Consider Finding a Painting Contractor
Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color choices and decorative schemes. Painting a room is not difficult. In fact, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nevertheless it is a job that places demands on your time and effort, financial limitations, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few pre-determined questions.
• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have enough time to do it?
• Am I up to the difficult parts of the job, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?
• Do I have the patience to learn a different skill, and may I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?
• Will I have the ability to live with an area left unfinished if I am called away or when I must return to work after the weekend?
• Are there aspects of the job I could do but merely don't enjoy? Is there parts of the job I could do myself and parts I want to contract out?
If your answers to these questions cause you to decide to contract all or some of the project, then begin gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.
First, talk to friends and others who live nearby and get their advice about contractors they may have used. Take a look at the quality of the work done for individuals you know so you can make sure the quality of the job meets your standards.
Then, contact at least three of the very best contractors to discuss the work you want done. Meet with all of them individually to look at the work and discuss the specific job details.
Interviewing Painting Contractors
• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, and so forth), ask what will be done to prepare it for priming including what type and brand of primer. Then ask your contractor about the final coat, including the type and make of the paint, how it'll be applied, its quality, and the amount of coats. Make sure the contractor will use high quality paint. A quality acrylic latex paint might cost more initially, but its strength will save money in the long run.
• For exterior work, ask what will be done to safeguard landscape plants. For interior work, find out how furniture will be protected and moved.
• Ask when the contractor can begin the job and how long it will take. It's also advisable to know what cure will be available if the job is not completed promptly.
• Discuss the guarantee on the paint job, just how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and what will be done to rectify such failures.
• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will replace your costs if the contractor does not get the job done. Insurance will cover any injuries suffered by the workers. Without such insurance, you might be responsible for such injuries. Insurance could also cover damage done to your residence.
• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for previous customers. Call a few of the references and ask if you can look at the contractor's work.
• Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Be skeptical of any bids that are significantly higher or lower than others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly near each other for the same work. The estimate should show material and labor costs and show payment terms.
Before making your decision, consider the contractor's demeanor. He or she should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning phone calls or arriving for an appointment. The contractor should take time to answer your questions and clarify details of the work.
Picking a Painting Contractor
Once you have selected a professional painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the work (unless the bid or estimate was already in contractual form). The document should explain everything you've discussed with the contractor about your work. it must specify these exact things:
• the work to be done
• the materials to be utilized
• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to remain on schedule
• methods for resolving disputes
• procedures to make changes (change orders are alterations to the contract to which both parties must agree)
• evidence of insurance and bonding and licensing if required by local ordinance
Before you make final payment, inspect the job with the contractor, making notes about anything that needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, and so forth). The contractor should correct the issues before you make final payment.
Sound Quality Painting
824 90th Dr SE suite B
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 512-7400
