How to hire a professional painter
By Mat White Painting|March 15, 2009
How to hire a professional painter
Hiring a professional painter is never an easy decision and one not to be taken lightly. Painting is a highly skilled trade and takes considerable experience and expertise to get a high quality finish.
Before you go to the Yellow Pages or the Internet, ask friends, colleagues or your local paint-shop for advice. Talk to a trusted source and ask them to recommend a painter they have used or know of people who are happy with the service.
A personal recommendation almost always helps weed out the ‘shonky’ painter.
When choosing any painter that comes recommended or a painter you have found by research, there are a few things you must do first.
1. Write it down
Before you even approach a contractor you should decide and write down exactly what you think needs to be done.
This will make it easier and clearer for both you and the contractor to discuss all aspects of the proposed job.
For example…
Bedroom 1: ceilings, walls, 2 doors, windows, skirting and architraves
Bathroom: ceiling and walls with mould retardant paint
This way when the painter quotes the job, they will know exactly what to quote. A detailed list will ensure nothing is missed and that you and the painter are ‘on the same page’.
2. Always ask for a written quote
Always obtain at least three written quotes for the work to be carried out. Each quote must outline all areas to be painted, what paints will be used, and whether the price includes paints and materials to do the job. The quote should also define the duration of job, and lastly, obviously, price.
Never choose a contactor solely on price. A quality paint job takes time and costs money.
3. Would you hire and let anyone in your house without a reference?
Ask your painter for references. Talk personally to referees and if possible ask to see some completed work so you can judge the quality of work yourself. Ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision. Clients should be happy to answer questions about the painter’s work if they are satisfied with the finished product. You will certainly know if the referee is not happy!
Your relationship with the painter is also important. You should feel that the contractor is approachable so that you can discuss any concerns and progress of the job.
4. Insurance
Check that the contractor has current public liability, workers compensation and accident insurance policy cover. This protects your personal property and also protects you from being liable if someone injures themselves while in your home or office.
5. Questions, Questions…
Ask the contractor for a complete rundown of the preparation and finishing procedures and ensure that these items are clearly outlined in the quote.
Poor preparation results in poor finishing.
Always ask how many coats will be applied.
Standard is to apply 2 finish coats of paint after application of a primer coat.
Make sure this is stipulated in the quotation. It will allow you to monitor the work and ensure that you are getting what you will eventually pay for.
6. Paperwork
Work with your contractor to ensure that everything is clear about the job to be done. Draw up a contract if necessary that will include start and finish dates and details about progress payments.
A little bit of research will go along way. Most of all you must feel comfortable and confident with the contractor that you have chosen. That contractor must provide a clean and safe environment while working in your home and provide the quality of service and workmanship you to match your expectations.
Mathew white
Mat white painting
Footnote
I am a professional painter and run a small painting business. I have been in the painting and sign writing trades for over 10 years. I have written this article because I am constantly frustrated and disappointed by the phone calls I receive and stories I hear from clients who have been ripped off or have had unsatisfactory work done at their properties. These are honest people who have paid good money for a quality of service that has not been provided.
I hope that this article may help weed out the “shonks” and make the task of hiring contractors a little easier for readers. So please, do a little research and make a good decision.
Hiring a professional painter is never an easy decision and one not to be taken lightly. Painting is a highly skilled trade and takes considerable experience and expertise to get a high quality finish.
Before you go to the Yellow Pages or the Internet, ask friends, colleagues or your local paint-shop for advice. Talk to a trusted source and ask them to recommend a painter they have used or know of people who are happy with the service.
A personal recommendation almost always helps weed out the ‘shonky’ painter.
When choosing any painter that comes recommended or a painter you have found by research, there are a few things you must do first.
1. Write it down
Before you even approach a contractor you should decide and write down exactly what you think needs to be done.
This will make it easier and clearer for both you and the contractor to discuss all aspects of the proposed job.
For example…
Bedroom 1: ceilings, walls, 2 doors, windows, skirting and architraves
Bathroom: ceiling and walls with mould retardant paint
This way when the painter quotes the job, they will know exactly what to quote. A detailed list will ensure nothing is missed and that you and the painter are ‘on the same page’.
2. Always ask for a written quote
Always obtain at least three written quotes for the work to be carried out. Each quote must outline all areas to be painted, what paints will be used, and whether the price includes paints and materials to do the job. The quote should also define the duration of job, and lastly, obviously, price.
Never choose a contactor solely on price. A quality paint job takes time and costs money.
3. Would you hire and let anyone in your house without a reference?
Ask your painter for references. Talk personally to referees and if possible ask to see some completed work so you can judge the quality of work yourself. Ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision. Clients should be happy to answer questions about the painter’s work if they are satisfied with the finished product. You will certainly know if the referee is not happy!
Your relationship with the painter is also important. You should feel that the contractor is approachable so that you can discuss any concerns and progress of the job.
4. Insurance
Check that the contractor has current public liability, workers compensation and accident insurance policy cover. This protects your personal property and also protects you from being liable if someone injures themselves while in your home or office.
5. Questions, Questions…
Ask the contractor for a complete rundown of the preparation and finishing procedures and ensure that these items are clearly outlined in the quote.
Poor preparation results in poor finishing.
Always ask how many coats will be applied.
Standard is to apply 2 finish coats of paint after application of a primer coat.
Make sure this is stipulated in the quotation. It will allow you to monitor the work and ensure that you are getting what you will eventually pay for.
6. Paperwork
Work with your contractor to ensure that everything is clear about the job to be done. Draw up a contract if necessary that will include start and finish dates and details about progress payments.
A little bit of research will go along way. Most of all you must feel comfortable and confident with the contractor that you have chosen. That contractor must provide a clean and safe environment while working in your home and provide the quality of service and workmanship you to match your expectations.
Mathew white
Mat white painting
Footnote
I am a professional painter and run a small painting business. I have been in the painting and sign writing trades for over 10 years. I have written this article because I am constantly frustrated and disappointed by the phone calls I receive and stories I hear from clients who have been ripped off or have had unsatisfactory work done at their properties. These are honest people who have paid good money for a quality of service that has not been provided.
I hope that this article may help weed out the “shonks” and make the task of hiring contractors a little easier for readers. So please, do a little research and make a good decision.
