Some Considerations When Hiring a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always demands some forethought beyond color selection and decorative schemes. Painting an area is not difficult. Actually, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nevertheless it is a job that places demands on your time and effort, budget, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few questions.
• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have the time to do it?
• Am I up to the hard elements of the job, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a different skill, and can I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I have the ability to live with a home left unfinished if I am called away or when I must return to work after the weekend?
• Are there areas of the job I could do but merely don't enjoy? Are there parts of the work I could do myself and parts I need to contract out?
In case your answers to these questions cause you to decide to contract all or part of the job, then begin gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.
First, talk with friends and others who live nearby and get their tips about contractors they have used. Have a look at the quality of the work done for folks you know so you can make sure the quality of the job meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the most notable contractors to discuss the job you want done. Talk with each of them individually to understand the work and discuss the specific work details.
Questions for Your Painting Contractor
• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, etc), ask exactly what will be done to prepare it for priming including what type and make of primer. Then ask your contractor about the final coat, including the type and brand of the paint, how it will be applied, its quality, and the amount of coats. Make sure the contractor use high quality paint. A quality acrylic latex paint will cost more initially, but its strength will save money in the long term.
• For exterior work, ask exactly what will be done to safeguard landscape plants. For interior work, find out how furniture will be protected and moved.
• Ask when the contractor can start the job and exactly how long it will require. You should also know what remedy will be employed if the work is not completed promptly.
• Discuss the warranty on the work, just how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and what will be done to correct such failures.
• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will reimburse your costs if the contractor does not get the work done. Insurance covers any injury to any of the workers. Without such insurance, you could be liable for such injuries. Insurance could also cover damages done to your residence.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for several previous customers. Call some of the references and ask when you can see the contractor's work.
• Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Be wary of any bids that are significantly higher or lower than the others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly close to the other person’s for the same work. The estimate should demonstrate material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before you make your final choice, consider the contractor's demeanor. She or he should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning calls or arriving for an appointment. The contractor should remember to answer your questions and make clear details of the job.
Select a Painting Contractor
Once you have selected a specialist painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the work (unless the bid or estimate was already in contractual form). The document should spell out everything you have discussed with the contractor about your work. it must specify these exact things:
• the work to be achieved
• the materials to be utilized
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to stay on schedule
• methods for resolving disputes
• procedures to make changes (change orders are alterations to the contract to which both parties must agree)
• evidence of insurance and bonding and licensing if required by local ordinance
Before you make final payment, inspect the work with the contractor, making notes about whatever needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, and so forth). The contractor should correct the issues before you make final payment.
Sound Quality Painting
824 90th Dr SE suite B
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 512-7400
