Choosing an Interior Painter
As you might have guessed, a brush, roller and step ladder are pretty much all you need to start a painting company. Because painting is one of the easiest trades to get into, and the painting industry is largely unregulated, it tends to attract quite a few short-term startups. But, while anyone can hold a brush — it doesn’t mean everyone should! Like all industries, experience is still the strongest indicator for a job done right. To be sure you’re getting the quality interior paint job your home (and house value) deserves, here’s some pro tips for choosing an interior painter.
Five Keys to Hiring the Right Interior Contractor:
- Do your research
- Get it in Writing
- Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
- The Right Products, Applied Correctly
- Warranty
Do Your Research
Meet the painting contractor in your home for the quote. The contractor will have the opportunity to evaluate the project and your needs. At the same time, you will begin to get to know the contractor. Are they polite? Punctual? Knowledgeable?
Ask about the crew. Will the contractor be involved in the project? Who will be overseeing the work on site? Is the work done by employees? Or subcontracted to outside tradespeople? Companies with stable, long term, experienced employees are in a better position to execute quality projects consistently.
You should also get to know as much about the painting contractor as possible. Ask for their insurance documents; $5 million coverage is a good standard. Make sure to check with WorkSafe to make sure the contractor has the appropriate Worker’s Compensation coverage. You can check this on the WorkSafe BC website. Ask for and check references. A good contractor should be able to provide a few references, complete with client names, phone numbers, and addresses. You can also learn from a contractor’s online footprint.
Get it in Writing
The written quote forms the basis of the painting contract. The quote should include in writing the contractor’s contact details, customer details, the scope of work, how the property will be protected during the work, the preparation work to be completed, each product to be used, the number of coats of primer and paint to be applied, how and when the payments are to be made, and what the warranty covers and for how long.
Upon your acceptance of the written quote, the quote becomes your contract. Be sure to keep a signed copy for your records, along with the invoices and receipts for payments.
Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Proper painting preparation is important and cannot be overstated. Among the items to look for:
- protection of unpainted surfaces
- removal and re-installation of fixtures and hardware
- cleaning and sanding to remove surface contaminants
- filling, sanding, caulking and priming
- sanding between finish coats
- names of specific products to be used for each preparation step
The Right Products, Applied Correctly
Keep in mind that you’re spending far more on labour than paint. Your painting budget will be 80-90% for labour. The materials, only 10-20%. The quality of the paint will play a key role in determining the longevity of your paint job. So for this reason, make sure you choose a paint that will last. Premium paints are tougher, more washable and resist fading better over time. You don’t want to spend all that money and effort only to find that the product doesn’t hold up. Buy paint that lasts.
Warranty
The best painting and decorating companies stand behind their work. By warrantying their work in writing, a contractor is committing to a long term, quality painting result. The painter should be concerned about preparing the surfaces properly and using quality materials, knowing that if the work is not long lasting, they will be providing free follow up services. As you’re checking each contractor’s references, be sure to ask if any warranty work was required. Likewise, was the contractor quick to follow through with their warranty obligations? No contractor provides perfect, long lasting results 100% of the time. The painting contractors with integrity are quick to correct any work that doesn’t live up to expectations.
Choose the Right Painter; Enjoy a Great Project!
Following these steps will connect you with a great painting contractor who can provide a good project experience, beautiful and long-lasting results, and who will stand behind their projects with a smile for years to come!
Heritage Painting and Decorating owner David Forrester has proudly helped Vancouver homeowners maintain beautiful homes for over 20 years. We look forward to helping you!
