How to Hire a Painter for Your Home: CertaPro Experts

Perhaps you’ve been in your home for several years now. It’s come to that time when you’re beginning to notice a little flaking or worn-looking paint on the outside. Once an exterior paint surface begins to give a little, it’s not long before it begins to give a lot. Aside from not looking so great, this of course translates to the opportunity for damage to the subsurfaces that depend on paint for protection from the elements. So, it’s time to learn how to hire a painter for your home’s exterior. Read on to learn what to look for and expect and how to get high-quality results in home painting, from our CertaPro Experts.

Get Three or More Quotes

As with any major renovation project, asking at least three contractors to visit and provide an in-person quote is standard practice. You can look online and also ask friends and family for painting contractor suggestions. It’s always best to be home for the initial appointments. This gives you a chance to get to know the company a little and ask questions about the way they work — from crew size to techniques and whether they guarantee their workmanship. You’ll also get a sense of the contractor’s thoroughness from the handling of the initial assessment. A longer visit tends to translate to a more accurate estimate.

Surface Prep is Key

If you’re looking for a highly smooth finish without any bumpiness and cracks from previous paint jobs, you’ll need to request this level of surface preparation specifically. It costs significantly more to prepare surfaces to this level, including additional scraping and paint removal. For a more affordable approach, the default is to minimally scrape, sand and prep surfaces enough to allow adhesion of new paint, without the added effort of complete renovation of the older surface.

Get Written Estimates

Detailed written estimates should be provided to you from each contractor. Estimates should include labor and material costs, a description of the surface preparation technique, a list of all exterior surfaces which will be painted, identification of the specific brand and version of paint product and primer to be used, and the number of coats.

Check References and Credentials

Before hiring a painter, ask them for references. This gives you a chance to contact a few previous clients and get their impressions of working with the painter. It’s also an opportunity to see the quality of work in person and how well previous work stands up with time.

Some additional sources or credentials you can check include state licenses, trade memberships, and the Better Business Bureau.

Get a Detailed Contract

Once you’ve chosen a painter, be sure you receive a contract that includes all of the agreed upon details of the final estimate, along with the contractor’s name and business license number, address and phone.

The contract should also state when payment is due. Typically, a small down payment may be required. Then an additional portion halfway through the work, and a final portion once work is fully completed and satisfied. Also at this stage, you’ll want to request a copy of the painter’s liability and insurance coverage information. This ensures they are responsible if any damage or injuries occur while working.

Beware of Potential Lead Hazards

It’s important to remember that any home built before 1978 could have lead in its older paint coats. Painters may need to take added safety precautions.

Ensure You Receive High-Quality Painting

Finding a high-quality painter you can trust can take some effort but it’s well worth the time. The satisfactory work means the paint will last as longer. This protects your home and makes it fresh looking. And that’s a feeling like no other.

If you’re ready to get a free quote for the painting of your home’s exterior, CertaPro can assist you with every step, from assessment to color selection and professional painting. Schedule an estimate to discuss your project today.