PAINTER - Hiring the Right Professional for Your Project
When it comes to painting your home, it's tempting to think that all you need is a tray, brush, roller, and ladder. But the truth is, there's a lot more to it than that. Hiring the right painter can make all the difference between a flawless finish and a frustrating mess. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect painter for your project.
REPUTATION– It's not just about how long they've been in business.While experience is important, it doesn't always guarantee quality work. A great tip is to call around to your local paint stores and ask for their top three recommended painters. Keep in mind that they may only recommend their top buyers, so be sure to call a few different stores to get a well-rounded list.
If you're considering a franchise, do your homework. Some franchises transfer hands, and the new owners may not have the same level of expertise as the previous ones. Others are run by people who don't know how to paint at all. But some franchises are absolutely amazing! Take the time to research the company thoroughly before making a decision.
COSTS- Cheaper isn't always better.If a company's quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some companies may offer low prices because they aren't experienced at estimating, or because they plan to tack on additional charges later. Don't be afraid to call the companies after receiving their quotes to ask clarifying questions.
THREE ESTIMATES - It's a basic rule, but it's true.Getting three estimates allows you to compare prices and services, so you know exactly what you're getting. If the estimates are all over the place, consider getting five. Make sure you fully understand what's included in each estimate before making a decision. Choosing the wrong painter can lead to a big mess.
INSURANCE– Insurance is assurance.A reputable painting company should carry liability insurance. If a business isn't willing to invest in insurance, it makes you wonder what other shortcuts they might be taking.
SAFETY – Safety should always come first.Check the company's safety record. There are usually work safe organizations that painters pay into and that monitor safety records. You should be able to do a search on the companies you're considering.
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS - Take their ratings with a grain of salt.While the Better Business Bureau can be a helpful resource, it's important to remember that it's a for-profit corporation. Some people have issues with their policies and how they grade businesses. Feel free to check them out, but don't rely solely on their ratings.
PUNCTUAL– It's a weird-sounding word, but it's important.If a company shows up on time for the estimate, returns phone calls promptly, and gets you a detailed estimate in a timely fashion with everything you asked for, that's a good sign. As the saying goes, people show you who they are... believe them.
CLARITY OF ESTIMATE / TRANSPARENCY - Do you know what you're getting?Make sure the estimate clearly outlines what's included. How many doors will be painted? One side or both? How much will the price change if you decide to remove a room from the project? Knowing your options upfront can save you a lot of headaches later.
BILLING / DEPOSITS - Know what to expect. Billing and deposit practices can vary depending on your area. Find out if you need to pay a deposit, if it's refundable, and under what circumstances. Ask when billing happens, and make sure you have a day or two to look things over before paying. If you have any concerns, it's much easier to address them before you've handed over the money.
WARRANTEE - Read the fine print.Many painters will tie their warranty to what's on the paint can. If there's a problem, they'll call their paint rep. The paint rep will show up and either say, "Oh, this is normal," in which case the painter will say it doesn't fall under the warranty. Or the rep will say, "Yep, it's a problem, here's some paint, but we don't cover labor." Then the painter will tell you that if you want them to repaint, you'll have to pay for it. Make sure you understand the warranty terms before signing on the dotted line.
INSPECTION - Be reasonable.In Canada, paint inspectors stand 3 feet away from an interior wall and look at it directly (not at an angle). If a deficiency can't be seen under these circumstances, it's not technically a deficiency. Keep in mind that there's no such thing as 100% perfection, even in new construction. While I've had clients crawling on the ground with a headlamp looking forproblems (yes, that really happens), that's just not a reasonable way to look at a wall. As a rule of thumb, if you're reasonable, your painter probably will be too.
PICKING PAINT – It's not like picking apples. Painters have their favorite paints and paint stores for a variety of reasons. Typically, the painter should know more about paint than you, your friend, or your designer. Given what you've learned about paint from the previous sections, you should have a good idea of what questions to ask. And remember, you can do your own research too. Call the paint stores and ask where the paint falls in their hierarchy. Ask good questions!
PROFESSIONALISM– Do you really want to do business with their company?This is a vaguer category, which is why I left it for last, after you had a chance to think about the other points. Is the painter you called conducting themselves in a way that makes you think they have a grasp on business?
I know it might sound a bit odd – after all, you're hiring someone to paint, not to run a business, right? Well, yes and no.
Yes, you want someone who can paint. But you're also hiring the way they do business. The way a person does one thing is often the way they do everything, and you can tell a lot about how a painter will treat you based on how they treat their business. If they scrawl a number on a piece of paper and hand it to you as an estimate, how will they attend to the details of your paint job?
That being said, you may get a really great paint job from someone who scrawls on a piece of paper, and a horrible job from someone who gives the appearance of a well-run company. Chances are, though, that's often not the case. When people show you who they are, believe them.
Remember, the painter you choose will:
• be ensuring the health of your exterior.
• be in your home.
• be around things that matter to you.
Pick wisely.
At the end of the day, it's just paint, but there are a few musts on this list:
• Always be safe.
• Ask good questions.
• Do your homework.
And MOST important… Enjoy the journey!
Hiring the right painter can be a daunting task, but by keeping these points in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect professional for your project. Don't be afraid to ask questions, do your research, and trust your gut. With the right painter by your side, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful results of your newly painted home.
Happy painting