The exterior of your home is the first thing people see when they visit, so it’s important to make a good impression. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in making your house look great and increasing its curb appeal. But who should you trust with this job? There are literally dozens of exterior painting companies to choose from, so how do you find the right one for you?
Table of contents
Ask for recommendations
When selecting an exterior painting company, it’s important to ask for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors who have had an exterior painting done on their homes. Chances are they’ve had a good experience with a particular company and can give you some insights.
Do your research. Once you have a few companies in mind, take some time to do your research. Check out their websites and see what others are saying about them online. It’s important to get a sense of what their reputation is before you make a decision.
Get multiple bids
After you’ve done your research and have a few companies in mind, it’s time to get bids. Be sure to get at least three bids so you will have options. Many people make the mistake of choosing the least costly bid for the painting job. From choosing the materials, selecting the colors, and hiring a painter who will execute the job, people think that going for the least costly is the best option. But the lowest bid may not always be the best option. You want to make sure you are getting good value for your money.
Check their credentials and references
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s time to check references. Be sure to ask each company for a list of references from past clients. This is an important step in choosing the right contractor for you. Give the past clients a call, and ask them about their experience with the company and since it’s an exterior painting, ask permission to visit their home/property so you will have a better look at the result.
Also, you wanted to work with a company that has good credentials and reputations so check with the Better Business Bureau or your local Chamber of Commerce to see if there have been any complaints filed against them. If you do find any, don’t just cross them off your list, but make sure to ask them about it and how they plan to avoid that type of complaint in the future.
You also want to be clear on pricing and the payment schedule before you sign a contract. Make sure there are no hidden fees or surcharges, and unplanned costs so you wouldn’t go over your budget.
Check their licensing and insurance
All painting contractors should be properly licensed in your state or municipality, and they should carry both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask to see proof of license. This protects you in the event that something goes wrong during the project.
Get everything in writing
This tip is critical when choosing a painting contractor. Make sure you get a detailed written estimate that includes the scope of work, materials to be used, the timeline for the project, and the total cost. It would be best to speak directly to the person who will do the job. Getting everything in writing will help avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Ask for digital renderings
In order to get an accurate idea of what your home will look like once it’s painted, ask the contractor for digital renderings. This will help you make the right decisions, see exactly what the finished product will look like, and make sure that you’re on the same page with the contractor.
Ready to choose?
Exterior painting may sound like a simple job, it’s actually tedious and difficult. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right exterior painting company. If you’ve followed these tips, then you should be ready to choose the right exterior painting contractor for your home. Just remember to take your time, ask lots of questions, and get everything in writing before you make your final decision. Good luck!
It was nice when you said that you must consider getting at least three bids in order to have more options. My husband and I are actually interested in having the interior of our house repainted next week due to the obvious signs of peeling. Since we have a restricted budget to consider, we will be sure to find the best deal by requesting quotes.