Things to Consider When Hiring a Painting Contractor
from web site
If You Want a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color selection and decorative themes. Painting a room is not difficult. In fact, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nonetheless it is a job that places demands on your time and effort, finances, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, consider a few pre-determined questions.
• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have the 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 different skill, and may I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I be able to live with a house left unfinished if I am called away or when I have to go back to work after the weekend?
• Are there parts of the job I could do but simply don't enjoy? Are there parts of the job I could do myself and parts I wish to contract out?
In case your answers to these questions cause you to opt to contract all or a portion of the project, then start gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.
First, talk to friends and neighbors and get their recommendations about contractors they may have used. Take a look at 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 very best contractors to go over the job you want to have done. Meet with all of them individually to look at the work and discuss the specific work details.
What You Need to Ask Your Painting Contractor
• 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 which type and make of primer. Then ask your contractor about the final coat, like the type and make of the paint, how it will be applied, its quality, and the amount of coats. Make certain the contractor use high quality paint. An excellent acrylic latex paint will cost more initially, but its toughness will save money in the long term.
• For exterior work, ask 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 how long it will require. It's also advisable to know what remedy will be employed if the job 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 reimburse your costs if the contractor fails to get the job done. Insurance covers any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you might be liable for such injuries. Insurance could also cover damage done to your house.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for previous customers. Call some 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 less than others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly near each other 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 calls or arriving for an appointment. The contractor should take time to answer your questions and describe details of the job.
Choosing 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 was already in contractual form). The document should explain everything you've discussed with the contractor about your work. it must specify these things:
• the work to be done
• the materials to be used
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to stay 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 anything that needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, and so forth). 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
