Do you know what to look for when finding a painter? Whether you need one room painted or an entire exterior paint job, house painting can be expensive. You'll want to make sure you can find a painter who can do a quality job at a reasonable price. Read on to learn how to find a painter that will meet your needs.
Introduction
A bad paint job can cause problems for a long time, affecting the investment in your home, and requiring even more money to fix. Before having your house painted, you'll want to decide what you need from a painter, get referrals, and check out the painters that have been recommended.
Step 1: Determine What You Need from a Painter
Certain painters specialize in certain types of work. Some do primarily exteriors; some focus on interiors. Some also hang wallpaper; others subcontract that our. Some painters specialize in decorative finishes, and some are experienced in maintaining the character of historic homes. Before you begin your search for a painter, make sure you're clear about what work you'd like done.
Step 2: Get Referrals for a Painter
Friends, family, and neighbors are great sources for referrals for painters. Ask them who they've used, what type of work they had done, and what they liked and did not like about the painter. You can also use online resources such as Yelp and Angie's List to search for referrals.
Step 3: Research the Painters on Your Short List
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints pending for the painters that have been referred.
- Call several painters that have been referred and ask them for a quote. When they provide the quote, you'll also want to get several references from individuals that they have done work for.
- Call each reference, making sure to ask specifically for negatives, as people may not volunteer negative information unless specifically asked.
- Ask each painter to provide evidence of insurance as part of your due diligence.
