Ten Secrets to Finding a Great Painting Contractor

Congratulations! You've made the smart move to enhance your home's appearance and value with the knowledgeable paint job. Now comes the daunting challenge of finding a paint contractor. Do not worry! These 10 secrets will assist you to find a superb paint contractor who'll deliver a top-quality job at an excellent price and leave you with a satisfying home improvement experience.

1. an excellent Paint Contractor Presents Proof of Insurance

While an honest paint contractor may tell you he's insured, an excellent contractor presents a replica of his policy, proving the quantity of coverage he carries for both property damage and bodily injury which will result from the contractor's work. By nature, paint materials are highly flammable and, should a tragedy occur, you would like to understand your contractor is sufficiently insured.

2. an excellent Paint Contractor NEVER Asks for a Deposit

While some paint contractors may request a deposit before beginning the work, well-established, successful painting professionals have sufficient operating income and may easily afford to get materials and make payroll. BE WARY of a contractor who asks for a deposit! If he's unable to get materials, he's probably unable to pay his staff. per annum, too many householders fall victim to contractors who walk off the work - and out of town - with the deposit in their pockets.

If you comply with advance payment of any kind, make certain materials are purchased and are on your property, leaving you some quiet leverage should the contractor default the work. Bottom Line: GREAT painting contractors NEVER request a deposit.

3. an excellent Paint Contractor Offers Great Warranties

You can tell tons a few paint contractors by his warranty. Well-known contractors with established reputations are respected by paint suppliers who, in turn, expire extended - even lifetime - warranties on their paints because they know the merchandise are going to be applied right. For any number of reasons, less experienced contractors might not have valuable relationships with suppliers. On the labor side, an excellent contractor works with solid, experienced painters whose work he knows he can stand behind with an extended labor warranty.

4. GREAT Paint Contractors Go the additional mile

Because GREAT contractors have learned the worth of a satisfied customer, they're ready to specialize in service and offer extras that show you ways important your business is to the contractor. Check to ascertain if your contractor offers the following: 

Professional color consulting

FREE color try-on

FREE power washing

Two coats of paint - as a typical offering!

5. GREAT Paint Contractors Give Professional, Detailed Quotes

A GREAT painting quote includes an in-depth list of ALL aspects of labor to be done: 

FREE Power washing

Caulking, sanding, and priming

Trim repair - GREAT contractors will know what must be done

Details of products and application - GREAT contractors know the proper products for each job

Touch-ups and clean-up

In addition to the quote's content and accuracy, is it presented professionally?

Is the quote printed on company letterhead?

Does the sheet show the contractor's license number?

Does he use an area landline phone number? (beware if only a telephone number is listed)

TAX I.D. number?

Work guarantee and relevant product warranties?

Inexperienced contractors, using standard business forms purchased at office supply stores suggest they haven't invested much in their business and should not be properly licensed. Also, they'll not be paying income taxes.

6. GREAT Paint Contractors Have an A or A+ Better Business Bureau Rating

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) may be a trusted consumer rating body that grades businesses supported collective criteria. additionally to finding their grade, make certain to see how long the paint contractor has been a member. Also, confirm that any complaints are resolved. BBB will still afford an honest rating if a business has addressed issues in a timely manner. Questionable painting contractors will have either no BBB affiliation in the least or a grade of B or below.

7. GREAT Paint Contractors Care about Their Communities and Industry Associations

Being active in local Chambers of Commerce, committed to area charities, and having a presence within the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association (PDCA) shows that GREAT paint contractors have professional integrity and care about their communities. Fly-by-night contractors avoid connections to civic or professional organizations.

8. GREAT Paint Contractors Provide References in Your Area - Both Old and New

Good paint contractors may have references from local work that was completed within the past few weeks. GREAT Paint Contractors will provide multiple local references from both recent and past work. References from a year ago or longer show the paint job's durability and ensure that any necessary follow-up or billing issues were handled correctly.

9. GREAT Paint Contractors Invite You to ascertain employment ongoing 

If a contractor is confident about the way they work, they'll prove it by asking you to judge for yourself. Things to seem for:

Work vehicles - are they clean, organized, and professional?

The painters - are they neatly dressed and groomed?

Materials - are ladders, scaffolding, drop cloths, and electrical equipment in good condition?

Is work being done carefully so as to not damage landscaping or property?

Bottom Line: GREAT Paint Contractors treat a home - and its homeowner - with respect in the least time.

10. GREAT Paint Contractors Have knowledgeable Website

While it's certainly possible to be an honest painting contractor and not own an internet site, GREAT contractors also are successful business people that understand that today's consumer is trying to find instant information. an excellent contractor's Website will include all the small print homeowners are trying to find - references, before & after photos, details of services, contact information, and history of the corporate and its owner and staff.