Facts to Consider When Finding a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color choices and decorative schemes. Painting an area is not difficult. Actually, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nevertheless it is a task that places demands on your time, financial limits, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few pre-determined questions.
• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have enough time to do it?
• Am I up to the difficult elements of the work, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a fresh skill, and may I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I be able to live with an area left unfinished if I am called away or when I have to return to work following the weekend?
• Are there parts of the job I could do but simply don't enjoy? Are there parts of the job I can do myself and parts I want to contract out?
If your answers to these questions cause you to decide to contract all or part of the project, then go about gathering bids and finding a contractor methodically.
First, talk to friends and neighbors and get their suggestions about contractors they used. Take a look at the quality of the work done for individuals you know so you can make sure the grade of the job meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the top contractors to go over the job you want done. Meet with each of them individually to check out the work and discuss the specific work details.
Questions for You Painting Contractor
• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, and so forth), ask what will be done to prepare it for priming including what type and brand of primer. Then ask your contractor about the final coat, including the type and brand of the paint, how it will be applied, its quality, and the amount of coats. Make sure the contractor will use high quality paint. An excellent acrylic latex paint will cost more initially, but its durability will save money in the long term.
• For exterior work, ask what will be done to safeguard landscape plants. For interior work, find out how furniture will be protected and moved.
• Ask when the contractor can start the job and exactly how long it will take. You should also know what cure will be employed if the work is not completed on time.
• Discuss the guarantee on the job, how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and what will be done to correct such failures.
• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will replace your costs if the contractor does not complete the job. Insurance covers any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you may be responsible for such injuries. Insurance could also cover damages done to your residence.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for several previous customers. Call a few of the references and ask when you can look at the contractor's work.
• Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Be skeptical of any bids that are significantly higher or lower than others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly near to the other person’s for the same work. The estimate should show material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before making your decision, consider the contractor's demeanor. He or she should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning calls or arriving for an appointment. The contractor should remember to answer your questions and describe details of the job.
Choosing a Painting Contractor
Once you have selected a professional painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the work (unless the bid or estimate was already in contractual form). The document should spell out everything you've discussed with the contractor about your painting. it must specify these exact things:
• the work to be done
• the materials to be utilized
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to remain on schedule
• methods for resolving disputes
• procedures to make changes (change orders are alterations to the contract to which both parties must agree)
• evidence of insurance and bonding and licensing if required by local ordinance
Before you make final payment, inspect the work with the contractor, making notes about whatever needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, etc). The contractor should correct the problems before you make final payment.
Sound Quality Painting
824 90th Dr SE suite B
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 512-7400
