Tips on Hiring a Painting Contractor
(or “Why The Lowest Price May Not Be The Best Value.”)
A professional painting contractor is well-educated on the different aspects of any painting project. That knowledge helps eliminate the surprises you might get hiring just any “painter” for the job. Experience in paint application is as important as your selection of a contractor. You also will want someone with the skills to properly manage their business, as well as your project.
Preparation and Painting
Preparing a surface properly makes sure the the coating will last. A professional contractor will know the value of preparation and will do it correctly the first time.
Knowledge of Paints and How to Apply Them
The choices today are more complicated than just oil and latex. A professional contractor will know what works for each surface or project and will have the right tools to do the job. A professional contractor will consult with professional paint, coatings, and wall covering suppliers to keep abreast of the latest products and preparation applications.
Cleanup
A professional contractor won’t leave you with mucky piles of left over trash or potentially hazardous waste after they are gone. A professional knows how to handle and dispose of this waste and will do so, often without you even asking.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Once you have decided that you want to hire a real professional for your painting project, how do you go about selecting one? Do you make your selection on price? Size of company? Years in business? The best place to start is to choose a company that is licensed, bonded and insured for work in your area. Quality contractors will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. In addition, license and bonding information can be found on the WA State Labor and Industries website. It’s easy to look online and find out what you need to know.
Hiring a Professional
Written contracts are a must! Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract and will rarely ask for money up front. The contract should clearly state the scope of the work to be preformed and should cover such items as surfaces to be painted or stained methods, extent of surface preparation and payment procedures.
Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive, and with the proper information, and keep your competing contractors on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor. (Please note that it is not ethical to share contractor’s bid information with competing contractors or anyone else.)
Verifying References
When you first contact a contractor for a bid, you should ask for a list of references. This list should include the contact person, address and telephone number of some previous clients. Follow up on this list with some phone calls. Don’t be shy. You are trusting your home to someone you do not know. It is your right to do so.
Remember! When contacting references, you should ask about the long-term durability of the paint job. Ask about any problems the reference customer had with the contractor on their project. (Just remember, the time you spend verifying references insures that you will know what to expect when it comes to your project.)
After Hiring your Painting Contractor
Good contractors are very proud of their craftsmanship. Once you have made your selection, step back and give the professional room to work on the project. You have both done your homework, so give the professional the opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations. If you want a high-quality paint job with reliable service, you will end up spending more, but you are bound to be a lot happier with the result.
Questions to ask a prospective contractor
1. What kind of preparation are you doing for my home?
2. Will you prime bare wood?
3. Does this include the paint? What quality of paint?
4. Will there be any additional charges?
5. Are you licensed, bonded and insured? (Get proof.)
6. How long will my project take?
7. Do you remove all trash and waste when the project is completed?
8. How many coats of paint will it take?
9. How much will you charge for additional work?
10. Do you require a deposit?
11. Do you warranty your work? What is the warranty?
Questions to ask references
1. What type of project did they do for you?
2. Would you use them again or recommend them to a friend?
3. How was the communication during the project?
4. How was scheduling and did they show up on time?
5. Were there any unexpected charges on your project?
6. How is the paint job standing up?
7. Can I come by and see the completed project?
EPA Lead Guidelines
After three decades of working to reduce the exposure of lead, the EPA (Environmental Agency) came out in April 2010 with new federal laws. These laws require all contractors "performing renovation" on painting projects to be certified. Any work where lead paint might be present has to have specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. In 1978, the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint on homes. Buying or renting homes, built pre-1978, require that individuals receive information concerning lead-based paint.
High levels of exposure to lead damages children’s nervous systems and can harm pregnant women and their unborn children. Behavioral problems, learning problems, slowed growth, headaches and other conditions are just a few of the things children exposed to high levels of lead can suffer from.
Environmental Protection Agency accredited renovators are trained on how to effectively protect household items from the contamination to lead while working on projects where lead might be present. They are trained in knowing how to use high--powered equipment, while working with an area containing lead, as well as how to contain the dust that might accumulate.
Kevin's Island Custom Coatings has received the EPA Certification and can assist you on any project where lead contamination might be present.