A lot more goes into a successful painting job than getting the right color onto the walls. Sure, evenly-applied color and sharp edges are important, but they’re certainly not all there is to it. You want your project done in a reasonable amount of time with no headaches.
So, when you’re looking for a painting company, you want to know more than just whether or not they’re available when you need—you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve hired the best company for the job.
Here are a few things to look for and questions to ask to help you make the right decision.
WHAT IS EVERYTHING THEY CAN HELP YOU WITH?
There are plenty of people who can take the paint you want and put it onto a wall without destroying anything. But what if you have questions about paint selection? What if you aren’t sure if you should go with eggshell or matte? What if you want some shelves to go up, or wallpaper to come down? And how much paint should you buy, anyway?
A quality professional painting service should be able to do much more than just put paint on a wall. Their job isn’t just to follow directions—it’s to make the entire process as easy as possible for you. So when you’re comparing different companies, ask about the scope of their services. Look for a company that offers comprehensive consultations, so you can get all your project questions answered before you get started.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND SCREENING
Professional painting takes more than a steady hand. Using rollers and sprayers looks easy, but it’s proper training that makes it appear that way.
Getting a quality, professional-looking result requires a blend of technique, knowledge, and practice. Not all paint is the same, so it’s important for painters to know what they’re working with and just what kind of special touch it needs. So don’t be shy—ask about what kind of training employees have undergone.
Of course, training shouldn’t end with artistry. You also need to ask about safety training. Painting can be dangerous business, and the last thing you want to worry about are accidents and injuries.
Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to ask if employees have been background-checked. It might be a little uncomfortable to ask, but you’ll feel more at ease opening your home to the crew when you know due diligence has been taken.
LICENSING, PROOF OF CURRENT INSURANCE, AND WORKERS’ COMP
Even when your hired professionals are skillful experts, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re working with a licensed company that’s fully insured. Not only should their insurance cover property damage, but they also need workers’ comp to keep you protected in case anyone gets hurt on the job.
Any painting company should be ready to show you proof of insurance, and to clearly explain its coverage to you—if they hesitate, that’s a very bad sign.
YOUR ESTIMATE SHOULD BE COMPREHENSIVE AND CRYSTAL CLEAR
If the person who comes over to do your estimate eye-balls the room and throws out a number—be concerned. An estimate should come with a lot more information than just a single ballpark price.
You’ll want to know:
Payment details, including when your final payment will be due, what forms of payment are accepted, and things that may affect that price (such as unexpected complications).
What all is included in that estimated price, and what exactly the project will entail. Will they help with moving furniture and fixtures? What kind of cleanup can you expect? Etc.
A timeline, so you know how long your project will take. That timeline should include a backup plan in case of weather.
Your contact person for the project, in case any questions arise or anything unexpected happens.
Inviting painters into your home shouldn’t be stressful, and doesn’t have to be. Arming yourself with this information up front will help ensure that your project goes smoothly and you end up with the results you want.
To learn more about what you can expect when you hire Precision Painting Plus, check out What to Expect—A Painting Project In Five Steps.
