Finding and hiring the best painting company can feel overwhelming. We've created a simplified guide to help you make the right choice.
Look for paint companies with a website that displays photos of actual project work instead of stock images or staged settings. You can also search online for client reviews and testimonials.
1. Look for a Reputable Company
Professional painting contractors have the skills and equipment to transform your space. Their experience and attention to detail help them avoid costly mistakes that can leave you with a subpar result.
They are aware that their service is an investment, and they are willing to answer any questions you have about the project. They will provide proof of insurance and worker’s compensation to ensure you are protected in case something goes wrong during the job.
The larger a company is, the more likely they have an office staff that can assist you during business hours with additional information, changes to your contract, and scheduling. This makes it easy for you to communicate your needs and expectations. Often, these companies also have a history of great customer service.
2. Get a Written Estimate
Obtaining an estimate is the next step when choosing a painting contractor. It is important to understand the business of painting and ask educated questions when receiving an estimate.
It is a good idea to find painters that have dedicated in-house employees and not subcontractors. This will help ensure that your painting project is handled professionally with timely communication.
One of the most effective ways to find a reputable painter is through referrals. This can be done through asking friends, family and neighbors for recommendations or searching online. When requesting an estimate, be sure to have the painter visit your home and walk through the project with you. This way they can get a full eyes-on understanding of the work that needs to be done.
3. Ask for References
You can get a lot of information about a potential professional painter by checking their references. It is important to ask about their experience, quality of work and adherence to deadlines.
Having the right painter can make or break your project. To ensure you find a good contractor, start by getting referrals from friends and family members who have recently had their home or business painted. You should also consider posting a help-wanted advertisement on a popular job site such as ZipRecruiter, which attracts over 3 million job seekers per day.
You should avoid hiring painting contractors who use subcontractors. These contractors may not be background checked or insured. They can also be difficult to contact during the job. Ideally, you should choose a company that hires its crew as employees and provides them with training.
4. Get a Quote
It may sound old-school, but asking for recommendations from friends, family members, and neighbors is still one of the best ways to find a good painting company. You’ll want to hear about their experience with a particular company, what they liked and didn’t like about their work.
It’s important to get a quote from each potential painting contractor before making your decision. This will give you a clear idea of how much the project will cost and help you budget accordingly. It also helps ensure there are no surprises down the road.
When getting a quote, make sure the painter provides a detailed breakdown of costs and includes all labor and materials. Additionally, make sure they have a dedicated in-house crew and are not using subcontractors.
5. Ask Questions
Regardless of how great a contractor’s online reviews are, you need to ask them some questions to see if they are the right fit for your project. Ask how long they’ve been in business, if their painters are dedicated in-house employees and whether or not they offer a warranty on their work.
It’s also important to understand what materials a contractor uses, as this can affect the overall quality of a job. Ensure they’re using high-quality paints and other materials that will stand the test of time.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to get a list of references that you can call and ask questions about their experiences with the painting company. Be sure to ask if they used the painting company for interior or exterior services, and what their experience best exterior paint colors for commercial buildings was like.
