Facts to Consider When Finding a Painting Contractor

Undertaking a paint job always demands some forethought beyond color choices and decorative themes. Painting an area is simple enough. Actually, it's just about the perfect do-it-yourself house improvement project. Nevertheless it is a task that places demands on your time and effort, finances, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few questions.

• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have available time to do it?

• Am I up to the hard elements of the job, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?

• Do I have the patience to learn a new skill, and can I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?

• Will I have the ability to live with a house left unfinished if I am called away or when I have to go back to work after the weekend?

• Are there aspects of the job I can do but merely don't enjoy? Are there parts of the job I could do myself and parts I need to contract out?

In case your answers to these questions cause you to opt to contract all or some of the project, then begin gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.

First, talk with friends and neighbors and get their advice about contractors they may have used. Have a look at the quality of the work done for people you know so you can make sure the quality of the work meets your standards.

Then, contact at least three of the most notable contractors to discuss the job you want done. Meet with all of them individually to look at the job and discuss the specific work details.

What You Should Ask Your Painting Contractor

• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, etc), ask exactly what will be done to get it ready for priming including what type and make of primer. Then ask your contractor about the finish coat, including the type and brand of the paint, how it will be applied, its quality, and the number of coats. Make sure the contractor use high quality paint. An excellent acrylic latex paint may cost more initially, but its strength will save money in the long run.

• For exterior work, ask what will be done to protect landscape plants. For interior work, learn how furniture will be protected and moved.

• Ask when the contractor can begin the job and exactly how long it will take. It's also advisable to know what cure will be employed if the work is not completed promptly.

• Discuss the warranty on the paint job, how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and what will be done to rectify such failures.

• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will replace your costs if the contractor fails to complete the job. Insurance will cover any injury to any of the workers. Without such insurance, you might be responsible for such injuries. Insurance may also cover damages done to your residence.

• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for previous customers. Call a few of the references and ask when you can see the contractor's work.

• Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Be wary of any bids that are significantly higher or less than others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly close to each other for the same work. The estimate should break down material and labor costs and show payment terms.

Before you make your final choice, consider the contractor's demeanor. He or she should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning calls or arriving for an appointment. The contractor should remember to reply to your questions and make clear details of the job.

Deciding on a Painting Contractor

Once you've selected a specialist painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the work (unless the bid or estimate was already in contractual form). The document should spell out everything you have discussed with the contractor about your painting. it must specify these exact things:

• the work to be achieved

• the materials to be utilized

• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to stay on schedule

• methods for resolving disputes

• procedures for making changes (change orders are alterations to the contract to which both parties must agree)

• evidence of insurance and bonding and licensing if required by local ordinance

Before you make final payment, inspect the job with the contractor, making notes about anything that needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, and so forth). The contractor should correct the issues before you make final payment.

Sound Quality Painting

824 90th Dr SE suite B

Lake Stevens WA 98258

(425) 512-7400

Sound Quality Painting

Best Painters Lake Stevens

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