Consider Hiring a Painting Contractor
from web site
Do You Want a Painting Contractor?
Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color choices and decorative schemes. Painting a room is simple enough. Actually, it's nearly the perfect do-it-yourself home improvement project. Nonetheless it is a task that places demands on your time and effort, finances, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few questions.
• How much preparation will I be required to do and will I have enough time to do it?
• Am I up to the difficult 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 be able to live with an area 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 simply don't enjoy? Is there parts of the job I could do myself and parts I want to contract out?
If your answers to these questions make you opt to contract all or a portion of the work, then begin gathering bids and finding a contractor methodically.
First, talk with friends and neighbors and get their suggestions about contractors they have used. Have a look at the quality of the work done for individuals you know so you can make sure the grade of the work meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the most notable contractors to discuss the job you want done. Talk with all of them individually to check out the work and discuss the specific job details.
Interview Painting Contractors
• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, and so forth), ask exactly what will be done to get it ready for priming including what type and make of primer. Then ask your contractor about the finish coat, including the type and brand of the paint, how it'll be applied, its quality, and the amount of coats. Make certain the contractor will use high quality paint. A quality acrylic latex paint might cost more initially, but its durability will save money in the long term.
• For exterior work, ask exactly what will be done to protect landscape plants. For interior work, learn how furniture will be protected and moved.
• Ask when the contractor can begin the job and exactly how long it will require. It's also advisable to know what remedy will be available if the work is not completed as scheduled.
• Discuss the warranty on the job, 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 replace your costs if the contractor does not complete the work. Insurance will cover any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you might be responsible for such injuries. Insurance may also cover damage done to your property.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for several previous customers. Call a few of the references and ask when you can look at the contractor's work.
• Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Be skeptical of any bids that are significantly higher or lower than others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly near one another for the same work. The estimate should show material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before making your decision, consider the contractor's demeanor. He or she should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning calls or arriving for an appointment. The contractor should take time to reply to your questions and make clear details of the work.
Picking a Painting Contractor
Once you have selected a specialist painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the job (unless the bid or estimate had already been in contractual form). The document should explain everything you've discussed with the contractor about your work. It should specify these things:
• the work to be done
• the materials to be utilized
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to remain 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 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
