When you hire an interior painting professional, you need to be prepared. It is important to ask the right questions so that there are no surprises once the work begins. Open communication is the key to a successful professional relationship and you can plan ahead by asking the following questions.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before You Arrive?
Some companies may not require anything but others may expect you to remove your furniture and personal items from the room before they arrive. You want to know whether they will cover your furniture and tarp the floors and you want to know how they handle priming and covering any blemishes in the walls. Some companies will do everything for you, including repairing drywall, but others may not. It’s good to know this information before the job begins.
How Many People Will Work on My Project?
It is always a good idea to know how many people will be in your house for any period of time. Once you know how many, you can better gauge how long the job will take. In addition, you need to know whether the painters are employees or subcontractors and how long they have worked for the company. This will help you determine your level of comfort with them being in your home so that you can plan to be there or have someone there while they are working.
How Long Will it Take?
How long it takes will depend on how much space needs to be painted as well as how simple or complicated the job is to complete. Not only that, but the number of people painting affects the length of the job as well. If you have a clear time frame, you will be able to plan ahead. If you need the work done more quickly, you can find out if they can provide additional manpower. Clear communication about the length of time the job will take will keep the experience as stress-free as possible.
Are You Covered by Insurance?
It is important that your painter is covered by insurance. This will provide protection to you and your property. If anything happens, the insurance will resolve the problem.
How Much Will it Cost?
It is important to understand the difference between a quote and an estimate. An estimate is exactly that — an estimate of what the job will cost you. A quote is more precise and this is the final price that you will pay. It is always preferable to get a quote in writing before the work begins as this will protect you from extra charges being added on at the end.
Do You Offer a Warranty?
Painters who offer a warranty build trust right from the start. If you hire painters knowing that they guarantee the work for between one and three years, you will feel better about it. If there is an issue with the paint job, it usually presents itself within the first year so having at least a one-year warranty can give you great peace of mind.
Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago – the country’s premier school of its kind.
