9 Tips for Hiring a Commercial Painter

Business owners are expected to be experts in their areas of knowledge. But when it comes to keeping a pristine workspace, painting not be where you excel. Taking on a project like painting your house is a challenge, but commercial spaces have a long list of specific needs. Here are 9 tips for hiring a commercial painter.

1. Commercial Painting Experience

There is different knowledge required for a commercial space compared to a home. It’s tempting to hire a handyman or novice. You could be sacrificing your finished project to save on the bottom line. Commercial spaces require specific materials for unique surfaces. Preparation and painting are different even from commercial space to commercial space. Restaurants, warehouses and retail stores all have their own needs and specifications.

Before you hire a company, do research into their previous commercial projects. Make sure they have worked on jobs similar to yours and have finished images to show you. Any company worth their salt will be happy to provide references and a full portfolio.

2. Reputation

No painter will give you a portfolio of messy images. After you have chosen a company to work with, check up on their online reviews. With sites like Yelp and Google My Business, you will get the good, the bad and the ugly of working with this company. Free reviews are available at your fingertips so don’t be afraid to use them.

3. Communication

The first call or email should set your expectations of communication and professionalism for working with a company. Were they polite and swift with responses? Make sure they pay attention to the questions you’re asking and appropriately answering them. Were they dismissive? Anything that makes you bristle is probably a sign of things to come.

4. Free Estimates

For a painter to give you a proper quote, it’s necessary they visit your property. Likely they will want to walk through and talk about any concerns you may have for the job, as well as repairs and preparation you’d like to see. These are typically free, no obligation meetings to hash out the details of the job. This meeting is also a chance for you to get an idea of what it’s like to work with the company.

5. Written and Signed Contract

Never, ever start work in your space without a signed contract in place. The document is necessary to get everyone on the same page. Normally it will lay out the work, paint colors and types, expected repairs and materials to be used. Some companies also include the work schedule, warranty information and payment expectations.

6. Price

Prices can alert you to a company you should be wary of. Really high bids don’t always mean better products and workmanship. Our pros also warn against low bids. It’s common for low bids to be a sign of a company that will short change you on the work in order to keep costs low. Sometimes the company doesn’t understand the scope of work you require, or won’t carry insurance and licensing to protect you if anything goes awry.

7. Bonded, Licensed and Insured

During your research and meetings, you’ve hopefully heard your painter refer to their bonding, licensing and insurance. Confirm that the company carries all three. These will protect you just in case something goes wrong on your property. This can include anything from theft to damage to injury. If the company doesn’t carry these policies, you could be held responsible for incurred costs.

8. Minimizing Disruption of Operations

Professional painters understand that when working in a place of business, it’s imperative that work not be disrupted. Especially when it comes to commercial painters, you’ll find a flexible schedule that could include work on nights or weekends to manage your project while allowing employees to continue their work.

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.