Tips for Hiring a Professional Painter

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Painting isn’t cheap, and you want to be sure the painter you hire will provide high quality results. This guide will cover a few things you should look for during the hiring process.

A good contractor should be happy to answer any questions you have about their work and experience. They should also be able to provide a detailed proposal, insurance and workman’s comp information.

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Ask for Recommendations

Painters are constantly standing on ladders, climbing on roofs, and leaning out windows. They’re not only in danger of falling but also risking their own health by pushing themselves past their comfort zones.

A reputable painter should be more than happy to provide references from previous clients. If they’re not, you might want to consider finding someone else.

You can find a lot of information about painting companies by using websites like Angie’s List, Yelp, or Google Reviews. Just put your town and “painter” in the search box and look through what comes up.

Ask how the painter’s team prepares your home for work. For example, do they cover your furniture or do they expect you to move everything? This is important to know up front, because some painters will simply move your furniture to the center of the room while others might require you to remove it. They may also use plastic sheets to protect your flooring or they might ask you to lay down tarps.

Get a Written Estimate

Painting is a labor-intensive, detailed job that requires time and attention to detail. Whether it’s interior or exterior, it should be handled by a professional painting contractor who has the expertise and experience to ensure your project goes smoothly.

When hiring a painting contractor, it is best to get three quotes to compare prices and quality. Aim to find a painter who offers competitive pricing without cutting corners or skipping important steps in the painting process.

Aside from comparing the cost of materials, be sure to consider indirect costs. These include monthly payments for equipment and work vehicles, overhead, salary for support staff and benefits.

It is also a good idea to ask your contractor for a written contract that clearly outlines the details of your project. This will help to manage expectations (especially your own!) and avoid unexpected expenses down the road. For an easy way to create and deliver accurate estimates, download Joist’s free estimating app for iPhone or Android devices.

Check for Liability Insurance

Most people think that painting is a simple task-you dip a brush into paint and apply it evenly to walls. And while 90% of the time it is a relatively easy process, there is still a lot that goes into a professional painting job.

When you meet with a prospective contractor, he or she should communicate clearly the steps that will be taken to complete your project. You should also receive a detailed estimate, including the cost of materials, labor and cleanup.

You should expect a professional painter to do a walk-through of your home before the start date of your painting project. He or she will take measurements, ask questions and may even take pictures.

Some painters are one-person shows, and while they may have great recommendations from friends and family, they may not carry the liability insurance, workman’s compensation and large ladders that a larger, more reputable company would. It’s worth asking the smaller companies for proof of insurance and testimonials.

Read Reviews

Most people think painting is a simple task: dip a brush in paint, and then spread it evenly over walls. Sadly, there’s much more to painting than meets the eye. Using the right tools and knowing how to prep surfaces can save you money, time, and headaches in the long run.

When you’re searching for a painter, make sure to read reviews. This will give you a better idea of who is trustworthy and reputable. Look for a comprehensive write-up that covers multiple aspects of the experience. Some reviews may even turn into essays, but this is a good sign that the reviewer took the time to be thorough and detail-oriented.

You should also ask for a gallery of past work. A professional painter should be able to show you a photo album or drive to physical locations to see their work for yourself. They should also be able to provide a rough estimate on the spot or a detailed quote that includes labor, materials, travel (if charged), and paint.