Are You Considering Repainting Your Home?
It’s great to spruce up your interior with a fresh lick of paint. It can bring much-needed life back into any room. But not everyone is a budding Picasso, and sometimes you need expert help.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these seven things to consider when hiring a painter to revitalize your home.
Know What You’re Looking For
Is this a paint job to spruce up your rental or your home before it goes on the market? Or are you looking for a long-lasting, quality finish for your home that’ll you’ll love?
If you’re looking for the latter, then make sure you choose someone thorough, who doesn’t skimp on the prep. But don’t be afraid of being picky and asking some questions.
For example, an important question to ask is how long the contractor has been in business. You want to hire someone with at least two years’ experience.
Also, ask how up to date they are with the latest techniques and changes. A good contractor will always be on top of their decorating game. They should be able to answer any questions you might have, and also make recommendations.
Based on your needs, they will have color and finish suggestions. They can recommend products and will have knowledge of the latest trends.
Look Up References and Reviews
The best way to get a sense for a contractor or company is to look at what other customers say. A contractor should be able to give you a list of past customers as references who you can talk to.
Also, search them on Google, Facebook, and other similar sites. You want to check out they have positive reviews. And also read the negative ones for perspective.
By going off past customers’ experiences, you’ll get a good feel for the contractor. It can tell you things like:
- their value for money
- their skills and services
- the quality of their work
- if they work hard and stay within the time frame
And so much more. You also want to make sure they offer a warranty on their job. They should offer a warranty that covers the application and preparation process. They shouldn’t only cover the paint manufacturers’ guarantees. Always make sure to go with a trusted contractor like Textbook Painting.
Make Sure They’re Insured
This is a huge must! For your protection and your home’s, you should only hire an insured contractor. They should carry both workman’s compensation and liability insurance.
Due to the high cost, a lot of contractors will skip out on the workman’s compensation. But if a worker sustained an injury on your property, this could leave you footing the bill.
Having the right insurance will protect them and their workers. But, it protects you and your home too. No one wants it to happen, but disaster can strike. Make sure that everyone has the right protection should the worst happen.
Get the True Cost
Price is a huge factor when it comes to hiring any contractor, so it’s likely to be one here too. But, you should resist going for the lowest quote you get, as it’s not always the best option.
You’ll get the results that you pay for. So, for a high-quality, long-lasting finish, it’s worth spending out a little extra. This way, you’ll get that thorough, neat, professional look you’re after.
Meet with your prospective contractors, and check them over. You want to feel comfortable with them, and be happy to let them loose on your home. This is far more important than whether they give the lowest bid or not.
They might not be the highest or the lowest bid, but if they tick all the right boxes then go with them. Consider the whole picture, rather than getting hung up on saving a few dollars.
Get a Formal Estimate
Make sure your contractor draws up and provides you with a written/typed formal estimate. Before you sign up and hire them, you must understand what they’re providing.
The proposal should detail things like:
- how long the job should take
- what areas of the home they’re working on
- what services they are providing
- list of agreed-upon products
- any repairs they will make
- the full true cost that’s broken down
You should know, from reading this document, what you’re paying for, and how much you’re paying. If you have any questions or feel something is missing, it’s also an opportunity to clarify the job more.
What is Their Preparation Like
Find out what prep work the contractor will do, as it’s the most important part of painting. If it’s not done right, you could see your paint cracking, peeling, and fading after a few months.
A good painter will take the time to make sure your home has the right preparation to get the best results. It’s not worth running the risk of cutting corners to save a few bucks.
You could end up needing to hire another contractor to fix the mess the first one left. Doing it right the first time could save you money and heartache down the line.
Make Sure They Care
Your painting contractor will spend a lot of time inside your home. Look for a contractor who will care about keeping you, your belongings, and your home safe. This is very important for giving you peace of mind.
Make sure your contractor has the right equipment to protect other surfaces. They should take care to keep paint off your floors and furniture. Or any areas they aren’t working on. They should go the extra mile in this regard.
Hiring a Painter Made Easy
So, there you have it! Now you know these seven things to look for when hiring a painter, you’ll be sure to hire the right one for you.
Cost isn’t everything, you need to look at the whole package. You want someone who cares, who has experience with a proven record of quality results.
They should be able to match the right paint and styles to your family and lifestyle. And they should know that how you paint is as important as the result you end up with.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other posts today!
