Take a look around your home…try and view your home objectively. Is it still representing who you are? Does it look tired? Are there scuffs and holes in the wall? It may just be time to freshen things up with a new coat of paint. But how do you choose the right interior painter for your home?
Know what you want. Before the painting contractor comes to your home for an estimate decided which rooms will be painted and whether painting will include walls, trim, ceilings, and doors.
Get referrals. Just like selecting a contractor ask your friends and family whom they would refer. Have a friend who’s home has been recently painted, check it out and if you’re in love ask her who her contractor is. She will be honest with you about the experience. You may also inquire with your local paint or home store. They have experience with the contractors in your area.
Speak with the painter’s referrals. Ask them how their project went. Was the painter courteous, careful with the property, timely, on budget? You may even want to visit the property to see the finished result.
Read online reviews. These are in addition to the referrals. If you like what you read, you’ll know if the painter is the right one for you.
Check to make sure the painter is licensed, bonded and insured. You’ll want to be sure that they’re licensed for your area. This will protect your liability.
A good painter will be busy. Don’t get frustrated if a painter can’t get to you right away – busy painters and good painters.
Do a quick phone interview. Ask if they can manage your project, if they have referrals they can provide, when they’d be available for your project.
Meet face-to-face. Once you’ve decided a three or four painters schedule an estimate with them where you can go over the project more thoroughly and answer any questions you may have.
Don’t let price be your guide. It’s sometimes more important on how well you get along and communicate with the contractor, their good referrals, and jobs well done. Don’t take the lowball bid because it’s the lowest – think about these other factors as well.
Expect to pay a deposit. A deposit will be required, but do not pay in full prior to the project starting. On a large project a good contractor will set up a payment schedule that works for both of you.
Still on the fence about hiring a professional painter? Here are some reasons why you should:
· Your time will be better spent – painting isn’t just brush color on the walls, there’s prep such as filling holes in the walls and taping.
· Quality work – no worries about overspray on the floors and your painter will use quality products that will be sure to last
· It’s all in the details – your painter will pay attention to the small details that you may not even think about
· Efficiency – what may take you several days because you don’t have the time or will, your painter will be efficient and timely
· Well equipped – no guessing at what to buy, your painter will have all the equipment to bring the best results to your home
Have you hired your professional painter yet? Here are some ideas on how to be ready for painting day:
· Move furniture
· Remove outlet covers and switch plates
· Have a staging area available
· Clean the walls of dust and debris
· Put your pets in a comfortable place with the inability to get to the spaces being painted
If you have any more questions about hiring a professional painter contact us at 302.312.6051, or email us at questions@blwardassociates.com. We are here to help you fall in love with your home again!