Tips for Hiring an Exterior Painting Company

Posted on July 27, 2021

Having your exterior of your home painted is a large and intense project. Since it’s only done every decade or so, experience is not common. Here are tips from our pros for hiring an exterior painting company.

Find Pros

Make sure you speak to at least 3 providers in your area. Friends and family are good resources to get you started. Likely the painters will want to meet in your home and see the condition and size of the project. The more time each spends with you, the more detailed your estimate will be. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about the project.

Talk Expectations

Bringing up expectations for your painting project is normal with your estimator. This will allow you to understand what each crew is capable of in terms of changes to the color, look and any extra services (like repairs).

Review Estimates

Make sure each company you meet with provides you a written (or emailed) estimate within a timely manner. It should include a breakdown of labor and materials. Likely, the expected time on site, paint and coatings expecting and details of what is included in painting will be included. Some even go as far as to include a payment schedule.

Check References

Any professional painting company will have a go to list of references. These are customers they know had a good experience and will give a glowing review. Companies typically also keep a physical or online portfolio of before and after images.

Consider Certifications

There are quite a few painting crews out there that do not have proper credentials to perform painting. Ask each provider for their certifications, insurance policies and any other locally required paperwork before you sign a contract. Also check their name in the Better Business Bureau database and any local consumer affiars agencies.

Get a Complete Contract

If the contractor has passed all of the qualifiers so far, it’s time to get a contract. While this is similar to the estimate, it should include the company’s name, address, office and cell numbers, and license number, plus the details that were in the estimate. There should be an exhaustive list of what is and is not included in the job.

Ask about Guarantees

Painters will provide guarantees as well as the paint manufacturers. Most commonly, it’s detailed out in the contract, but likely if you are running into chipping, peeling, flaking or any other imperfections right away, there is a problem with the paint or application. Painters will not cover issues that arise from wear and tear or user damage.

Choose the Paint

Painters always have favorite manufacturers for the particular project you are having painted. You do not HAVE to go with the recommendation of your estimator. You have the right to choose your paint, however, your estimator may have viable reasons to choose the paint they like. It’s a discussion so be sure you are comfortable with the decision.

Make Payments

Never, ever pay for the whole painting project up front. In your estimate and contract, there should be a payment schedule. Reputable companies will never ask for more than 50% up front. This fee is used to reserve the crew, date and purchase supplies to complete your project. The second half of the payment is typically required when the job is completed.

Get Started

Our team is happy to provide you with all of the above mentioned items to get started. Schedule a free, no-obligation estimate appointment.

License Info: MHIC #134661