – plus all details in the written estimate. Most importantly, this document should explicitly state the project’s start and end dates, and what are and what are not included. You shouldn’t be made to pay in full until you are finally satisfied with the outcome. A 10-15% deposit may be required. Don’t forget to get a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificates (liability and workers’ compensation). Needless to say, never deal with an uninsured contractor. Demand a guarantee. Make sure you get a guarantee against quality issues like peeling, chalking, blistering, etc. for the first two years following the project’s completion. Finally, take note that paint warranty is separate from labor warranty.