A Checklist For Hiring A Painting Company
Whether adding living space, renovating a yard, or expanding the kitchen, most home improvements aren't complete without a fresh coat of paint. That said, a paint job is one of the most sought-after home improvement and restoration services.
According to research firm IBISWorld, the US residential painting and decorating industry have grown 3.7% from 2017 to 2022, with a market size reaching USD$20.4 billion this year. The firm further states that over 232,341 painting companies exist in the country as of the latest count.
Several painting companies cater to different needs. That's why choosing the right company to do the job well is crucial. Follow this checklist to set you in the right direction.
Your Requirements
Choosing the ideal painting company depends on your project needs and requirements. Consider which property sections need to be restored before contacting reputable companies.
Contractors may offer general or specialized services. For instance, a business may become more popular as a wall painting company than a fence painting company, and vice versa. The setup can also vary from entity to entity. Firms may keep general exterior and interior painters, while some teams have individuals experienced in furniture painting, vinyl siding paint jobs, garage floor, and door painting, or putting up wallpapers.
Thus, you must find out about the company's full range of services and specializations to see if their offers align with your needs.
Your Budget
Various considerations come into play when calculating painting job costs. For example, a room painting company may charge you according to the space’s surface size, finish, color, and location.
Moreover, home improvement site Home Advisor says an average interior painting project costs USD$1,923, while outdoor work takes USD$3,064. Clients pay up to 85% of the total project cost on labor, while 15% goes to paint and other supplies.
Contractors typically charge USD$2 to USD$6 per square foot, while a gallon of paint, which can cover a single coat for a 350-square foot property, costs around USD$50. However, CNBC reported that paint prices are rising due to shortages and supply chain issues.
Hence, you should prioritize your projects and discuss whether the company has other payment options if you have a tight budget.
Gathering Information And Making a Shortlist
It's best to look for a local painting contractor so you won't have issues having them around for a full day's work or follow-up. Start by checking local businesses online and scanning reviews. On the other hand, offline, you can ask your neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members for referrals. You may also visit your local business bureau for a list of preferred contractors.
After gathering enough information, rank the companies based on your requirements, budget, and the painting company's reliability and reputation.
Initial Meeting And Discussions
Prepare relevant questions before contacting painting companies. It's best to ask about the required surface preparations, the paint type and methods used, and the estimated project period. Likewise, find out whether you can stay in your home or need to vacate the property to make temporary living arrangements.
The contractor will inspect your home before making a detailed quote. Raise additional questions or tips for choosing the right interior color palette or the best exterior paint hues. Observe how the contractor answers your questions, as this could provide insights into your future collaboration.
The Company's Qualifications and Credentials
A home renovation project carries certain risks that both the contractor and homeowner should be able to protect themselves from. For instance, an exterior painting job for a two-story home or higher may expose a worker to accidents.
Insurance
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry accounted for more than one in every five workplace fatalities in 2020. One-third of construction sector deaths were attributed to falls, slips, and trips. That said, contractors must carry insurance to cover occupational injuries and fatalities, alongside property damages.
Professional Memberships
The painting company must have appropriate permits and local business or trade membership to boost its reputation. If you want to dig further, visit your local business agency to check if the company has received several complaints or a pending lawsuit.
Contractor's Portfolio
Besides certifications and permits, ask for references from your painting contractor. Check for a project that's been done for some time and a recently-completed task. This helps you evaluate the current team's skills and expertise and gives you a glimpse of how your project will look.
Discuss the project details with the clients and ask if they will hire the company again if another painting job arises.
Quote And Contract
Request for a written estimate from each contractor. Besides the business name, address, and contact details, the paper must also contain specific and detailed information on the project.
The breakdown of costs, materials and supplies needed, the number of coats and surface preparation, and other required works must be clearly stated. So are the warranties for materials and workmanship, ensuring that you don't have to pay for any paint job issues within the coverage period.
Study and review the written quote and contract before signing them to avoid issues down the road. Avoid making substantial payments, and stick to a 10% deposit, adding more as work progresses.
Concluding Thoughts
Searching for a reputable and trusted painting company takes time and effort, but exercising due diligence will pay off. By taking heed of the checklist above, you'll get the best value for your painting project with fewer snags and better peace of mind.
MIT Citations
Ben, H. (2022, September 20).
House Painting & Decorating Contractors in the US. IBIS World
Retrieved January 9, 2023, from
Chris, B. (2022, May 4).
A look at falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry. Consumer Reports
Retrieved January 9, 2023, from
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm
Teressa, L. (2019, June 17).
Contracting the Contractors. Bob Vila
Retrieved January 9, 2023, from
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/66-contracting-the-contractors/
.svg){kind=small}