When you’re hiring a painting contractor, you will find that prices for house painting can vary from painting company to painting company. Consequently, you should remember that price is far from the only consideration. A great price with a poor painting job is no bargain at all! For real value in painting your home, you need a great price and high-quality painting. The best way to achieve that is to do some homework, carefully evaluating the painting contractors you’re considering.
When Hiring a Painting Contractor, Consider These Basics
You should also know that guidelines for your protection have been established in most states by their attorneys general. While they differ slightly from state to state, they all have these items in common:
- Legal Structure: Is the painting contractor legally structured and up to date? Is it a corporation in good standing? If required to have a business license, do they have it?
- Insurance: What insurance does the painting company have, and what are the limits? A liability policy is a basic requirement, and its limits must be sufficient to protect your home. A workers compensation policy is necessary to protect your wallet just in case one of their workers should be injured on your property.
- Fixed Location: Does the painting company have an fixed business location, or do they work from a car and a mobile phone? When you need customer service or warranty work, will you be able to locate the painter?
- Small or Large Deposit: How much are you expected to pay up front? An amount sufficient to pay for the materials for painting your home is understandable and should be expected. The amount for the labor involved in the painting, if paid at the time of completion, is an incentive for the painting company to finish your work in a timely manner and professional manner.
- Contract vs. Proposal: When the painting contractor comes to view your project, what will he leave with you? Some painting companies use an actual contract, while others label their paperwork a “proposal.” Do you know the difference? A contract represents a firm price and will have the language that binds you and the painting company. A “proposal” is just an estimate, and you will often find that the price will change once the painting company is on the job. Either way, both types should specify the material cost and the labor cost and should be easy to understand.
It may take you a bit longer to make a decision, but you’ll know that you’ve got the best chance for a really good painting project at a good price.