Handy Hints to Help You Choose a Painting Contractor
Busy schedules and lack of talent in rolling paint in a straight line are two likely reasons to book a painting contractor. There are some things to watch out for when it comes to outsourcing your painting project to a professional. Legitimacy, a good price and having a reliable crew are a few of many things that can turn on you quickly.
The Money Factor
One of the first things you should do is obtain a quote from the painting contractor to determine how much you can expect to spend. Make sure that this quote includes an estimate which breaks down each line item of the job so that they are no surprises down the road. Always ask what the price quoted includes as some painting contractors throw in wall patching and taping areas around the home for free while others sort of hide it in their quote.
Check Business Reputation
Before hiring your painting contractor, you might want to consider checking to their background to ensure that their business practices are al above board. Call your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against the painting contractor and if there are any unresolved disputes.
Talk with the painting contractor to ensure that he and his crew will be the ones completing the job, not a subcontractor. Read the fine print in the estimate or contract to check what the painting contractor will be responsible for as far as removing hardware, taking down pictures in order to paint and any other minor detail like that.
Ask to see samples of the painting contractor's previous work so that you can rest assured you are choosing the right person for the job. Everyone has a different style so viewing the samples will allow you to tell whether your style and that of the painting contractor will mesh. Talk with your friends and neighbors about who they hired to do some of painting and ask for referrals. Word of mouth is the best way to find a painting contractor as you are likely to trust a friend or neighbor who has had actual experience with them.
Shop Around
It is super important that you shop around for a painting contractor as pricing, talent and good business practices may differ from person to person. Some contractors will mark up their supplies and services quite a bit while others are eager for your business and will take only a nominal fee above and beyond the materials and labor costs of the painting crew. Having several estimates will make your selection that much easier when it comes to choosing a paint contractor.
