Your time is valuable, so why not hire a professional painter for your next project and spend it the way you’d like?
Using a professional painting contractor takes the stress out of painting the exterior or interior of your home, and finding the right one is the most important decision in any home improvement project.
Finding a Contractor
One sure–fire way to find a trustworthy house painter is using our LINK Painting Contractor Network, currently available to residents in the following areas: greater Washington, D.C. (including Maryland and Virginia); New England (including Boston); South Florida (Palm Beach County, Broward/Ft. Lauderdale and Miami/Dade); and San Francisco and the Peninsula, North Bay, South Bay, and East Bay.
Outside of these areas, the best way to find a quality painting contractor is to get referrals from friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who have had good experiences with the paint contractors they’ve used. You can also get referrals from your local Benjamin Moore store.
Making Sure It’s the Right Contractor
Use these tips to narrow down your choices and ensure you get the right professional for your project.
Check Credentials & Experience
Always ask contractors the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have the proper/required licenses? (This varies by state, and some states may not require licensing.)
Do you have insurance and bonding? (This helps determine whether your contractor and any hired workers are insured for injury and liability.)
Are you a member of any national or local painting contractors’ associations?
Do you subcontract your work or perform it yourself?
Can you provide references?
Do you offer written guarantees of your work?
Pay Attention to Behavior
Pay attention to the following signs and behaviors when speaking to contractors:
Does the contractor project a sense of professionalism and experience?
Is the contractor courteous and business-like?
Is the contractor busy? (Good ones usually are.)
Does the contractor return phone calls and provide estimates in a timely manner?
Is the contractor on time for appointments?
Check References
Be sure to get at least three references from past customers and speak to them directly. If possible, visit references to evaluate the painter’s work in person and to see how well it has held up over time.
Hiring the Contractor
Before making your final decision, select three or more good candidates to choose from and see how they compare.
Get Estimates from at Least Three Contractors
When you receive contractor estimates, they should fall roughly within the same price range. If estimates are widely different from one another, be wary of contractors who bid too high or too low. Ask about what is not being done, and where corners are being cut.
Be Specific
The more specific and clear you are about your project needs, the more precise your contractor’s estimate will be.
It’s a good idea to walk each potential contractor around the areas (indoor or outdoor) to be painted while discussing your needs, as well as any aspects of your project that could affect the price.
For example, let the contractor know exactly which surfaces should be painted (walls, trims, moldings, ceilings, etc.) and which paint colors and finishes you want used.
Review the Contract
Once you’ve settled on a contractor, don’t fail to take the time to review your contract—and ask questions about any details for which you need clarification. Be sure to verify the following:
The specifics on what is to be painted (house, trim, walls, molding, etc.)
Details on preparation and cleanup
Paint colors for each area to be painted
How the contractor will protect plants, patios, furniture, or other items
How much time the project will take, from start to end
When and how the contractor will be paid
Now you’re ready to hire the right paint contractor—and enjoy your newly painted home.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=contentrenderer_1_4&contentrenderer_1_4_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2Fcms%2FContentRenderer%2FrenderContent&contentrenderer_1_4currentNodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F6002&contentrenderer_1_4NodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F10026&_pageLabel=fh_learnhow”>
