Tips to Successfully Hiring a Painting Contractor
Ensure the contractor is appropriately licensed and verify this information with the local county office.
Choosing a professional painting contractor can be a challenging task, and many people spend more time choosing a color paint than they do considering the company they hire to apply it.
The highest quality paint will not make up for poor workmanship. Having a home or office professionally painted can be a considerable expense, and doing their homework before hiring a company will ensure the property owner will receive a good outcome.
Licensing and insurance
Ensure the contractor is appropriately licensed and verify this information with the local county office. Properly licensed companies must meet the criteria of standard business practices and knowledge.
Ensure that the company’s insurance coverage will protect homeowners from liability in the event of damage or injury during the painting process. Without insurance coverage, the homeowner can be sued, or their homeowner’s insurance may have to cover costs.
Warranty
Confirm that the painting contractor offers a written warranty on the painting and understand what it will cover.
Reviews
Quality painting contractors often offer a portfolio of past work completed. The portfolio serves as a “brag book” and helps prospective clients understand their strengths and what former clients think of their work. Search for online reviews, talk with friends and neighbors, and, when possible, contact a contractor’s previous clients to understand their experience with that professional.
Money upfront is a red flag
Be wary of the contractor who asks for money upfront. A reliable painting contractor will not ask for money until they complete the job to their client’s satisfaction.
Overall knowledge
A professional painting contractor should be able to survey the job and quickly explain to the prospective client what repair work, if any, needs to be done along with the painting. Don’t let someone paint over surface problems that need attention and correction. While this may cost a bit more, ignoring these things could cost thousands in potential repairs in the future.
Written estimates
Ask for an estimate in writing. It should include the price, approximately how long the job will take, prep done by the contractor, and any prep needed by the homeowner, plus the products they will use. With details in writing, it is easier for both parties to remember what was said and eliminates assumptions. A written estimate eliminates “he said—she said” scenarios that can lead to trouble at the end of a job.
Multiple bids
Secure multiple bids from reliable area painting contractors, and don’t choose on cost alone. Often, the company that charges more may offer additional prep and repair work and higher-quality paint products. Sometimes, having a job done right and hassle-free is worth the cost.
Mark’s Painting offers residential and commercial painting for Tampa, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County. Exterior painting, including priming, sealing, plaster & drywall service, pressure washing. We paint interiors, including ceilings, walls, trim, baseboard, fireplaces, mantels, paneling, wainscoting, doors, and windows. We offer wallpaper removal, caulking, staining and varnishing, refinishing, texturing, specialty finishes, and more. We are licensed and insured. Call us at (813) 831-5433.
