Look for companies with a variety of positive reviews. You want to see high praise but also detailed explanations of why the company is praised.
Verify that their painters are actually employees, not sub-contractors. It costs a painting contractor more to employ and pay their staff, but it ensures safety compliance and proper training.
Ask for References
When evaluating painting companies, ask them for some references from local customers who they have painted recently. A quality company should be more than happy to provide these, and they should also have photos of past projects that you can look at.
When talking with the references, find out what they liked about their experience with the painting company. You can then glean information about what makes the painting company unique, such as the types of paints they use or their speed of work.
Another question that is important to ask is whether or not the painting company does their own work or subcontracts it out to other painters. If a painting company is hesitant to answer this question, it should be a big red flag. If they do subcontract their work, it may mean that you’re getting less quality work because they are cutting corners. A quality painting company should be able to explain their process and why they do what they do.
Check the BBB
A good painting company will go above and beyond to make their customers happy. They will listen to their clients’ needs and work to turn their vision into a reality. Their painters will be respectful of their client’s indoor and outdoor belongings, courteous, and attentive to detail. They will communicate clearly throughout the project, and their pricing will be fair and transparent.
Licensed painters have workman’s comp and liability cost to paint commercial building interior insurance, which protects homeowners from accidental damage to property or injury to the painter while on the job. Companies that use unlicensed painters may be cheaper, but this is a huge risk for you as the homeowner!
Look for a painting company with a long history in the area. This indicates they’ve gained the trust of homeowners over time and are dedicated to their craft. Plus, they will have a strong reputation that other local businesses can attest to. This will give you peace of mind knowing they will be around for a while, if you ever need them again!
Check Their Website
With paint jobs being relatively easy to complete and home remodeling purchases surging across the country thanks to stay-at-home orders, it can be tempting for painters to lower their standards and cut corners in order to compete on price. However, that usually ends up costing the client in the long run with sub-par results and unforeseen issues.
It is best to choose a painting company that has dedicated in-house employees rather than using sub-contractors. This costs the company more because they have to pay workman’s compensation, provide benefits and train them thoroughly, but it gives the clients peace of mind that the painters they hire are screened and trained to do the job correctly.
Look for a painting contractor who has a website with photos of their team and actual projects they have worked on. This will give you a good idea of their work quality and how they approach each job. They should also have a contact form on their site that allows you to request an estimate online.
Get an Estimate
It is always important to get multiple quotes from several painting contractors before hiring. This allows you to compare “apples to apples” and see which company may be best for your job.
Be wary of companies that offer the lowest prices because they are likely cutting corners somewhere. This could include skipping steps like prepping, using cheaper paints and materials, or not following proper safety protocol.
Lastly, be sure to check whether or not they have insurance. This will protect you in case anything unexpected occurs during your project. This is also a good time to ask about their business structure. Some painters choose to set themselves up as a corporation, which offers tax benefits. Others prefer a limited liability company or LLC, which provides protection from personal assets.
Choosing the right painting company can make your next home improvement project smooth and stress-free. Use the tips above to find a contractor with knowledge, skill, and good customer service.
