Buying a new paint job is different than buying a new car. It is important to realize that painting is not done in a controlled, regulated factory environment. In fact, when hiring a contractor, you bring the factory to your home. For this reason, it is necessary to find a contracting company that you feel comfortable dealing with and trust to do a thorough, quality job. Here are four more tips for hiring a contractor.
-Check References
Ask friends or neighbors if they have used a certain contractor before and what their experience has been with them. A contractor should also be willing to provide references of past clients. Ask references if the work on their house has lasted over time, if it was done in a timely and professional manner, and if employees treated them with respect and courtesy. Of course, Yelp and Angie’s List are also great resources.
-Meet the Contractor
Schedule a walk-through at your home to get an estimate and meet the contractor. While speaking with them, imagine if you would you would feel comfortable with the company working in and around your home. Is the contractor courteous, professional and businesslike? Also, ask about workers, their experience, and approximately when and for how long they will be working on your home. Your first interaction with a representative from the company is an excellent indicator of their integrity and commitment to doing quality work.
-Response
After a walk-through, make sure a contractor sends a written estimate and responds quickly to any questions you may have. If they are reluctant to contact you before the job is awarded, it is likely they will be difficult to stay in touchwith after it begins. – See more.
-Ask About the Materials
To make sure your paint job lasts, ask a contractor what type of paint, primer, sealant, ect, they plan to use. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are the two most common quality brands. Contractors that do not use these, or other similar materials, may offer a cheaper estimate, but the life of your paint job will surely suffer.
When gathering estimates, it is necessary to look for more than just the lowest price. There are dozens of contractors in the Marin area to choose from, and many of them will cut corners and take risks to bring down costs.
At McCarthy Painting, we are committed to quality work, excellent customer service, and getting your job done the right way, the first time. Check our Yelp page to see what our customers have to say about us.