How To Find A Good House Painter

How do I find a good house painter? Here is a list of things to consider when hiring a professional house painter:

• Call at least three different contractors for a bid – and be home for the initial meeting with them. A house painter should take the time to assess the job. Even the most experienced painter will need more than just a quick walk around your home. Be sure to ask each painting contractor about the size of his crew and the members’ experience level.
• State your expectations. The number of coats a painter applies isn’t the only factor in determining the quality and price of the project. Preparation is also key. If you want a surface that’s free of unevenness from past paint jobs, tell the contractors and be prepared to pay extra. If you can live with some imperfections, agree on what level of prep is acceptable.
• Get estimates. Seek a written estimate from each contractor. It should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of materials along with a detailed description of the prep work that will be done.
• Check online reviews and references. Get a list of references from each contractor and call them to find about their experience with the pro. A history of positive references is a good sign. Be sure to look at their online reputation as well. Look at current and older reviews. Online reviews are also a good place to find how the business handles customer complaints! You will likely see a small number of less than favorable reviews. You can’t please all the people all the time so it all about how the pro handles any issues. Look for review responses, that can tell you a lot about how a business values their customers!
• Consider credentials. Verify whether the pro has the appropriate license(s). You’ll find the licensing information for your state on the Contractor’s License Reference website. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau or the attorney general’s office in your state to learn whether the contractor has a history of unresolved complaints. Be sure to get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. If they don’t have coverage, as the homeowner, you could be liable for any accidents, for example, the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member falls off a ladder and is injured.
• Look for a guarantee/warranty. The painter should promise to correct any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, or excessive fading or chalking that occurs within two years after the job is done at no or little cost. If you are told the paint itself has a warranty, remember that doesn’t include labor.
• Hold out. Finally, don’t pay the whole bill upfront and withhold a portion of the payment until you have checked that the job has been completed to your satisfaction. Typically you can expect to pay 25 to 50 percent of the total job cost upfront.

Let’s Get Painting

Our team at CertaPro Painters® of Waukesha County is trained to help walk you through the process, from color to finish. Schedule your estimate online, or by calling us at 262-955-8594 to speak with a painting professional about the painting plan that fits the goals of your space and your budget.