When you need painting services, you should not select the first painter that you chance upon. Using professional painting services requires a cash outlay. And depending on your location and the size of the project, it can cost a lot. Listed below are several points to consider when selecting a painter.

Determine what you need

It is important that you are clear about your expectations and that you convey this to the contractor effectively. You want the contractors to be providing estimates on the same specifications. For example, if you want your walls to be clear of unevenness from prior paint jobs, you have to mention that so the painter can adjust their price accordingly. This will be more expensive due to the preparation before the new paint is applied. Apart from the level of preparation, the number of coats needed will affect the overall quality and price of the job. The clearer your specifications are, the more precise the estimate. Painting contractors, reliable ones anyway, typically physically inspect your place to supply you with a more precise estimate. You bought to get no less than three comprehensive estimates.

Verify credentials

It would be wise to work with a painter that is a member of a trade or local business group. Even though being a part of such associations is not an assurance of quality, it is a good indicator that the company is dependent and dedicated to following the industry's standards. If licensing for such businesses is mandatory in your state, check if the painter you would like to work with has one. Aside from proper licensing, check if the contractor has liability and workers compensation insurance. If they can not supply you evidence that they have such coverage, work with another painter. Local buyer protection agencies can also provide valuable information about the painting contractor like if it has a history of unresolved or recurring complaints.

Obtain references and actually phone them

Previous clients could give a wealth of information that the contractor may otherwise not read. Inquire if there were problems throughout the project and if these were solved immediately and appropriately. Additionally, find out if the project was completed by the due date and on budget, and if the workers were courteous. Inspect jobs that were done several years ago to observe how the painter's work is holding up.

Ask for a written contract

After you have chosen a painter, obtain a written contract. The contract would include warranties or any guarantees expressed by the painting contractor.

Article originally published at Source by Amy La Washington