Some Considerations When Hiring a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color choices and decorative schemes. Painting a room is simple enough. In fact, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself home improvement project. Nonetheless it is a task that places demands on your time and effort, budget, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, consider a few questions.
• How much preparation will I be required to do and will I have the time to do it?
• Am I up to the hard parts of the job, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a fresh skill, and may I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I have the ability to live with an area left unfinished if I am called away or when I have to go back to work after the weekend?
• Are there aspects of the job I can do but merely don't enjoy? Are there parts of the job 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 a portion of the work, then begin gathering bids and hiring a contractor methodically.
First, talk with friends and neighbors and get their suggestions about contractors they used. Take a look at the quality of the work done for individuals you know so you can make sure the quality of the work meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the most notable contractors to discuss the job you want to have done. Talk with all of them individually to check out the job and discuss the specific work details.
What You Ought to Ask 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 which type and make of primer. Then ask your contractor about the finish coat, like the type and brand of the paint, how it'll be applied, its quality, and the amount of coats. Make sure the contractor will use high quality paint. An excellent acrylic latex paint might cost more initially, but its strength will save money in the long run.
• For exterior work, ask 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 begin the job and how long it will take. It's also advisable to know what cure will be available if the job is not completed promptly.
• Discuss the guarantee on the work, how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and exactly what will be done to correct such failures.
• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will replace your costs if the contractor fails to get the work done. Insurance covers any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you may be liable for such injuries. Insurance could also cover damages done to your property.
• 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 3 contractors. Be skeptical of any bids that are significantly higher or lower than the others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly near to one another for the same work. The estimate should break down material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before you make your final choice, consider the contractor's demeanor. He or she should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning phone calls or arriving for a scheduled appointment. The contractor should remember to answer your questions and describe details of the job.
Choose a Painting Contractor
Once you've selected a professional painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the painting (unless the bid or estimate had already been in contractual form). The document should spell out everything you've discussed with the contractor about your painting. It will specify these exact things:
• the work to be achieved
• the materials to be utilized
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to remain on schedule
• methods for resolving disputes
• procedures for making 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 job with the contractor, making notes about whatever needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, etc). The contractor should correct the problems before you make final payment.
Sound Quality Painting
824 90th Dr SE suite B
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 512-7400
