Facts to Consider When Finding a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always demands some forethought beyond color selection and decorative schemes. Painting a room is simple enough. Actually, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nonetheless it is a job that places demands on your time, budget, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, consider a few questions.
• How much preparation am I going to be required to do and will I have enough time to do it?
• Am I up to the hard elements of the work, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a fresh skill, and can 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 have to return to work following the weekend?
• Are there parts of the job I could do but simply don't enjoy? Is there parts of the work I could do myself and parts I need to contract out?
In case your answers to these questions cause you to opt to contract all or some of the project, then begin gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.
First, talk with friends and others who live nearby and get their suggestions about contractors they used. Take a look at the quality of the work done for folks you know so you can make sure the quality of the work meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the top 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.
Questions for You Painting Contractor
• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, etc), ask what will be done to get it ready for priming including what 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 number of coats. Make sure the contractor will use high quality paint. A quality acrylic latex paint may cost more initially, but its strength will save money in the long run.
• 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 start the job and how long it will take. You should also know what remedy will be available if the job is not completed on time.
• 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 job done. Insurance covers any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you could be liable for such injuries. Insurance may also cover damages done to your home.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for previous customers. Call a few of the references and ask if you can look at the contractor's work.
• Get written estimates from at least 3 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 answer your questions and describe details of the work.
Deciding on a Painting Contractor
Once you have selected a professional painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the job (unless the bid or estimate was already in contractual form). The document should spell out everything you have discussed with the contractor about your painting. It should specify these exact 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 work with the contractor, making notes about anything that needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, etc). The contractor should correct the issues before you make final payment.
Sound Quality Painting
824 90th Dr SE suite B
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 512-7400
