The median salary for painters is $38,940. Depending on the level of skills, experience, and type of job, some painters make up to $51,530. The figures are not surprising as house painting is one of the most sought-after home improvement projects.
Choosing a painting contractor can be a daunting task. A wrong move can make your home’s exterior painting an eyesore. Therefore, taking the necessary steps to get the best exterior house painter is prudent.
Hiring a professional painting contractor will save you significant time and effort. You will also rest easy, knowing that the work will be exemplary and leaving you thinking ‘my home exterior looks brand new. with just a coat of paint’. Here are some of the tips on choosing a fantastic exterior house painter.
1. Use Referrals
Satisfied clients refer others to a service provider. If your identified house painter doesn’t have any referrals, there’s a problem. During the vetting period, you can ask the contractor if they have referrals from past customers.
If you searched ‘best house painters near me,’ you’ll probably get a list of local home painters. The results might have customers’ testimonials, which can give you headway choosing a painter. Use the list to vet the painters individually.
It would also help to ask friends or families on exterior painters they can recommend. Most of your networks will give you honest reviews about a painter. You can inquire more about their efficiency and professionalism.
2. Licensing and Insurance
More than 20 states require painters to have a license. A painter has to pass several state exams, prove work experience, and financial ability before getting the permit. Working with a professional painting company gives you confidence in the outcome of the project.
You can ask to see a painter’s license before hiring one. A licensed home painter will give you a list of activities to guide you when preparing for exterior painting. The professional will guarantee you quality results, better pattern and color options, structural stability, and timely completion of projects.
Painting has its share of risks. A painter can spill hazardous material, damage your property during the painting process, or experience a fall or slip. These liabilities might be on you if your contractor doesn’t have painting insurance.
3. Familiarize Yourself With the Painting Products
Your home exteriors get exposure to all manner of environmental conditions. You need a painter who uses high-quality products. The last thing you want is to repaint your home after a few months due to heat or water damage.
Make sure you inquire about the premium products the company uses. The high-end materials will give an exceptional final look, which will be durable. Low-end options might be inexpensive, but they will prove costly in the long run.
Acquainting yourself with most of the paint types gives you leverage. When your contractor briefs you on the options available, you can choose the oil-based or latex paint from a knowledgeable point. A contractor would hardly dupe a homeowner who has insights on matters relating to paint.
4. Meet Different Contractors and Compare Bids
A painter who has been working for most people within your neighborhood isn’t necessarily the best for you. You need to contact at least three experienced contractors to inspect your home. You can get to know more about an exterior painter and the extent of their knowledge as they check your house.
From the multiple contractors you’ve identified, get bids. It is always advisable to compare bids before settling for a painter. Have at least three to five bids to guide you on the ideal option.
While at it, avoid the temptation of settling on a contractor based solely on a low bid price. You might end up compromising on quality work. However, competitive prices are not necessarily a sign of low quality.
5. Use the Internet to Search for a House Painter
About 97% of consumers search for local businesses on the internet. The explosion of internet use has increased consumer awareness. If you don’t know how to find a painter, the internet is a great place to start.
You will get multiple suggestions on house painters near you. More importantly, you will get considerable reviews from users who have dealt with the contractors. Sites such as Yelp, Angie’s List, Houzz, and Nextdoor can provide reliable recommendations.
If a house painter has several negative reviews, that’s a red sign to note. The more the reviews, the better it is to know more about a company. However, you ought to be vigilant as some contractors can forge the reviews.
6. Request for a Contract
Everything you discuss with a painter should be in writing. The contract should include the name of the painter, address, license information, and cell number. The written agreement should further highlight the details of the estimates.
The contract ought to detail what the entire project involves. A contract prompts a service provider to perform the tasks as required. It also binds the client, who has to meet the outlined requirements such as payment.
You might also want to get copies of insurance certificates for workers’ compensation and painter’s liabilities. The move ensures that you’re not held responsible for any negligence or unintended accidents by the painter. With a contract, you can rest easy knowing that everything is under control.
7. Trust Your Intuition
When interviewing identified home painters, you can pick some of their attributes based on how they talk and behave. While you wouldn’t want to be discriminative, it is essential to work with a painter that makes you comfortable. Some characters can make you uneasy.
Inviting a stranger into your home isn’t the most pleasant thing. Therefore, you might want to go to a painter who has your idea of the right personality traits. If your gut feeling isn’t in sync, don’t sign the contract.
A Great House Painter Can Give Your Home a Face-Lift It Deserves.
Settling for a house painter is not always as straightforward. Yet, you need to make the right choice as home painting has significant impacts on the aesthetics of a home. You can follow several steps from getting referrals to personal vetting to ensure that you get the best contractor. Keep exploring our site for more home-related content.
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