Paint can transform your home, revitalizing dull facades and giving old surfaces new life, but if used incorrectly it can leave it looking messy.
Before hiring a painter, it’s essential to do your research and vet them thoroughly. There are three key areas you should look into when interviewing potential painters: seeking referrals from friends and family is often effective; second is checking online reviews as an additional measure.
Ask for Recommendations
Finding a quality painter requires asking around for referrals from friends and family members, and visiting some of their completed projects if possible.
Search online reviews like those available through Angie’s List or Angi to quickly narrow your search down to local contractors who have proven themselves through high-quality work.
Once you’ve identified several potential contractors, ask about their process and what they recommend for your project. For instance, if you’re having your home’s exterior painted, find out whether they will perform full scraping and sanding or just fill in minor cracks and nicks as preparation work before painting begins. Be sure to get their explanation as to why certain types of prep work is necessary – this will prevent being overcharged; additionally inquire about their warranty which shows they stand behind their work.
Check Online Reviews
People often think painting is an easy DIY project; after all, all it requires is dipping a brush or roller in paint and applying it directly to your walls. While this may be true for certain paint jobs, covering an entire house takes significant skill and dedication in order to ensure all surfaces are evenly coated with color and avoid paint stains on delicate items such as furniture.
Review online reviews. While more negative than positive comments may appear, this can give an accurate representation of a painter’s reputation and reliability.
An additional question you should pose to prospective painters is their experience in business. Companies that have been around for an extended period tend to be more reliable, having gained insight into new trends and techniques over time.
Check the Company’s Credentials
Painting may appear to be straightforward, but it requires special tools and knowledge. For your own safety, ensure they’re licensed and insured before proceeding with any project.
Ask about their hiring process. Painters spend their days standing on ladders, climbing roofs and leaning out windows; therefore it is crucial that their process includes extensive screening to ensure their safety around children or animals.
Also inquire into what background checks they require their employees to go through and if they will answer any queries you have about insurance, expertise or paint colors.
If your home was constructed prior to 1980, lead paint testing should be top priority. Failure to do so poses serious safety concerns that put you, your family and paint workers at risk; an excellent painter should take all appropriate measures and adhere to procedures when handling this risk.
Get a Free Estimate
If you want to hire a reliable and professional painter, get several free estimates first. This allows you to brisbane painters compare their prices and features, and ensures there are no unexpected hidden expenses that might increase the final price tag of your project.
Reputable painting companies will include both direct and indirect costs in their estimate, including painting materials, equipment, labor costs and overhead expenses. Furthermore, they should provide you with a clear breakdown of these costs so you know exactly what it covers.
Ask every painter you consider about their methods for prepping and painting surfaces, whether or not they provide cleanup services at the end of their jobs, as well as whether or not they employ employees rather than subcontractors; this will have a direct bearing on the quality of work provided; with employees on staff, they may treat your home more carefully knowing their reputation is at stake compared to subcontractors.