There are certain home improvement projects, like electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC installation, where you’d naturally turn to a pro. But others, such as painting, seem like a no-brainer for a DIY project. After all, everyone knows how to roll paint on a wall, right? However, painting, like any other craft, can be more complex. It comes with its own equipment, specialized knowledge and skill set. Hiring a painter can help ensure you get the best and longest-lasting results for your paint job. So when you’re starting your next painting project, it may be worth hiring a paint contractor to help with the project. Read on to find out how to hire a paint contractor.
What Is a Painting Contractor, Anyway? And What Do They Do?
Professional painting contractors are painters who work for a general contractor or are hired directly by a homeowner. Painting contractors are usually small outfits, ranging from the solo painting pro to the small company of 15-20 painters. They mainly focus on painting, but some specialize in other areas like staining, wallpapering, painting cabinets and drywall repair.
Professional painters may perform many tasks, such as painting the interior or painting the exterior of your home, painting cabinets, door and window painting and much more.
Below are painting contractors’ typical responsibilities:
- Prepping the area, such as protecting the floors and covering furniture
- Surface preparation, such as removing wallpaper, repairing drywall, patching, sanding, stripping old paint from the walls, taping the edges
- Priming
- Painting, including detail work such as the trim, windows, doors, and ceilings
- Touch-ups
- Cleanup
Top 10 things to look for when hiring a painting contractor:
- License and insurance: Make sure the painting contractor you hire is licensed and insured, which will protect you from liability in case of accidents or damage to your property.
- Experience: Look for a painting contractor with a proven track record of quality work and experience in the specific type of painting you need done.
- References: Ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to ensure the contractor has a good reputation and has provided quality work.
- Portfolio: Review the contractor’s portfolio of previous work to see if they have experience with the type of project you need done.
- Estimates: Get written estimates from at least three different painting contractors to compare pricing and make an informed decision.
- Timeframe: Make sure the contractor can complete the project within a reasonable timeframe that works for you.
- Communication: Look for a contractor who is responsive to your calls and emails, and who communicates clearly throughout the project.
- Materials: Ensure that the contractor is using high-quality materials that are appropriate for the job.
- Guarantee: Look for a contractor who offers a guarantee or warranty for their work, which will give you peace of mind.
- Professionalism: Choose a painting contractor who conducts themselves in a professional manner, arrives on time, and takes care to protect your property during the painting process.
When hiring a painting contractor, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you find a professional and experienced painter who can complete your project to a high standard. First and foremost, make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Look for a painter who has a good reputation and a portfolio of previous work that demonstrates their experience and skill level. It’s also important to obtain written estimates from multiple contractors and consider their communication style, timeframe, materials, and guarantee/warranty policies.
Finally, look for a contractor who conducts themselves in a professional manner, arrives on time, and takes care to protect your property during the painting process. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a painting contractor who will provide high-quality work and meet your specific needs.
Why should I hire a paint contractor instead of doing the job myself?
Hiring a paint contractor can save you time and ensure that the job is done correctly. A professional contractor will have the experience, tools, and materials necessary to complete the project efficiently and to a high standard. Additionally, a contractor can offer advice on paint selection, color schemes, and other factors that can impact the final outcome of the project.
What should I ask a paint contractor before hiring them?
Before hiring a paint contractor, you should ask about their experience and qualifications, request references and a portfolio of previous work, and ask about their estimate and payment policies. Additionally, you can ask about their warranty or guarantee policies, communication methods, and their process for protecting your property during the painting process.
What should I expect during the painting process?
During the painting process, you should expect the contractor to protect your property and belongings, prepare the surfaces to be painted, apply the paint using high-quality materials and techniques, and clean up the area after the job is completed. Additionally, the contractor should communicate with you throughout the process and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Last Updated: April 26, 2023
