VWB Blog If you’re like most people, the last thing you want is to deal with a messy paint job. You want it done right and on time.
Unfortunately, if not enough care goes into hiring a painter, this can be what happens — messiness and delays. But there’s an easy way to avoid these problems.
You can avoid hiring the wrong painting companies by asking the right questions. Here are key questions to ask:
1. What Type of Paint Do You Use?
Make sure the painter is using high-quality paints. Ask about their experiences with various types of paint and whether they have a preference.
For example, some painters might only be good with oil-based paints, while others latex paints. The best home painter will know how to work with both varieties.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, ask about low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paints. These are safer for both your family and the painter’s health.
2. What Is the Painting Process?
This question will help you understand the steps involved in painting your home.
Some painting contractors might do a three-coat process, while others use a five-coat method. The more coats there are, the longer it will take and the higher the price tag.
It’s important to know what to expect so you can plan.
Ask about prep work too. Less-experienced painters skip this step, but it’s essential for a quality finish.
If you have any special requests or conditions (like needing specific colors), make sure to mention them here too. The painter should also give you an estimate of how long the job will take once they know all the details.
3. What Experience Do You Have?
Even if a painter has all the necessary equipment and paint supplies, they still might not deliver.
Hiring an inexperienced painter can lead to issues like side-stepping important prep work or providing shoddy applications that ruin your walls. Ask about their background to determine whether they’re capable of doing the job you want to be done.
If possible, ask for references from other homeowners who have used this company’s services before so you know the type of quality to expect. Even better: Look at recent reviews online too! That will give you a more comprehensive look at how experienced — and professional — this painting service is.
The best residential painter, like this service, will have no problem with you asking around about their expertise.
After all, they want to make sure the job is done right too!
If anything seems questionable or fishy regarding previous work experience, move on and hire another company instead. Don’t compromise your home’s paint to save a few dollars.
4. Can You Provide a Written Contract?
Contracts are essential for ensuring that you get what you paid for.
Ensure there’s everything in writing, including the start date, estimated completion date, and price of labor versus materials. Read carefully to make sure all your requests are included too!
A reputable home painting service will have no problem providing this documentation. If it doesn’t provide one, then think twice about hiring them regardless of how good they seem during first impressions or on their website.
Hiring a Painter? Ask These Questions First
Hiring a painter for your home doesn’t have to be difficult when you’re asking the right questions. Ensure to inquire about the painting process, the painters’ experience, and what will be included in the contract. After asking these questions, if everything looks good, then hiring that company is probably a safe bet.
If you’re looking for more tips, be sure to check out the other blog posts published on our website!