Mastering the art of hiring a painter

• Mastering the art of hiring a painter

Want to transform your home?

A fresh coat of paint can often do the trick.

Some projects might be suitable for DIY, but painting projects often takes longer than you think. And if you’re not into buying supplies, prepping, cleaning, back pain and paint in your hair, consider hiring a professional.

It could save you time and money in the long run. Doing your homework and asking the right questions will help you find just the right contractor to make your home a masterpiece.

“Deciding which qualities you find most important in a painting contractor will help determine the best fit for your project”, Mechele Agbayani, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas said. “Keep in mind, the cheapest option is not always the best option.”

Be sure to consider the following before hiring a painting contractor.

Have clear expectations.

Consider your schedule and end goal before you call a painter for an estimate. When estimating, painters want to know what colors you have in mind, what finishes you prefer, and if you want a specific paint brand. If you aren’t sure, painters can make recommendations. In addition, make schedule coordination easier by knowing when you will be available to let painters into your home and when they need to end work each day. If you have the entire interior of the house painted, it may make sense to move out for a few days, as they will be able to get it done more quickly.

Narrow down your search. Check BBB.org, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, and identify at least three reputable contractors to bid on the job.

Get a comprehensive estimate. Professional painters provide clients with detailed estimates, including a complete breakdown of their costs and schedules. The estimate should incorporate specific costs for labor, materials, paint, travel time (if charged for), and the timeframe in which the painter will complete the project. If you have any questions or see anything missing from the estimate, discuss it with the painter before the project begins. It’s much easier to fix an estimate than change your agreement halfway through the project.

Make a payment plan.

Never pay in full before the project begins. You may be asked to pay a portion of the fee to begin and installments at certain milestones in the project. Always withhold the final payment until you are completely satisfied with your painting project and have received written confirmation that all subcontractors have been paid (subcontractors can put a lien on your home if the primary contractor fails to pay them).

Ask questions. This will help you have a better understanding of who you are working with and the quality of work you can expect.

Questions to ask:

• How long have you been a professional painter?

• How experienced is your painting crew, and are they employees or subcontractors?

• How long will it take to complete the project?

• What kind of prep work is included in your service, and is there anything I need to do to help you prepare?

• Does your estimate include pressure washing outer walls and caulking and filling cracks?

• What kind of paint and how many coats do you recommend?

• Who will handle the cleanup after the project is complete?

• What happens if paint hits my carpet, roof tiles, or concrete?

• How long is your warranty and what does/ doesn’t it cover?

For more information: Learn more about how to hire a painting contractor on BBB’s Painting Contractor HQ. For more tips and resources on home maintenance, visit BBB’s home maintenance HQ. To look at trends in the painting industry, visit BBB’s Painting Industry Hub.