7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Painting Contractor

If you are considering having your home or business repainted by a professional, you want to hire the best. A painting contractor is an efficient and reliable way to get a high-quality finish that lasts. Choosing the wrong one could end up in a nightmare with unnecessary stress added to an already stressful process.

1.Hiring an inexperienced painter

Paying school fees is not fun, it’s even worse if you end up paying it for someone else! Experience matters, especially with specific types of projects or surfaces. Ask about the contractor’s experience with similar jobs to ensure they have the necessary skills and expertise

2.Hiring the cheapest

It’s perfectly natural to try and save where we can, but beware of a bargain, you don’t have to choose the most expensive one but choosing the unrealistically low-priced quotation could be disastrous. Watch out for shortcuts and inferior products, not to mention disappearing acts with your cash. Like they always say if it’s to good to be true, it normally is. Quality materials and skilled labour come at a cost, so consider the value and reputation of the contractor rather than just the price.

3.Not asking for references

Speaking to past clients can provide insights into the contractor’s reliability, work quality, and professionalism. Be sure to ask for some references, and contact them.

Good questions to ask:

–              Will you work with this contractor again?

–              Did they stick to their initial price for the work?

–              Did they finish the project in a timely manner as promised?

–              Did they keep the site clean while working there?

4.Not getting a detailed scope of works

Make sure you know exactly what will be done by the contractor beforehand, a detailed scope of works is your best friend here and the best defence for any potential miscommunication.

A good scope of works will tell you all you need to know about the project.

Going down the list if done correctly will be able to give you a step by step of the whole process. The materials that will be used, make sure of the paint brand names, type and colours specified. And lastly very important a firm price for labour and materials.

5.Making full payments before the job is done

Beware of painting contractors who ask for the entire payment upfront or before the work is completed. You don’t want to be left with an empty wallet and no paint on your walls.

6.Not to Discuss Preparation and Cleanup

Professionals will always clean up after themselves and will be proud of a clean site they handover to the client, make sure cleaning up is part of the scope of works. Clarify what is included in the project in terms of preparation and cleanup. Proper surface preparation is crucial for a lasting finish, and thorough cleanup ensures your space is left in good condition. 

7.Not asking for a start and or date of completion

It will be estimated dates but at least you will be able to do your planning. Pay attention to the date of completion, with some leniency for the unexpected. A professional contractor will stay as close to the estimated dates as possible. This will be discovered if you ask the questions in #3 when contacting their references.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase the likelihood of a smooth, successful painting project and a result you’ll be happy with. And remember painting or renovating should be the realization of a dream and not the start of a nightmare, make sure you’re in good hands!