One simple online search can get you a long list of painting companies to hire. Not to mention that it is also fairly easy to ask for recommendations from your inner social circle.
While there are a lot of painters out there with excellent offers, it can be challenging to choose one with whom you can entrust your project with. Before hiring a painting contractor, take the time to interview them to know more about them and filter the good ones from the bad ones.
In this article, we will guide you by sharing the most important questions to ask when hiring painters.
1. Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
When hiring a painting company, make sure that they have the proper licenses to operate and have at least the basic level of insurance. Even if it isn’t legally required, it is recommended to hire a company that has general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Insurance is a crucial factor as it protects you from being held liable in the event of an accident on the job. General liability insurance policies cover bodily injuries, personal injuries, and property damage. You can also have some peace of mind knowing that the painting company has purchased bonds that will cover the cost of any claims you may have concerning the project.
2. Who will work on the paint job?
Some painting companies have a team of experienced in-house painters, while others hire subcontractors whenever a project comes through. While there’s no problem with painting contractors that hire subcontractors, there are some risks involved with this setup.
To avoid this, it’s important to ensure that the painting company diligently conducts background checks on their subcontractors. Unreliable subcontractors may deliver a sub-par quality of work or rush to complete the paint job because they only usually get paid a flat rate. Also, there’s a chance that the subcontractor doesn’t have workman’s compensation insurance.
While it’s okay to partner with a painting company that hires subcontractors, do your part in ensuring that the contractor has a system in place that guarantees careful oversight of the project.
3. Can you share some references that we can contact?
The best painters to hire are those who are proud of and can stand by the quality of their work. Such contractors will have no problem sharing some references that you can reach out to in order to get a better understanding of their service and approach. Aside from contacting previous clients to know about their first-hand experience, you can also request for their portfolio of past projects.
Additionally, you may check online reviews and view their complaint history using the Better Business Bureau’s resources.
4. Is there a warranty?
Remember to only trust painting companies that provide warranties for the materials used and their labor. If they can’t give you a written copy of the warranty conditions, consider this as a red flag and look for other service providers.
A trustworthy painting contractor will be able to provide a written document with the essential details of the warranty, including the coverage, duration, and how it’s funded.
5. Can you give me an estimate?
When you consult with a painting contractor and discuss the details of your project, they must be able to provide an estimate of the cost of materials and labor. Many painting companies offer a free estimate that is valid for a specific period. Some factors that can impact costs include the project size, time of year (if it’s off-season or peak season), materials you require, and the prep work involved.
Also, ensure that the company you hire has a transparent and fair policy on payment terms. Most service providers require a deposit before they start the project.
6. What is the timeline for the completion of the project?
The time it takes to finish the paint job depends on the scope of work and the number of painters who will work on it. The best painting companies to hire are those that can provide and adhere to a realistic timeline.
While you’re in talks with prospective painters, don’t hesitate to ask if they can provide extra manpower for faster completion in case you need to meet tight deadlines.
Final Thoughts
With the huge number of painting companies that you can choose from, finding the one that is most suitable for you can be challenging. However, asking the right questions during your interview with prospects can help you narrow down your choices.
Additionally, you might want to watch out for red flags such as cost estimates that are too low, payment first or cash-only policies, and unresponsiveness in calls and emails.
If you want to save time looking for a reliable painting contractor, check out Soho Painters. Their crew can work on both residential and commercial projects, and perform other services such as drywall installation, custom murals, Venetian plaster, and wallpaper installation.
Get in touch with Soho Painters today so we can discuss your requirements and give you a free quote!