There are many reasons to hire a professional painter for your home or business. Below are tips on hiring professional painters:
- If possible, hire professionals who have been recommended to you personally. Ask around to find customers who were happy with their results and happy with the overall work experience.
- Organize a visual reference of what you like from magazines, brochures, or online. You don’t go to a hairstylist without pictures of the hairstyle you want, right? Be prepared so you can convey your vision to the professional.
- Some painters may ask to come to your house for a fee, but don’t assume until you know for sure. Otherwise, setup appointment for the painter to visit you or for you to meet them in their office to discuss a potential arrangement.
- Whether you are considering hiring an interior painter for standard paint jobs, or a decorative painter for elaborate finishes, be sure to see pictures of his or her previous work. Any professional painter should have a portfolio ready to show.
- Be sure that you have discussed all of the following: what paint type will be used, what paint finish will used in what areas, if trim and/or moldings are included in the job, and other details. (Note: If you are hiring professional painters, we strongly recommend going with alkyd paint. While latex paint is an excellent choice for any do-it-yourself job, any good professional painter is comfortable with alkyd and he or she knows that the overall quality is superior. Get your money’s worth and go for the best! Also request that caulking be applied as seams around the baseboard and trim – a true professional touch!)
- If the painters are bringing their own paints, nothing should be ordered until you approve it. Once materials are ordered, don’t change your mind unless you are prepared to pay for it. Most likely, you will save money by picking up your own paints at the paint or hardware store. Just make sure to find out how much paint they need you to have on hand.
- Before any work begins, go over all costs and make sure there are no questions. Be sure you understand how any and all extra costs outside of your agreement would be determined.
- Follow your gut instinct. If there is something about the painter(s) that doesn’t feel “right”, stop and ask questions. Don’t tolerate someone who is late to appointments, discourteous or condescending. Also, don’t commit to a painter who is out of your budget.
- Have your agreed-upon fees be put in writing in a letter of agreement or a contract. The painter should draw up this letter or contract containing a thorough outline of the work to be done, the costs, the work schedule, and the payment schedule.
- Expect to make allowances for unforeseen problems, both regarding time and fees. It’s impossible to know what may happen during the duration of a paint job. For this reason, it’s important that you are working with someone who is trustworthy and who will not take advantage.
