Painting Contractors – What to Look For
If you are looking for painting contractors in your area, you are not alone. There are several ways to find a reliable contractor, but it’s important to ensure you know what to look for. Painters perform various tasks that are vital to the maintenance of buildings. They may work directly for property owners, as well as for property maintenance and rental agencies. Typical responsibilities include applying paint, removing old paint, choosing materials, sealing corners and holes, and consulting with clients. Sometimes, the job also requires planning, inspection, and training.
Hiring a painting contractor can be an expensive undertaking. A good way to save money is to shop around. Make sure you ask questions about the contractor’s qualifications and experience and ask for a detailed estimate. If you are looking to hire a painting contractor, make sure you check their licensing and insurance. Some painting contractors don’t carry liability or workman’s comp insurance, and you could be liable for any injuries or damages. Check with the local BBB office to find out what companies are reputable. You can also get referrals from the local paint store. There are plenty of online review sites that you can use to check out a painting contractor’s credentials. But be wary of reviews that give too much credit to one company over another.
There are several factors to consider when estimating a paint job. The most important is the cost of materials. You will also need to add labor costs and marketing expenses. When completing an estimate, you want to have a cushion for unexpected costs. For example, if you know that the walls will require a coat of primer, you may need to include that. Also, the surfaces to be painted may need some repairs before painting.
Your painting contractor should offer you a written contract, so you can discuss the details of the project. It’s also a good idea to make sure the company has a reputation for high-quality work. Look for reviews on trusted websites such as Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. Some contractors use a standard estimating form or estimating software to calculate a painting job. Others do a more accurate estimate by measuring the surface area of the house.
If you are considering hiring a painting contractor, make sure you get a good look at their portfolio. You can also check out reviews of the painter on sites like Yelp and Angie’s List. The best way to do this is to ask for references. A reputable painter will be more than happy to provide you with a list of customers to interview. These can tell you more about the quality of the painter’s work than his or her own words.
When looking at a painting quote, you need to understand what is included in the estimate and what is not. For example, a painter may charge more for painting a garage door than a ceiling. Also, consider whether or not the contractor will require a downpayment. Some contractors will allow you to pay them a lump sum, while others will require you to pay a third of the cost in advance.
If you are considering hiring a painting contractor, you should always ask for a written copy of the warranty. In most cases, the warranty will protect you against any materials or labor that may fail during the life of the contract. However, there are certain exclusions you will have to be aware of.
Generally, a paint warranty should be at least one year long. Typical exclusions include damage caused by a homeowner, other people, and acts of God. Additionally, the warranty should not cover damages incurred by the manufacturer.
If the warranty is not provided in a written form, you should make sure to request copies of the insurance documents that the painting contractor carries. The documents should include the name, contact information, license number, and contact details from your estimate.
As a painting contractor, you must ensure that the property you are painting meets all local codes. Painting outside of the home is a different matter, but it is still important to be aware of the local requirements. Some jurisdictions require painting contractors to obtain a building permit prior to painting. Others do not. Your local regulations will determine whether or not you are required to obtain