When hiring a painting contractor, ask about their experience, knowledge, and insurance. Experience is necessary, so you want to hire a painting contractor with a good track record. Listed below are six tips for hiring the right painting contractor. These tips should help you find a reliable painting company.
Checking with the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great resource when hiring a painting contractor. Not only do they offer information on the industry and its reputation, but they also provide helpful tips for hiring a painting contractor and avoiding scams. For example, check the painter’s insurance and credentials before hiring a painting contractor. Also, check that Painting Contractors Seattle carries general liability insurance and is properly licensed. It also covers any injuries that may occur on the job and damages to personal property.
When choosing a painting contractor, ask about their experience and reputation. Check with friends and family for recommendations, and be sure to be home when the first meeting. Ask about the time the contractors take to assess the job because it takes longer. Experienced exterior painters will need more time to evaluate a house, so ask about their experience level and crew size.
Verifying that the painter has insurance
Before hiring a painting contractor, it is vital to verify their insurance. Owners may be held liable for any mishaps if a painter does not carry insurance. Therefore, before hiring a painter, you should ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy. Moreover, a reputable contractor should not require a downpayment or any other kind of payment upfront. Moreover, an uninsured painter may cause damage to a neighbor’s property or injure their employees.
Besides having insurance for accidents, general liability insurance is also vital when hiring a painter. The insurance should cover the property owner up to $1 million. Additionally, WSIB insurance is essential, as it protects injured workers. If the painting contractor does not have WSIB insurance, they will be liable for any damages caused to your property. To avoid such a scenario, ask for a proof certificate or notify the insurance company.
Scheduling a walk-thru
Schedule a walk-through when hiring a painting contractor. Walkthroughs are an excellent opportunity for the contractor to communicate with the client and discuss the job, the estimate, and the overall cost. Additionally, this meeting is a good time to outline your contractor’s unique services. Finally, the walk-through allows the contractor to review the notes with the client, which provides closure and helps ensure you’re happy with the final result.
A pre-walk with your painting contractor is vital for two reasons: it lets you review the contract, and it allows you to see the finished project. It also allows you to get a different perspective on the project. Of course, if the painter isn’t happy with the final product, you can always request a touch-up, and it’s also a good idea to have family and friends walk through the room with you to see whether it’s to your satisfaction.
Asking for a guarantee
If you’re in the market for a painting contractor, ask for references and a guarantee. Professionals should be happy to provide you with contact information for past and present customers. You can also check online reviews to see what people say about them. Be wary of contractors who try to hide their reputation by not providing references, though. So whether you’re hiring a painting contractor for interior or exterior painting, ask for references before hiring them.
In addition to the insurance, you should also ask for a guarantee. A guarantee can be helpful if there’s a problem during the project. For example, a painting contractor should carry insurance against accidents and property damage. Workman’s compensation insurance is essential, too, because if one of their employees gets injured while working, you could be held liable for the damages. Ask to see the insurance coverage of each painting contractor you consider hiring.
