Do Your
Homework Before You Hire a Painting Contractor
Although
some homeowners do their own exterior painting, many others
hire a professional painter to do the work. If you are one of
them, don't leave the selection of a contractor to chance. After
all, your exterior paint job is important protection for the
enormous investment you have in your home. Experts
at the Paint Quality Institute say that one of the best ways
to select a contractor is to get recommendations from neighbors
whose painted homes you admire…or ask the salesperson
at your local paint store, hardware store or home center for
the names of qualified contractors.
After
obtaining the names of three or four contractors, take time
to do the following:
- Meet
with each of the contractors.
Ask about the materials they plan to use. Will the contractor
allow you to specify the paint you prefer? More importantly,
does he or she recommend top quality paint? Top quality
acrylic latex exterior paint can last up to 10 years or
more compared to only three or four years for ordinary paint,
so you should favor those contractors who use the highest
quality paint.
- Ask
for more references.
Former customers are an excellent source of information
on painting contractors. Call these individuals and ask
if they were pleased with the contractor's work. Take time
to drive by their homes to judge the results for yourself.
- Get
estimates.
Request bids from at least three contractors and let them
know that others are bidding on the work. Be sure to ask
for a breakdown showing the cost of materials and labor.
To make a fair comparison, make sure that the contractors
submit bids based on the same materials and same quality
of workmanship, such as the type of surface preparation
they will do, and the number of coats of primer and paint
they will apply.
- Check
credentials.
Before making your choice, call the Better Business Bureau
to make sure the contractor is reputable. You might also
check to see if the contractor is a member of the local
painting contractors association, which is some indication
of reliability.
- Verify
the contractor's insurance coverage.
Ask to see a certification of insurance. Don't hire a painter
who doesn't carry insurance (you could be liable if a painter
is injured while working on your property).
- Ask
for a guarantee.
Reliable contractors will usually warrant that the paint
will not peel, chip, blister or chalk excessively for some
period of time. Have the contractor agree that if any of
these conditions occur, the problems will be corrected at
no cost to you.
- Insist
on a written contract. You
and your contractor should both sign a written contract
that spells out important details. At a minimum, it should
include specifics on surface preparation, the exact paint
to be applied, and payment terms.
For
more information on selecting a contractor, and for other
information on paints and painting, visit the Paint Quality
Institute's Web site at www.paintquality.com.
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