Choosing a painting contractor is no simple task. Your goal is to get professional work at an affordable cost. Here are four steps to make sure you get the right people for the job. Follow them and your project will be a success before a brush touches the wall.
1. Know What You Want
Have a clear picture of the work you want done. It will ensure that you ask the right questions of potential contractors. It will also prevent unexpected expenses. With a defined goal, you will avoid agreeing to more than you need.
This preparation will affect all the future steps. Be firm and exact about your needs and expectations in your dealings with contractors.
2. Begin Your Research
Do some basic homework on local contractors. Check for references on sites like Yelp. Better yet, ask the contractor for contact information of previous customers.
Make sure that each candidate is fully insured for the specific type of work you need done. Ask whether subcontractors will be used – you will get more consistent work from a company that hires and trains their own workers.
3. Estimate Cost, Evaluate Companies
Narrow your options down to three likely candidates. Invite each of them to give you an estimate on the work. You can use the estimate process as an opportunity to learn more about each company. Do they arrive to the estimate on time? Are calls returned promptly? Is their behavior consistently professional?
Companies will be on their best behavior when securing new business. If their best is lacking, the relationship will deteriorate once work starts.
4. Read Before You Sign
The final hurdle comes when it’s time to review the contract. Make sure that all expectations are clearly spelled out. There should be start and end dates, a plan for the number of coats to be applied, and details on the brands of paint and primer that will be used. Terms for the clean-up process should also be present.
Ensure that everything you discussed with the painter is in the contract and that there are no unexpected surprises.
Put Us to the Test in Colorado
Now that you know how to prepare for hiring a contractor, why not get in touch with us? At Zenith Painting & Coatings, we’re ready to exceed your expectations for interior, exterior, and commercial painting in the Denver area and beyond.
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