Painting is less technical than plumbing or electrical work, but that doesn't mean it's without its share of unscrupulous contractors. You want a painter who has experience, skill and a strong customer service ethic.
One way to tell is by their professional references and Google reviews. Also, watch out for any painting contractor who requires full payment before starting the job.
Ask Around
Painting companies vary in quality, and it can be easy for homeowners to hire the wrong company. A good way to avoid this is by asking friends and family for recommendations.
If you don’t have any referrals, it’s important to check online reviews and ratings. Many painting contractors will list customer testimonials on their website, and some will also have photos and videos of past work.
Another important question to ask is if the painter uses their own painters or subcontractors. Some larger painting companies use a pool of independent contractor painters to complete jobs. This can lead to poor communication and quality control, as the main point of contact might not be working on your project.
A reputable commercial painting contractor will have a portfolio of photos of previous projects that you can look at. If they do not, it could be a sign that they do not take their work seriously. Also, check if they are members of the Better Business Bureau or any trade associations.
Check Online Reviews
There are a variety of websites that allow people to write reviews on businesses. These can provide valuable insights into the quality of a painting company’s work and customer service. People are more likely to share their bad experiences than their good ones, so you should pay attention to negative reviews.
However, just because a painting contractor has a lot of positive reviews doesn’t mean they are the right fit for you. Look for reviews that are detailed and offer a comprehensive picture of the painter’s performance. The more thorough a review, the more weight it will carry.
Another factor to consider is whether or not a painting contractor uses subcontractors for their jobs. This can impact the cost of a project and the quality of the work. Look for a painting company that employs their own team of painters to ensure consistency and accountability. Also, make sure that they have both workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Check with the Better Business Bureau
When searching for a painting company, be sure to look beyond just the website. Some companies have slick, impressive-looking websites, interior house painters near me but that doesn’t tell you much about the company itself. Look for photos of the local owners (even if it’s a national franchise), and make sure you see pictures of the actual painting team members as well.
It’s also a good idea to check whether the painting company has workers’ compensation and liability insurance, as well as a contract that specifies what is included in the work and any other details that may be important to you. This ensures that if any damage or injury occurs to the painter or their crew while they’re on your property, you won’t be liable.
Many painting companies use social media to attract residential clients, and Instagram and Facebook offer a variety of ad options that allow you to specify your budget and audience. Commercial painting contractors usually advertise on LinkedIn, which offers a range of ads designed to appeal to property managers, general contractors and real estate companies.
Check with Your Insurance Company
When it comes to finding a painting company near you, the quality of the paint job they do can have a major impact on the results and appearance of your home. You’ll want to find a team with experience and skill, who can stand behind their work and provide you with peace of mind that they are fully licensed and insured.
When interviewing potential contractors, ask them about their years of experience. Find out if they have a history of painting different types of homes and surfaces, and if their work has been featured in magazines or television shows. Look for painters who use high-quality painting products, as these will be more likely to last longer and resist weather elements such as sun exposure.
Also, be wary of painters who offer unrealistically low-priced estimates. These may be sign of inexperience or subpar workmanship. Find out if their painting fees include labor and materials, and get the details in writing.
