Are you thinking about repainting your home but not sure where to start? Hiring a house painting contractor can be intimidating since you don’t know what questions to ask or how much work is involved. The good news is that with the proper preparation and some helpful guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming – and we’ll provide just that.
Here we’ll go over some key questions you should ask before receiving a house painting estimate so that you can make an informed decision and get the best results for your project. We will equip you with the knowledge and confidence necessary for taking on your next home improvement project!
6 Essential Questions to Ask Your Professional Painting Contractor
Go over the questions below and why you should ask them. These questions will help you weed out any contractors who may not be the right fit for your project. Plus, you’ll also get a sense of what a professional painter should be able to bring to the table.
Do you have insurance?
Before you get an exterior house painting estimate, you first want to ask whether they have insurance. A trustworthy painting contractor should have at least two types of insurance: Workmen’s Compensation and Comprehensive Business Liability.
Workers’ Compensation is self-explanatory but it generally refers to a type of insurance covering workers who get hurt or injured on the job. It ensures you won’t be hit with costly medical bills if someone gets hurt while painting your home.
On the other hand, Comprehensive Business Liability Insurance is also essential. It protects against damage to your property and any other losses caused by a contractor’s negligence.
Are the workers subcontractors or employees?
Make sure the company you hire doesn’t use subcontractors. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider this:
- Subcontractors are offered a low flat rate so that contractors can make more money.
- Subcontractors are known to be unprofessional and cut corners due to low rates.
- Subcontractors aren’t employees and probably don’t have worker’s compensation insurance.
Don’t settle for less and find a painting professional who has genuine employees to guarantee top-notch quality work! Plus, you don’t want a contractor who knowingly tries to rip off other people working for them.
What type of materials do you use?
Before starting your project, knowing what paint and materials a painter uses is essential. Whether they go for the cheap stuff or invest in high-quality materials will make a difference in the outcome. You’ll notice things like the overall quality, durability, and appearance. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between cheap and superior paints clearly.
A 10-dollar gallon of paint vastly differs from a $60 gallon. Although it’s not immediately visible, you’ll notice the difference when the cheaper paint starts to fade and crack in a few years. The goal is to know all the details of what the contractor is using beforehand so that you can choose the best option for your home repainting project.
Do you guarantee your work?
Ensure that any painting company you hire guarantees its work by offering a written warranty on all services. Be bold and ask if they provide one, as any reputable painter should offer this type of guarantee.
What the written warranty should include:
- The duration of the warranty (usually a year)
- The materials to be used and labor
- Exclusions, i.e., incidental damages due to abuse or moisture
A warranty provides customers peace of mind, especially for large projects when it fails to meet standards. It also assures that the service is free from defects or isn’t susceptible to damage.
Should I be concerned with your crew on my property?
Not everyone likes to ask it, but it must be addressed before receiving an interior house painting estimate. There are numerous documented cases in the U.S. where homeowners were burglarized by a contractor’s employee. The worst part is that these crew members had a criminal background unbeknownst to the employer.
You and your family must be safe inside your home, so learning about the people working there is essential. Make sure to ask the contractor if they have conducted a background check on all employees, their hiring policies, and the type of safety protocols they have in place.
Who will manage the project?
Oftentimes, you’ll meet with an estimator, project manager, or the owner before the project begins. These professionals won’t be doing the paint job themselves. They’ll either manage it or take care of the backend tasks. It’s reasonable to ask the estimator who will handle the project and how they’ll manage it.
Good project management is key to keeping things running smoothly. It helps ensure that deadlines are met, and communication stays consistent. Here’s what you can expect:
- A professional and detailed proposal with the agreed services
- Personalized system for execution
- All changes are written to be signed by both parties
- Cross-checking checklist by the crew
- End-of-project walkthrough with the project manager to ensure satisfaction
Ask questions and receive accurate estimates.
Before getting a house painting estimate, ask the questions above. This way, you can protect your investment and find trustworthy individuals to deliver consistent outcomes. These professionals will guarantee that your specifications and requirements are met without overpaying them.
Whether you plan to paint your home’s interior, exterior, or both, Image Painting is here to provide quality paintwork that lasts a long time. We assure you that each job is done with the utmost dedication and professionalism.
If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to contact us today and get a free estimate. Our team is ready to develop a solution uniquely tailored to your needs!