If you’re seeking professional painters to help with your home, you might feel overwhelmed by all the choices. According to IBIS World, there are currently an estimated 410,000 people employed in the painting industry. That’s a lot of companies to look through! Choosing the right one can take some time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it when you get the finished product. Here are a few ways to find the right house painter for your upcoming project.
Ask Friends and Neighbors
One of the best ways to find reliable service providers, including painters, is to turn to trusted resources. This can include friends, family, work colleagues, realtors, and so on. Anyone who’s recently had their home’s interior painted will be able to share their experiences with you. You’ll be able to get a few recommendations from the folks in your life. Once you have a list of potential options, you’ll need to do your due diligence.
Many painters understand just how important word-of-mouth advertising is, and the best ones are always careful to leave a good impression on their clients. There are a number of effective ways to learn more about the companies that you’re considering to determine if they’re the right team to tackle your job or project. Don’t shy away from asking your resources direct questions about the quality of the job done by any of the companies that they’re recommending.
Do Some Online Research
Now, when it comes to online research, you have to approach your task with some amount of skepticism. There are many anonymous reviews that can be clouded by personal grudges or relationships. When you’re reviewing online reviews and ratings, take a look at the trends. Do multiple people mention that the team was often late or the clean-up efforts were less than expected? This approach often reveals much more about a potential company than simply looking for the company with the highest ratings.
There are also a number of companies that have a robust online presence. Seeing the responses that the company makes to reviews, both positive and negative, is another way to glean some useful information that can help you determine which team of painters is right for you. For example, if you have a hectic schedule and punctuality is of key importance to you, you’ll likely learn of a few options to avoid and remove from your list of potential options.
Schedule an In-Person Consultation
Depending on the complexity of your project, an in-person consultation might be necessary to receive an estimate from the contractor. If a phone call will suffice for your needs, then don’t worry about meeting with a potential contractor in person. If you and the painters decide that it makes sense to review the job live, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to learn more about them.
Take note of their professionalism, punctuality, and communication skills during this meeting. You want to work with a company that’s open to answering questions and is generally helpful. Choosing paint colors for your home’s interior can be challenging. Having another perspective is always helpful, and working with painters who are generous with their knowledge is always a plus, no matter the size or complexity of your job. You’ll also want to take note of their personalities and how you feel about their work style.
Check Out Examples of Their Past Work
Next to getting reviews, looking at previous examples of the painting company’s work is a great way to decide whether they are a team you’d like to work with or not. You can see the quality they typically bring to the job and what a finished product can look like. If they have lots of previous examples, you can also reasonably assume that they’re proud of the work they do. After all, they wouldn’t feel comfortable showing off photos if they didn’t believe they did a great job! You’ll get to see what they consider their best work and decide whether or not it fits your standards.
Ask for and Call References
Once you’ve created a short list of two or three possibilities, you’ll want to ask for references. This is an incredibly important step in the process. Reputable companies are happy to share their references and often have a list ready to give you upon request. Before you contact the references, think about what information will help you make the right decision. If you’re unsure about a certain aspect after your previous research and meeting with some painters, try to address that uncertainty when you’re speaking with their former or current customers.
It’s always a good idea to prepare a few questions beforehand to help you organize your thoughts and receive helpful information. Most people who agree to be references will have only positive things to share about their experience, but you can learn more about the company’s work and communication styles. If there’s any particular behavior that’s a deal breaker for you, be sure to ask about it during the conversation.
Compare Estimates
Following your conversation with the references, you might have already removed one or two possible companies from your list. Once you have your final list, ask them to furnish you with a written estimate. When you’re comparing estimates, you need to look at more than just the final cost. The estimate should list all of the services that come with the quote and also list a timeframe for completion.
It’s also important to remember that the company with the lowest price isn’t always the one that you want to go with. Take some time to fully understand what is and isn’t included in the estimates. Now’s an ideal time to ask any questions you have and get clarification for any issues that are outstanding.
Review All Contracts Carefully
You’ve chosen your painter! The final step is to review the contract. As nice as handshake deals can feel, it’s important to have everything done in writing. This will help you avoid confusion and disagreements down the line. When your contractor hands you a contract, it’s protection for both you and them. It should be clear and concise and contain all relevant information. If you notice anything that’s missing, be sure to have it added and make any necessary corrections before you sign the contract and finalize your agreement.
Now that you have your painter in place and all of the paperwork and contracts are complete, you can move on to the fun part of your project and pick some wonderful colors for your home! Painting your interior can be an exciting project that completely transforms the look and feel of your home. And, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done your research and have hired the best painters for the job.
We’re the painters to call for all of your interior home painting needs. We can also handle drywall installation and repair as well as cabinet painting and accent walls. If you’re ready for a whole new home environment, give our team at Fullmer Home Finishing & Design a call today to receive your free estimate. We look forward to working with you to help you transform your house into your dream home. Schedule your appointment today!
