Is it time to change the color of your home’s interior or exterior? Is the existing paint looking worn down, or has it been 10 years since the last time it’s been painted? Maybe you’re trying to prepare for a move or want to stay with the latest trends. Whatever the reason you need residential painting services, you should know what to look for so you pick the right contractor for the project. Here are a few tips to use when looking to hire a painter for your home.
Experience
Quality paintwork isn’t something to take for granted. That’s why you want to feel secure that you hired the right painting crew to do a good job. It’s best to focus on a company that’s been around for several years and has a good reputation. When you check out their website, it’ll often list how many years they’ve been in business. If they’re registered with the Better Business Bureau, then they’ll also have the date the company was established.
Quality of Work
Any painting contractor you consider should be able to provide samples of their work. They may have some on their website or in a physical portfolio you can view. Make sure you check online reviews for candid photos of their work as well. Any professional-level painting job should last for several years as long as the workers take the time to do the proper prep, such as sanding, cleaning, and priming the walls. According to Consumer Reports, a properly prepared paint job can last as long as 20 years. You may also want to ask what type of paint they use, so you can rest assured only the highest grade of paint will go on your walls.
Fair Pricing
Take the steps to ensure you don’t get overcharged during the estimate. That’s why you should always get multiple quotes from different painting companies. The magic number is at least three or more. As you discuss the estimate, ask them what’s involved in their services and how long the job will take. Use this information to compare the different quotes and what comes with the services to check if you’re getting what you need. Just because a company offers low prices, doesn’t mean the quality of work is great. Always ask if they can provide an itemized list of project expenses. That way, you can have an exact breakdown of what you’re paying for.
Warranty
It’s always good to find a contractor who can provide you with a warranty or guarantee of work. A warranty is an extra backup in case something goes wrong or more repairs are needed after the fact. For example, if the painters didn’t properly prepare the walls, the paint may begin to peel or bubble afterward. With a warranty, the painters can come back to your home within a certain amount of time and fix the work without additional costs. They may also guarantee money back within a certain time period if you’re not satisfied with the final results.
Insurance
Even the most careful painter can have an accident while working on a project. After all, they may have to work from scaffolding or climb on ladders. Paint may spill and cause a slipping accident. Whatever happens, insurance helps protect the workers in case medical care is needed. Their insurance will pay for any medical fees or assistance. As a result, when they’re working in your home, you won’t be liable for any accidents or damage that happen as a result of a worker accident.
Good Customer Service
As you’re considering different residential painting services, note how each contact deals with you. In other words, when you’re talking to them on the phone, do they sound frustrated and rushed? Do they answer your inquiries and make you feel comfortable with asking more questions? How long does it take the contractor to return an e-mail or a phone call? When you have someone doing any work in your home, you should feel confident that you can communicate with them properly and professionally. If you feel as if you’re bothering them, especially during the decision process, you should explore other options. A good company will be attentive and walk you through each step of the painting project.
Good Reviews
Find out what other customers are saying about these residential painting services. Are customers satisfied with their work? What do customers have to say about how painters treated their homes when they were doing work inside? Was the home and area left clean when everything was complete? These are all things that you could find out when you go through customer reviews online. A great place to check for reviews about contracting work is on sites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Reddit, and Google reviews. Search on social media by using hashtags related to painting, painting services, or the actual company name itself. Some companies even have reviews right on their website for you to see.
Approval From Better Business Bureau
A high letter grade from the Better Business Bureau is certainly something you want to see when you look the company up online. The BBB provides letter grades ranging from A to F for every business. They also make note of whether or not the business is registered with them, and it’s a red flag when the answer is no. A Better Business Bureau may also list any unresolved complaints that customers have had about the business. In other words, if the residential painting services you’re considering have a habit of not delivering quality work or not showing up on time, you may see some of those complaints on the BBB website.
According to IBISWorld, the house painting industry experienced a growth of 2.6% from 2018 to 2023. That means you have many options to consider, regardless of your location. However, if you want to make a good local choice, you should start with our team at The Magic Painting Company. We’ve been supplying expert residential painting services for many years and have the reviews and credentials to back it up. So if you want a crew of painters who can quickly and efficiently paint your home while respecting your items and your rules, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a custom quote.
