Choosing the right painting company is important for both your home and your peace of mind. You want a company that is established, has good reviews and carries liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
You should also look for painters that use real project photos and not stock ones on their website. They should also offer a two-year warranty on their work.
1. Ask for References
The best place to start when looking for a good painting company is with friends and family. Word of mouth has always been one of the most powerful forms of marketing. If someone you know had their home painted recently and were satisfied with the results, ask them who they used.
You can also use online search engines to find local painting contractors. Websites like Angie's List, Yelp and Google Reviews are great resources for finding reputable companies.
Be sure to check whether the painter you are considering is insured. A reputable company should have general liability and workers' compensation insurance. You should also make sure they have a two-year warranty on their workmanship.
Also, be sure to verify that their painters are dedicated in-house employees and not subcontractors. It is also a good idea to request a written estimate and an in-home appointment. This way you can meet the painters and get a hands-on feel for the project.
2. Check Online Reviews
The internet has made review websites a popular resource when researching businesses. A reputable painting company will be eager to provide you with references and reviews from past clients. Look for reviews that praise their customer service and professionalism.
If a painter is newer, it’s likely they won’t have much of a presence on review sites. However, you may still be able to find out about their experience through the BBB or by checking for memberships with trade organizations.
You’ll want to check if they have valid insurance, including workman’s compensation and general liability. You’ll also want to verify that their painters are dedicated in-house employees rather than subcontractors. Also, beware of companies that offer to collect reviews in exchange for a discount or bonus. These tactics are against the FTC and review site guidelines. They also run the risk of creating fake reviews by encouraging friends or family members to write a positive review.
3. Get a Quote
It’s always a good idea to get a quote from several different painting contractors before hiring one. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure that you’re getting an accurate and fair price for the work you need.
Also, ask each painting contractor to break down their costs, including labor, materials, and travel (if any). Some painters will lump these together, so be sure that you’re getting an itemized list of everything that will be included in the job.
Remember to factor in indirect costs like monthly payments on equipment, work trucks, and overhead expenses. Also, make sure whole house interior paint colors that you understand any additional charges or add-ons that might be added to the project, such as extra coats of paint or moving furniture. These can add up quickly and are often overlooked in quotes. Then, compare the quotes and choose a painting company that can meet your needs within your budget.
4. Schedule an Interview
It’s important to use a well-structured interview process that includes the right questions to ensure you hire skilled and reliable painting professionals. With a combination of general, behavioral-based, job-specific, and growth and development questions, you can gain a thorough understanding of each candidate’s skills, qualifications, and work ethic.
It may be tempting to save time by conducting interviews via phone or video, but face-to-face meetings are more beneficial. They can help you determine if the painter is someone you can trust with your home, and they will be more likely to respect your time and provide you with an honest quote.
Ask the painters about their experience level, their specialties, and what types of projects they’ve worked on. It’s also a good idea to ask about how they prepare a room for painting, like by covering furniture or putting down plastic where they will walk. It can tell you a lot about how serious they take their profession.
