If you plan to hire a professional Interior Painter contractor to repaint the interior of your home, then there are a few things you should know to help ensure a high-quality job. You should ALWAYS do your research before hiring any contractor. Google and Facebook customer reviews are great indicator and can tell you a lot about the business.
A simple search on Google of the business name will bring up everything about the business you might be looking for.
If you search for “518 Painters,” for instance, you will find information on the company’s website, reviews, and recent posts and offers.
If you scroll down those search results, you will find additional information about that painting business.
This example shows that 518 Painters of Albany, NY has a solid online presence.
You can see that the company has a Facebook page you can check out and read reviews.
Also, there are other sites such as Houzz and Youtube
How Many Estimates Should I Get?
Call at least three professional interior painting contractors for your project and ask Friends and family for references.
In addition, be home for the initial meeting with them. Therefore, you’ll know how much time each contractor took to inspect the condition of your home.
The longer he takes does not mean that the more realistic the estimate will be. But it will give you the opportunity to see if the professional interior painter is thoroughly inspecting the job.
Remember that the cheapest guy is not always the best option; you get what you pay for.
What Painting Company Is Right For My Needs?
If you are looking for a less crowded work site, then hiring a small local business is what we suggest. Usually, they are family-owned and operated and have smaller crews (1-2 guys).
Also, ask each contractor about crew size and experience level.
What Questions Should I Ask During An Estimate?
Preparation is also crucial. Ask about the steps the professional interior painter will use to prep the surfaces for painting.
The number of coats a painter applies isn’t the only factor in determining the quality and price of the project.
If you want a surface free of unevenness from past paint jobs, tell the contractor and be prepared to pay extra.
But if you can live with some imperfections, agree on what prep is acceptable and what isn’t.
Do I Need A Contract When Hiring A Painter?
Yes, always get a contract! The contract should include all the professional contractor’s information, including name, address, phone number, and whatever details are agreed upon in the estimate. Get a copy of the professional interior painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates.
The professional interior painter should have insurance, or else you could be on the hook if, for example, the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member gets hurt on the job.
What Should Be In a Painting Estimate?
Ask for a written estimate from each professional contractor. Included should be a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats of primer and paint, and the brand and model of materials.
In addition, it should have a detailed description of the amount of surface preparation that will be done. Anything from caulking to patching and priming.
Should I Pay The Contractor Money Upfront?
Some professional contractors will ask for a down payment to cover material expenses. Don’t make a sizeable down payment. Commonly 15 to 30 percent, until you are delighted with the job.
Additionally, every professional contractor should have some written guarantee.
This will vary for each professional painter, but it should include correcting any
- chipping
- peeling
- blistering
- flaking
excessive fading or chalking that occurs within two years after the job is done at no or little cost.
If he tells you the paint has a warranty, remember that it doesn’t include labor, which can cost far more material.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Ten commonly asked questions about hiring a professional painter and their respective answers:
- How do I know if a painter is licensed and insured?
You can ask the painter for their license number and verify it with your state’s licensing board. Additionally, you can ask for proof of insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation insurance. - What qualifications should I look for in a professional painter?
Look for a painter who has years of experience, positive customer reviews, and is properly licensed and insured. Choosing a painter specializing in the type of painting project you need is essential, such as interior or exterior. - How can I get an accurate estimate for my painting project?
Invite several painters to your home to provide an estimate. The painter should assess the project’s scope, sometimes take measurements, and ask about your color preferences. The estimate should include the cost of labor, materials, and any additional fees or charges. - How long will it take to complete my painting project?
The project’s duration will depend on the size and scope of the job. A small room may take only a day or two, while an entire house may take several weeks. Your painter should provide you with a timeline for completion before starting the project. - What type of paint should I use?
The type of paint you should use will depend on the surface being painted and your color preferences. Your painter can recommend the best paint for your project, considering factors such as durability, sheen, and ease of application. - Will the painter provide the necessary materials and equipment, or must I purchase them myself?
Your painter should provide all necessary materials and equipment, including paint, brushes, drop cloths, and ladders. If there are specific paint colors or finishes you want to use, you may need to purchase those separately. - What steps will the painter take to protect my furniture and belongings during the painting process?
Your painter should take steps to protect your furniture and belongings, such as covering them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. They may remove items from the room or cover them with plastic wrap. - What is the payment schedule for the painting project?
The payment schedule will depend on the painter’s policies. Some painters require payment upfront, while others may require a deposit and payment in installments. Make sure you understand the payment schedule before hiring the painter. - What happens if I’m not satisfied with the finished product?
Your painter should have a satisfaction guarantee policy in place. If you’re unhappy with the finished product, speak to the painter and give them a chance to make it right. You may be entitled to a partial refund if you’re still unsatisfied. - How do I prepare my home for the painting project?
Your painter should provide you with a list of tasks to complete before they arrive to begin the project. This may include removing pictures from walls, moving furniture out of the room, and patching holes in the walls. Follow the painter’s instructions carefully to ensure the project goes smoothly.
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