Painting is one of the fastest ways to increase your home’s value and improve its aesthetics. A fresh coat can brighten the rooms and make your exterior look even newer. While some homeowners consider painting a DIY project, it may be more work than you can handle.
Professional painting contractors have the sufficient tools and staffing required to handle and complete your project on time and within budget. With some referrals, research, and knowing the right questions to ask, you can quickly identify a suitable painting contractor.
Here’s how to find an experienced house painting contractor.
Table of Contents
Plan Your Project Before You Start Looking
The first step to finding the right painting contractor is understanding your needs. Planning the whole project will guide you on who you are looking for and where to start looking. Start with your project size and note down every area that needs painting. It should determine the extent of the labor force you seek in a contractor.
Next, what type of project is it? Is it a new construction or a home remodeling? Different contractors specialize in different kinds of projects, and this should guide your search. Make a budget for the job and create a margin for what you can afford. Do you need exterior or interior painting? – this will also fall under the contractor’s specialization and should guide your cost estimations too.
Finally, what is your desired time frame for the project? Decide if you will reside in the same place when the painting is being done or need to move. You want to ensure that you only check for contractors that can deliver within this period, as per your living arrangement.
With your thoughts and needs organized, you can now move to the search for a contractor that can meet them.
Get Referrals For Painting Contractors Near You
Referrals are the best way to know about a contractor’s work. Ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also ask the paint stores near you or contact other contractors in the construction field, and they could recommend a few peers.
The internet is an excellent source of referrals. Google ‘experienced house painting contractor near you’ and read their reviews. Check for sites that give unbiased customer reviews. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a list of potential contractors.
Check For Qualifications
Researching their professional qualifications is the next step to narrowing down to an experienced house painting contractor. Find out if the contractor is insured. You can find information on the qualifications page on their website.
Check that your local licensing board licenses them. Do an internet search of your local legal requirements for painters in your area, then make a checklist. At this point, you will only move to the next step with contractors that have met the requirements.
Apart from professional qualifications, this stage is an excellent opportunity to glimpse their previous work as you go through their website. Does their work reflect the quality you are looking for?
Vet The Potential House Painting Contractor
By now, you have narrowed it down to just a few choices: your top prospects. Personal interaction via call or even in person will let you know what to expect when working with them.
Here are the right questions when vetting an experienced house painting contractor.
- How long have you been operating? You’re generally looking for an established contractor with years of experience.
- May I see a portfolio of your past work? – This will help determine if their style fits your specific needs. Some contractors may go the extra mile and even attach some past clients for you to contact.
- Are you insured and licensed? – This should be an insurance declaration page with a summary of their coverage.
- How long will it take to complete my project? It’s a good idea to determine how long they would take on your job and see if the timeline works for you.
- What type of paint will you use? Many painting contractors have their paint. It’s essential to ensure it is top-notch quality.
- Are there any extra costs? Some contractors may charge extra for moving heavy furniture, painting crown molding, etc.
- What are your procedures and payment plans? Ask about their procedure. Will they require you to move from home? Which payment method is needed, and is a payment plan an option?
Get An Estimate Quote
After vetting sessions, you already know the contractor you’re inclined to choose, but how much do they charge? Give the project details to the contractor you have in mind and ask for a price estimate. Do the same with two other options you considered and compare.
The reason for the comparison is ideally not to go for the cheapest choice but to help you gauge the market value of the service. The range should let you know whether you are being highly overcharged or are within reason.
Remember not to compromise on working with an experienced paint contractor due to costs. If your preferred contractor from the vetting stage is slightly more expensive than your other options, consider expanding your budget. A compromise on price saves you a compromise on quality, which is even more costly.
In general, compare the price to the quality of work, experience level, project timeline, and any other deliverables you may have. You can also request that the price estimate is broken down into paint, labor, and materials to understand each component. Once decided, ensure you have gotten all the estimates in writing. Only agree to work with a contractor willing to get the agreement in writing.
Entrust A Professional With Your Project
Whether it’s a new home or a renovation project, working with a qualified professional can do wonders for your house. Preparing to make this hire is as important as the actual painting. Take time to look for referrals, read reviews and get references.
Only hire insured and licensed painters in your area whose price and work quality matches your needs. Once you have a contractor, sign a contract and arrange payment. Finally, let go and watch the professionals bring your project to life.
