How to Select a Professional Painter
It’s spring, which could mean that you are planning home improvements, such as updating your exterior or interior paint.
A professional painter can save you both time and money on your home projects. Professional house painters in Auckland are skilled and have all the safety equipment needed to produce beautiful results in a safe environment.
Although professional painting is a great option, it’s not a guarantee that you will get quality work or good customer service. Before you hire a painting contractor, make sure to take the following into consideration:
Set clear expectations. Consider your goals and schedule before you call a painter for an estimate. Painters need to know the colors you are looking for, your preference in finishes, and if you would like a particular brand of paint. Painters can offer suggestions if you’re not sure.
You can also make scheduling easier by knowing when you are available for painters to enter your home and when they must finish. It may be worth letting painters paint your entire house for a few days to make it easier on you.
You can narrow your search. BBB.org lists accredited businesses that are Better Business Bureau accredited. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations to help you identify at least three reliable contractors to bid on the job. You can also check their BBB ratings.
Get a comprehensive estimate. A professional painters will provide a detailed estimate, which includes a breakdown of costs and scheduling. An estimate should include specific costs for labor, materials and travel time, as well as the estimated timeframe for completion.
Before the project starts, talk to the painter if you have questions or find anything that is missing. It is much easier to correct an estimate than to change it halfway through the project.
Ask the right questions. The right questions will allow you to understand the experience of the artist and the price. This will help you compare similar quotes.
These questions may be useful when speaking to a paint contractor.
What years have you been painting houses? How experienced are your painting crews?
What is the estimated time it will take to finish the project?
Which type of prep work are you including in your service?
How much preparation work will I need, if any?
Do you include pressure washing exterior walls, caulking cracks and caulking them?
Which paint grade and what number of coats would you recommend?
What will you do with the debris after the project is completed?
What happens to paint on carpets, concrete or roof tiles?
Verify the credentials of your painter. Check that the painter is current with all permits and licenses. Tennessee has nine counties that require painters to have a Home Improvement License. This includes Hamilton, Bradley, and Marion counties. A General Contractors License is required for any job that has a salary of $25,000 or more. These licenses can be insured and bonded by companies that have earned them.
You will need to check the insurance coverage of the painter, especially if your project is located in Georgia or Tennessee. This will ensure that you are covered for any injuries or damage to your property.
Prepare for preparation. Be prepared to prep for any requests from a painter. You might need to move furniture around the room, or out of the way. You will also need to take out paintings, wall decorations, and switch plates and outlet covers. You may be asked by painters to clean the walls with a damp sponge before they paint. You will also want to ensure that your pets are not in the way of paint day. Discuss with your contractor how much prep work you will be required to do compared to what they include in their quote.
Be aware of lead. Lead paint may still be used on homes built before 1978. This could mean that painters will need to take additional precautions, which could impact pricing and project duration. This is important for your safety and health. Do not hire someone who claims they can cut corners on lead paint removal.
Check that all details are confirmed. Professional painters maintain a clean work environment and clean up after each day. It’s a good idea for the painter to discuss this aspect of the project before they start working. It is important to clearly communicate who is responsible for cleaning up after each phase.
Set up a payment plan. Do not pay the entire amount before the project starts. To purchase paint, you may need to pay a portion of your initial fee. You might also be required to make installments at specific points in the project. You should withhold the final payment until your satisfaction with the project is complete. Subcontractors may also be able to place a lien on your house if they fail to pay the primary contractor.