Deciding to hire someone to paint your house is not a decision to be taken lightly. You really need to evaluate more than one person for the job and then make a decision based on who has the most experience and knowledge, as well as a reputation for quality work.
Cost is also a consideration. There are painters who have expensive rates, and although they do quality work, there’s no reason to pay way above what other quality painters are charging. By the same token, a dirt-cheap painter may leave much to be desired.
Here’s what you need to know before you make the decision to hire a painter:
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The Cheapest Bid Isn’t Always the Best Choice
First off, any painter you’re considering should write up a bid for your consideration. If there’s no bid, don’t even consider hiring the person. The best thing to do is to get several bids so that you can compare labor and material costs. Remember that the cheapest bid may not be your best pick. For instance, if the painter is planning on using value paint and cutting corners, you’d be better off going with someone else.
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Knowledge and Experience Count
Look for a painter with knowledge and experience, and don’t hesitate to ask for references. Ask questions when he comes to your home to determine if he can recommend the best materials and techniques for your project or see if he knows about colors and trends.
Professional painters, such as the ones you can find at Teaberry.net will be prepared to give you a quote and answer any questions you may have: “We prepare your proposal right on the spot, printed and handed to you. Get all your questions answered before we leave on the first visit.”
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Don’t Start Without a Contract in Place
Once you choose a painter, make sure you have a detailed, professional contract in place before he begins work. Any professional painting service will provide their clients with a contract that specifies things like how long the project will take, what materials will be used and what prep work will need to be done.
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Premium Paint Is Worth It
Although you don’t have to invest in the most expensive paint on the market, it’s a good idea to opt for a premium brand, which will look good for many years to come. A professional painter will be able to make paint recommendations.
The difference between a high-quality paint and a lower-quality product is that high-quality paint products contain superior ingredients, which result in no spattering, improved adhesion, hiding capability, stain resistance, scrub resistance and protection from fading.
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Don’t Underestimate the Value of Prep Work
An experienced painter will put effort into prepping his workspace, which takes time, and also will add to the cost of the job. But it’s a necessary set of steps. A less-qualified or less-experienced painter might try to cut corners and skimp on preparation — actions that won’t turn out well for anyone.
For example, unprepared walls can lead to paint not adhering correctly. Plus, if the surrounding areas where the painting is taking place aren’t properly covered, paint can drip or spatter on them. The list can go on and on. Bottom line: Prep work is a must.
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Don’t Leave All the Prep Work to the Painter
There are several things you can do indoors to prepare your home for painting, such as moving clutter, cleaning baseboards, crown molding, and hard-to-reach areas, as well as removing light switch covers. If the painter is charging you by the hour, you can save some money by doing these simple tasks in advance.
Outdoors, make sure the painter can easily access all exterior paintable areas of your home. So if you have shrubbery or other landscaping that will prevent him from being able to paint, trim it back. Also, clean your gutters and make sure they are properly attached so they won’t be an issue for the painter, either.
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Do a Walkthrough
Once the job is completed, ask the painter to go on a walkthrough with you. A professional painter should offer this to you without you having to ask.
Don’t be afraid to cast a critical eye on the work. Everyone can make a mistake, but the best time to catch it and have it corrected is when the painter is still at your home. Mistakes like a paint drip that’s dried into the paint or a spot that’s not covered well are some things to look for.
