As a professional painting contractor for more than thirty years, I have heard literally hundreds of horror stories from customers about their past experiences with hiring painting contractors.
Among the most common stories I have heard are painting contractors who received a deposit from the customer and never came back, who were not actually commercial painting contractors but simply crooks, painting contractors who started work and their work was so bad that the customer was forced to ask the contractor to leave. These are just a few of the typical stories I have heard and continue to hear from customers. In this article, we will look at what you can do to protect yourself if you are going to hire a painting contractor.
Ways to find commercial painting contractors:
Although there are many ways to find a good painting contractor, such as on the Internet, in the Yellow Pages, or even in your local newspaper, it’s best to ask friends, relatives, and co-workers what painting contractors they have hired in the past, and ask what their experience has been with a particular painting contractor. Ask if they were satisfied with the work, what the price was, and how long it took the painting company to complete the job. You can also check with your local painting contractor and ask them for a recommendation. If you can’t find a painting contractor through any of these sources, you can contact your local Better Business Bureau and ask if they can provide recommendations.
Insurance of commercial painting contractors is must:
Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance first. Quality contractors will be happy to provide you with copies of their insurance certificates. Not all states and municipalities require licensing, but business registration with your state and municipality is usually a minimum requirement.
Obtain references
From the contractors you are seriously considering. Talk to them honestly and openly about the services they have received. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about money and service. You want to be sure that you are hiring a professional painting company that will provide you with quality work at a fair price.
Contract:
It is very important that you get a written contract. Reputable contractors recommend using a written contract. This contract should clearly state the scope of work to be done. It should also include items such as the surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, schedules for the project and payment arrangements. When you have the total scope of work in writing, you can better estimate cost differences between different contractors. The contract protects both you and the contractor.
Other questions you should ask are:
How long has the contractor been in business? There is a high turnover rate in the painting industry. Make sure you hire someone who has been in business for at least five years. Inquire about the experience of the company’s employees, as there are some companies that hire employees with little or no experience in order to cut costs. Also inquire about what preparations the painting company will make for your job, as preparation is one of the most important steps in painting any surface. Ask the painting company for recommendations on the materials to use. A professional painting contractor can recommend specific paints and finishes.
Next, you need to find out if a paint warranty is included. If so, inquire about the length of time the contractor guarantees his work. Simply stating a warranty is not enough; you must get the warranty, including any limitations, in writing.
Many contractors require a deposit when you sign a contract. This is usually common, but before you make a down payment, make sure you have checked all your references and that you are absolutely comfortable with the contractor. Be careful about asking for a large deposit, and never pay more than 20% of the price up front.
Then take the time to carefully compare estimates. The lowest price is not necessarily the best choice. If you find that the quotes are very far apart, ask the contractors for an explanation. Are all contractors using the same colors and materials? The lowest bidder could be cutting corners on quality.
Remember, the lowest price should not be your first consideration. You want someone who is qualified, experienced, fully insured and has an experienced team. In the painting industry, as in most other industries, you generally get what you pay for. Good, professional painting contractors are interested in your job and will provide you with certificates of insurance, references, advice on paint and finishes. Once you have made your choice, step back and let the painting company finish the project you hired them to do. If you want quality, professional service, you must be willing to pay the price associated with it.
Commercial Painting Contractor https://opalpainting.com.au
