This guide outlines the factors you should consider when hiring a painting contractor for any home renovation work.
A new painting project can have the ability to completely change the look and feel of your home. While there are various types of painting jobs that you can choose to tackle on your own, it’s often more cost-effective to hire a painting contractor to do the work instead.
However, that doesn’t mean you should just hire any painting contractor… there are certain characteristics you should look for in your professional painter that will help ensure your project comes out looking as good as possible, just like painters in Adelaide who you can trust.
Steps to find the best painting contractor
This article will discuss choosing the right professional painter for your next project.
Fully research and explore options
There are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind when hiring a painting contractor, whether its to renovate your home for yourself or to fix things to sell your home. First, be sure to get multiple bids on your project. This will help ensure you’re getting a fair price. Second, ask for references and check them out. Make sure the contractor has a good reputation.
Third, make sure they are properly licensed and insured. Fourth, get everything in writing. Fifth, make sure they are experienced in the type of paint you need to be done. Sixth, ask about warranties or guarantees. Seventh, make sure they are punctual and professional. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the right house painter for your project.
Get quotes from more than one painting contractor
When you’re ready to start getting price quotes from contractors, be sure to:
- Get at least three quotes. This will give you a good sense of the range of prices for your project.
- Ask each painting contractor for a list of references. This way, you can check out their work firsthand and get a feel for their professionalism.
- Make sure each quote is itemized so you can compare apples to apples.
- Ask if the quote is firm or an estimate (so you know if the price could change).
- Find out what kind of warranty or guarantee they offer on their work.
- Inquire about insurance- both workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Create a list of questions
Asking the right questions can mean the difference between a good paint job and a great one. Here are 7 things to consider when hiring a painting contractor:
- What is their experience?
- Do they have liability insurance?
- What type of paint do they use?
- What is their estimate?
- When can they start?
- How long will the project take?
- Do they offer a warranty or guarantee?
Avoid scams, ‘too good to be true’ deals
Unfortunately, not all contractors are honest and reputable. Some may try to scam you by offering too-good-to-be-true deals, or by not completing the work they promised. To avoid being scammed, be sure to do your research on any potential painting contractor before hiring them. You can check online reviews, and ask for referrals from friends or family.
Trust your gut instinct
Hiring a professional painter is a big decision. After all, they will be responsible for transforming the look of your home, office, or other space. You want to make sure you choose a painting contractor who is not only reputable and professional but also someone you can trust.
Check reviews
Checking reviews is one of the most important things you can do when choosing a painter. Not only will you be able to see what others have said about their experience, but you can also get an idea of the quality of work that they provide. If a painting contractor has mostly negative reviews, it’s probably best to steer clear.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all reviews are created equal. Some people are more critical than others, so take everything with a grain of salt. The best way to use reviews is to supplement them with your research.
Visit project sites, compare portfolios
Check your friends and family’s recommendations for a painting contractor. If they do not, search for reviews on Google. Upon finding a few candidates, visit their websites and compare their portfolios. Make sure they’re licensed and insured.
Make sure the company offers a warranty for their work, and find out how long they have been in business. Make sure you can work with them easily. Before making a final choice, get an estimate from each candidate.
Meet with at least 3 contractors
Talk to your friends and family who have gone through a similar process to get referrals, and get at least three consultations from different contractors. To properly assess their bids, be sure to ask the same questions of each painting contractor and consider all factors, including their price, estimated timeline, and level of experience.
Instead of blindly picking someone to hire for the job, find someone with a good reputation who makes you feel confident. Always sign an agreement after going over all the fine details. Be sure you are satisfied with the terms of payment.
Use referrals, networking, or past clients as resources
If you’re looking for a qualified painter, there are a few ways you can go about it. You can ask for referrals from friends or family, network with other professionals in the industry, or look for online reviews from past clients. Whichever route you choose, be sure to do your research before making any decisions.
Review contract terms before hiring a painting contractor
Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to review the contract terms with your potential painter. The following are things to look for:
- Does the contract state who is responsible for providing paint and other materials?
- What type of paint does the contractor recommend and why?
- What is the estimated timeline for the completion of the project?
- What is the payment schedule?
- Are there any penalties for delays in completing the project?
- What happens if you need to cancel the project?
- What is included in the warranty or guarantee?
Conclusion
It is important to do your research when you are choosing a painting contractor. You want to make sure that they are licensed and insured. You also want to read reviews and ask for referrals. Make sure to get a few estimates before you make your final decision. Once you have chosen a contractor, be sure to communicate your expectations. Lastly, be sure to inspect the work once it is completed.
Photo by Ivan Samkov
