Here are 5 common mistakes in hiring a house painter:
1. Not getting a detailed quote
It is important that you’ll get a detailed quotation before you hire house painters. A lot of painters operate on a “time and materials” basis. You’ll be surprised about your bill and would catch you off guard with your budget. You can get an accurately estimated quotation in advance. This would save you from headache and conflict later.
2. Don’t hire people with passable work on house painting
If you want quality work in painting your house, it is no brainer that hiring jacks-of-all-trade is not advisable. House painting needs a special “commitment” to detail. This is one of the reasons why you should choose someone who runs a company 100% committed to house painting, a company that has established its name through many years.
Tip: Ask feedbacks about the house painters you’re going to hire from previous customers.
3. Hiring the biggest company
Big companies spend a lot of money in advertising but the question is, “Can they actually paint?” The problem in hiring the biggest company is that you become “just another number”. They aren’t afraid to lose unsatisfied customers. There is a big possibility that you’ll not receive a personalized service and experience that a local company can offer. Often, these companies hire uncompetitive painters, use low quality paints and don’t go the extra mile to make you satisfied.
PS. This is not always applicable. A lot of big companies can actually paint as well as local painters. They have competitive and professional painters; use high quality paints, and willing to go the extra mile to make you satisfied. They are also afraid to lose customers. These companies have built their credibility for years and would stain their reputation if they don’t meet your standards.
4. Working with “under the table” companies
Working with this kind of company may save you money, but in the long run, you may end up losing much more money than saving. For example, if you painter does not have liability insurance, it would be hard to receive any compensation if damages are done during the work frame. Also, some of them use paints that are not lead-safe paints. Your family will be at risk of lead-poisoning.
Tip: Check if the company has liability insurance and if they use lead-safe paints.
5. Getting a company based on price rather than personality
Painting contractors will provide quotes within 10% of each other. This is not a significant margin so you have the full power to choose the company that suits you. Contact your local company and ask them to provide you a detailed quote of the painting job to be done. Your contractor should communicate clearly with you and is more than willing to answer your questions.