Questions to Ask a Potential Commercial Painter

You are an expert in your business area, but when it comes to upkeep and refreshing the space, that’s likely outside your wheelhouse. Painters for your home can be challenging but a commercial space adds a different set of tasks to the job. Here are 9 tips on hiring a commercial painter.

1. Commercial Painting Experience

Commercial spaces require a special knowledge that your average painter might be lacking. It can be tempting to save some cash and hire a handyman or some college kids to paint. What you’ll end up with is a less-than-professional look that represents your company to everyone walking through the doors.

Commercial painting takes a different set of knowledge than residential painting. Materials, surfaces and buildings are quite different and therefore require different painting techniques. Preparation, products and methods to apply them will vary widely depending on your space and needs. Bring in a painting company that has a wide skill set to accomplish your goals. Request to see a portfolio of prior commercial work from your potential painters.

2. Reputation

Even with the most beautiful portfolio, reputation of a commercial painter can help you make decisions. You need to feel comfortable that the painter you choose will do a good job. With online sources readily available, it behooves you to do a quick search and read reviews of companies. A painter worth their cost will also be willing to provide you references of commercial spaces they have painted.

3. Communication

You should put great weight in the communication practices of a company. From your first call, email, web search or other method of contact, expect a quick and professional response. Do they readily answer questions? Is there any impatience or frustration? Any feeling that gives you a prickly feeling is not a good sign.

4. Free Estimates

Most painters, and all commercial painters will likely want to set an initial appointment for an estimate. This is normally a free, obligation time to go over the project. It’s important for the contractor to understand and see exactly what you need to give you an accurate estimate. This will include specifications from you, answering any questions and providing expert recommendations.

5. Written and Signed Contract

Never, ever hire a painter without a signed contract in place. This document should outline the scope of work, types and colors of paint, materials used and repairs to be made. You should also find the payment schedule, work estimation and any warranty information.

6. Price

As always, the price needs to be a measure to determine hiring. Naturally, overly high bids will probably be marked out of the running due to budgetary restrictions. Our pros warn against low cost estimates as well. Likely, overly cheap estimates typically mean the contractor didn’t understand the scope of work, uses less than quality materials or doesn’t carry proper licensing and insurance.

7. Bonded, Licensed and Insured

Research into your chosen painter should provide experience and reputation. Beyond that, you’ll want to confirm your provider is bonded, licensed and insured. This will protect your company from financial and construction woes should anything go wrong on the job site. If the contractor doesn’t carry all three of these, you could be responsible for damage, injury or theft that happens as a result of the job.

8. Minimizing Disruption of Operations

When meeting with the estimators for your job, have a frank discussion about scheduling your company requires. Most painters, especially commercial, will offer to work around your operations, minimizing the disruption. Come up with a schedule together of what will be painted and when, so you can work around it.

9. Consider CertaPro Painters

CertaPro Painters checks all the boxes outlined above. Our estimators are happy to meet with you to discuss your project. Contact us today to set up an appointment.