Some Considerations When Finding a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always demands some forethought beyond color choices and decorative themes. Painting an area is simple enough. Actually, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nevertheless it is a job that places demands on your time and effort, budget, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few questions.
• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have the time to do it?
• Am I up to the hard parts of the work, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a fresh skill, and may I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I have the ability to live with a house left unfinished if I am called away or when I have to return to work after the weekend?
• Are there areas of the job I could do but simply don't enjoy? Are there parts of the task I could do myself and parts I want to contract out?
In case your answers to these questions make you decide to contract all or a portion of the job, then start gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.
First, talk with friends and neighbors and get their advice about contractors they may have used. Take a look at the quality of the work done for folks you know so you can make sure the grade of the job meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the top contractors to go over the job you want to have done. Talk with all of them individually to understand the job and discuss the specific job details.
Questions for You 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 finish coat, including the type and make of the paint, how it'll be applied, its quality, and the number of coats. Make sure the contractor use high quality paint. A quality acrylic latex paint will cost more initially, but its durability will save money in the long term.
• For exterior work, ask what will be done to safeguard landscape plants. For interior work, learn how furniture will be protected and moved.
• Ask when the contractor can begin the job and exactly how long it will require. You should also know what solution will be employed if the work is not completed as scheduled.
• Discuss the warranty on the work, 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 rectify 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 may also cover damage done to your residence.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for several previous customers. Call some of the references and ask when you can see the contractor's work.
• Get written estimates from at least 3 contractors. Be wary of any bids that are significantly higher or less than others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly near to one another for the same work. The estimate should break down material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before making your decision, consider the contractor's demeanor. She or he should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning calls or arriving for a scheduled appointment. The contractor should take time to reply to your questions and make clear details of the job.
Hire a Painting Contractor
Once you've 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've discussed with the contractor about your painting. It should specify these exact things:
• the work to be achieved
• the materials to be used
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to remain 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
