Why Hire a Professional Painting Contractor?
Before you decide to hire the least expensive painting contractor you can find, or “do it yourself”, here are important points to consider that suggest the lowest price may not be the best value.
Safety
Painting can be hazardous work, whether it’s working on a ladder or dealing with solvents and dust. Hiring a professional contractor means you don’t have to worry about these problems.
Health
If your home or business was built before 1978, it may have been painted with lead-based paint, which can cause serious health effects when it is scraped or sanded in preparation for repainting.
Professional contractors will take appropriate steps to protect you. Painting contractors are required to check for questionable lead surfaces and provide you with that information.
Preparation & Painting
Getting the surface properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional contractors know the value of preparation and will do it right.
Knowing Paints and How to Apply Them
The choices today are more complicated than just oil or latex, and professional contractors will know what works, how to use it, and will have the right tools for the job. Professional contractors utilize and partner with professional paint, coatings, and wallcovering suppliers.
Cleanup and Disposal
Hiring a professional painting contractor means you don’t have to worry about dealing with paint residues and other leftovers. Professionals will know how to handle hazardous wastes that may be part of the job.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project
Once you have decided to contract with someone to do a particular painting and decorating project, how do you go about selecting the right painting company? Do you make your selection on price, size of company, years in business, or other criteria?
There are many sources of information where you can find reputable painting contractors. Some of these sources are PDCA’s Find a Pro search engine, friends, relatives, architects and design professionals, and local “quality- oriented” paint supply stores. However, these sources can only give you limited general information. In order to make an educated decision, you need some specific information about any person or firm you are considering hiring.
Always Verify that the Painting Contractor is Licensed and Insured
Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. They should provide bonding information (if the job is large enough to require such) and documentation of safety training and compliance programs. Not all states and municipalities require licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimum requirement.
Written Painting Contracts are a Must
Reputable painting contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor. Contact us for a free estimate at (201)440-0505.