Hiring a Painter: CertaPro shares what to ask

Anytime you bring a contractor into your home, it can be stressful. There are stories of unscrupulous people offering services that are less-than-professional standards. Avoid the nightmare by learning what to look for in a contractor. Here’s what to know when hiring a painter: CertaPro shares what to ask.

When in the market for a contractor, there are a few terms you’ll hear over and over. Before you start a project, get the knowledge to give you peace of mind with your choices.

Bonding

This is a service offered to any sort of contractor that works in your home. This covers you as the homeowner if the contractor fails in any way. This can include not pulling permits, disappearing mid-job, or if the crew and suppliers are not paid. If the contractor doesn’t have bonding, you could be responsible for outstanding bills left in their wake.

When you are searching for your painter, ask if they are bonded. Most professional companies won’t balk at providing you their bond number and certificate with their status. That’s all you need to feel confident that you are covered.

Bonding requirements for contractors vary in each municipality. Your local government can provide you further information on exactly what is covered and how bonding serves the homeowner.

Insurance

Insurance is necessary with workers in your home. Ask your potential crew if they carry BOTH liability and worker’s comp.

Liability is an insurance policy that covers any damage to your home accidentally through the course of work. It will not cover any shoddy or substandard work that is provided, for those issues, try the bonding policy.

Worker’s comp protects the workers brought onto the jobsite to complete the work. Even very careful crews can have accidents. Worker’s comp will cover the injured contractors for their medical care and lost wages. Without this policy, the costs could fall to the homeowner.

When you talk to potential service providers, reputable companies will be glad to hear these questions from you. They will be able to provide you certificates, policy numbers and information on their coverage.

Licensing

The last item to check off your list is licensing. Again, each state or county has specific requirements for licensing of painting providers. A web search or call to the local government will get you all the information you need to confirm licensing of your crew.

CertaPro Painters is happy to provide licensing, insurance and bonding information on all of our projects. Get a free, in-home estimate today.