Many of us are fond of the DIY stuff, especially if you’re into arts. DIY-ing the improvement projects in your home can prove to be an excellent idea not only to enhance your creative side and spend your free time, but also to save bucks. After all, all you need to do is find a good DIY YouTube videos can explain all the steps in doing a certain project.
However, although all seem to be easy and a possible to do-it-yourself, some home projects beg for professionals. An example is painting your house, for who isn’t able to stroke a brush on a wall, right? If you’re not sure or confident in your painting, consider hiring a house painter.
Interior and exterior painting is an improvement project that can quickly give your home a brand new, refreshing look. If you need to paint an area of your house, remember that it requires more than just a hand and a brush. When thinking of hiring a house painter or contractor, there are some things that you need to ask before handing them the brush.
Also, consider that painters don’t have the same quality of service; one may be less skilled and experienced in painting a whole house because he only had experience painting a room, while another one is a total pro. So if you’ve decided to contact one, here are the key tips to land an excellent painter.
The Clients’ Testimonies
One way to verify the quality of your painter’s work is to ask for a list of their former clients – both old and new – and ask for their feedback, especially if you’re dealing with a contractor. Any contractor or painter who is confident of their work should be able to provide you with a list of clients whose house or office they’ve already successfully worked on.
After getting the list, speak to the homeowners personally. Ask about their first-hand experience with the painter or contractor and take note of the issues that they encountered. Your red light should turn on if there are only a few homeowners to speak to amid a lengthy list, as this can mean that they’re just ringers.
The Insurance
Before allowing a contractor or painter to work on your home, you should ask about their insurance and should never consider working with those who don’t have one. Two types of insurance should be in place:
- Comprehensive business liability – This protects your property from any damage that the painter might make.
- Workmen’s compensation – This protects you and the painters from liability should something happen while the work is ongoing.
Additionally, check the validity of the insurance by getting in touch with the insurance provider.
The Method Of Preparation
Another important question you need to be aware of is the manner your house will be prepared for painting. Raise a flag if the painter gives you vague answers. It is good practice to put into writing the things to be done for preparation such as scraping or sanding old paint and repairing holes and bad spots. Remember, good preparation contributes to the beauty of the result.
The Materials To Be Used
The quality of materials used in your home project will determine how long it will last and how it will look. There is a whole wide array of quality among coatings in the market, and a difference in price can also be noted. The costly coatings have more expensive ingredients, which make the paint look better and last longer than others.
Unless you specify otherwise due to budget constraints, home painters should use premium-grade paints as those that aren’t may bleed over time. Not only should you be curious about the paint quality but also about the quality of any other materials to be used such as the caulking.
The Cost
When choosing a painter or contractor like Boulder painters, don’t blindly go for low prices. Yes, affordability will always be an issue when securing a service, but it should not be your sole consideration. A good estimate should be given for the work you’re asking them to do. Sometimes, contractors may be hesitant to provide an exact amount, maybe due to the following reasons:
- They have no control over price increases.
- They have no control over the changes that the homeowner might require such as changing the colors to be applied or adding small things along the course of work.
You should also be aware that if you want to change some things in the contract, the cost will most likely change as well. Usually, contractors should never ask for more than half of the cost as down payment, with the remainder to be paid after the work is completed.
The Warranty
Usually, premium-grade paints should last for not less than ten years. Ask the painter or contractor about their guarantee – how long it will be and what is the coverage – and have them put it in writing. Should the paint bleed-through just after a few years, you can be sure that it will be covered under a warranty. Also, don’t forget to ask how the guarantee will be fulfilled.
Your home is a reflection of you. Looking for and finding the right home painter or contractor is not an easy feat. The materials to be used and the cost alone will surely give you a mini heart attack. Don’t worry though, as with these tips considered, you’ll soon say hello to your newly-painted house!
About the Author
Mark Stone contributes to Foothills Painting in Boulder. As someone passionate in writing, Mark tries to make sure his pieces about Boulder painters are not just understood, but appreciated by his readers. He does this by constantly offering new ways to explore his topics. Mark jogs around town whenever he needs a quick rush of adrenaline before writing. .
