This article is going to help you ask the right questions when hiring a painting contractor.
Fading colors, wall stains, and scuffs sometimes become unbearable to look at. You conclude that it’s time to have an interior painter to come in. But before that, there are important questions to ask your painting contractor to ensure that you’re hiring the right one.
How much will an interior painting job cost?
Although this question to ask your painting contractor seems to have an obvious answer, you would be shocked to learn how many people do not get the cost of an interior painting job before the project starts. It’s a common practice for some paint contractors to suddenly do extra work because it’s “needed”. Then it comes down to “needing” more paint supplies that will be added to the final invoice. Once the final invoice has been handed to the homeowner, they’re often surprised. Always get a contract signed before starting a project.
Does the painting company have references available?
Most businesses ask for references before being considered for an interview and hire. Why not ask a painting company for their references? After all, it is your money that will be used to pay them. It’s highly recommended to check past references from customers and if possible, contact them to converse about what work was done and how was their experience.
Do they have a picture portfolio of past jobs?
Along with references, it’s a big help to see pictures of previous interior painting work. This helps you get a visual of what the painter’s quality of work is like. Low-quality photos will not suffice. High-quality photos should include their staff working and make sure they are not stock photographs that are being used. Observe all corners with clean-cut lines that have dissimilar, including wall finishes.
Do they hire subcontractors?
It is vital that reputable interior painting companies do not hire subcontractors. This leads to unprofessional and unskilled painters working on your interior. If that low estimate seems too good to be true, more than likely it is and the reason being they hired inexperienced workers for the job.
How much room prepping will be needed for painting?
Professional painters will move smaller furniture into another room, cover any floors and remaining furniture with tarps, and use painter’s tape to tape around doorframes and windows. Although, there are other steps the customer should follow which includes removing any artwork or photographs from the walls and removing any breakable knickknacks or tabletop décor into another room.
Can you provide proof of general liability insurance?
Reputable painting contractors are good about keeping their liability insurance up-to-date. This is important to protect any of your assets that may get damaged during painting or if some other unforeseeable accident occurs. Without adequate coverage, you, the homeowner, could possibly be held liable for any workers that are hurt on your property. Additionally, most painting companies will provide a warranty for their work.
