How to Hire a Painter
Think about the last time you purchased a car. Chances are you didn’t go to the yellow pages, choose a dealership at random, and buy your car from the first lot you visited. Many times, though, this scenario describes the way homeowners find a painter -- they look in the phone book and call the painter with the largest ad or the first one listed. But much like purchasing a car, finding a qualified painter requires research and comparison shopping.
Ask Questions
HOW DO THEY PLAN TO PREPARE THE SURFACE FOR PAINTING?
Proper prep work is the key to a longlasting paint job. Make sure your contractor has a clear plan for washing, scraping, and sanding the surface.
WILL THEY PRIME BEFORE CAULKING AND PAINTING?
All bare surfaces require a primer; previously painted surfaces usually do not require primer.
WHAT AREAS ARE THEY PLANNING TO CAULK?
The most common cause of paint failure is due to moisture from water going behind the paint. For that reason caulking all joints, seams, gaps, and cracks in the surface is a must to ensure a tight seal.
WHAT KIND OF PAINT DO THEY PLAN TO USE? WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
Good quality paint will be recommended by good painters, you probably don’t need the most expensive product, but don't cheap out on this either. Make sure the painter can explain the benefits of the paint they are recommending and ask for documentation of any manufacturer’s warranty info and product data.
Ask For a Quote
Invite painters to look at the job and ask for a quote in writing. In the quote also ask then to specify the time it will take to complete the job. It sucks to try and live in a house that is covered with drape cloths. Make sure the contractors are quoting on the same specifications - areas to be painted, number of coats and so forth.
Execute a Contract
Execute a contract specifying the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date and
estimated completion date. Make sure the contract includes the paint brands and colors to be used in each location, as well as the number of coats. Make sure the contract specifies that the painter is responsible for cleanup and the removal of paint from all surfaces (windows, floors).
3 Things to Look For in a Qualified Painter
There are a number of qualifications that can set a professional painter apart.
• Insurance -- Be sure that the prospective store and tradesmen you are considering is fully insured, having both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Your selected store should be able to provide you with a copy of his or her insurance policy.
• Check the local Government complaint register to see if contractor has a clean slate.
• Don't be scared to ask for testimonials and ring or visit one or two.
Safety Commitment
Accidents can happen with almost any home improvement project. So ask your prospective
candidate what steps he or she will take to prevent injuries and property damage. Again if a
painter is good at his work he or she will be able to answer this question with ease. They have
Clean Up
Ask the painter how he or she intends to leave the work area once the job is completed. You
don’t want to be cleaning up after a painter for hours after they’ve left your home. Also, ask
about disruption during the project.
Get a free guide at MandurahHousePainter dot com
No comments:
Post a Comment