Consider Hiring a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color choices and decorative schemes. Painting a room is simple enough. In fact, it's nearly the perfect do-it-yourself home improvement project. Nonetheless it is a task that places demands on your time, budget, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few pre-determined questions.
• How much preparation am I going to be required to do and will I have available time to do it?
• Am I up to the hard elements of the work, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a new skill, and can I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I be able to live with a house left unfinished if I am called away or when I have to return to work after the weekend?
• Are there areas of the job I can do but simply don't enjoy? Are there parts of the job I can do myself and parts I need to contract out?
If your answers to these questions cause you to decide to contract all or some of the project, then begin gathering bids and hiring a contractor methodically.
First, talk with friends and neighbors and get their suggestions about contractors they may have used. Have a look at the work done for people you know so you can make sure the grade of the job meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the most notable contractors to discuss the work you want done. Meet with all of them individually to understand the job and discuss the specific job details.
Questions for Your Painting Contractor
• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, and so forth), ask what will be done to get it ready for priming including what type and make of primer. Then ask your contractor about the finish coat, like the type and brand of the paint, how it'll be applied, its quality, and the number of coats. Make certain the contractor will use high quality paint. An excellent acrylic latex paint may cost more initially, but its durability will save money in the long term.
• For exterior work, ask exactly what will be done to safeguard landscape plants. For interior work, learn how furniture will be protected and moved.
• Ask when the contractor can start the job and exactly how long it will take. It's also advisable to know what remedy will be employed if the work is not completed promptly.
• Discuss the warranty on the paint job, how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and exactly what will be done to correct such failures.
• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will replace your costs if the contractor fails to complete the job. Insurance covers any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you may well be liable for such injuries. Insurance may also cover damages done to your premises.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for previous customers. Call some 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 painter’s for the same work. The estimate should demonstrate material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before making your decision, consider the contractor's demeanor. She or he should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning phone calls or arriving for a scheduled appointment. The contractor should remember to reply to your questions and describe details of the work.
Hire a Painting Contractor
Once you have selected a professional painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the job (unless the bid or estimate had already been in contractual form). The document should explain everything you have discussed with the contractor about your painting. It should specify these exact things:
• the work to be achieved
• the materials to be used
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to remain on schedule
• methods for resolving disputes
• procedures for making 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 job with the contractor, making notes about whatever needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, etc). The contractor should correct the issues before you make final payment.
Sound Quality Painting
824 90th Dr SE suite B
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 512-7400
