Painting your home is the best, most affordable way to increase the value of your home before you sell it. Even if you do not plan on selling, it is a simple, powerful way to transform the atmosphere of your space for years to come. But if you hire the wrong painting contractor, it will cost you a lot of money and a lot more frustration. Keep reading to discover what to consider before hiring a contractor for house painting in Portland OR.
How to Find a Contractor
Check for Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of irreputable painting companies in the greater Portland, OR and Southern Washington area. They try to save money by not insuring their painting contractors. Ask your painting contractor if he has comprehensive business liability with at least a million dollar limit. This will protect your property from any damage.
Similarly, make sure your contractor is covered by workmen’s compensation in case an accident occurs. You do not want to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider should anything unexpected happen.
Ask for References
A reputable contractor will be more than happy to provide you with references. A company that is not proud of their past work is a giant red flag. Speaking with past clients is a perfectly reasonable request. Speak with someone who has recently had a project completed to understand how the company currently operates. Then, speak with someone who had work done a while back ago so you can gauge how well the contractor’s work withstands the test of time.
Look for a Warranty
Ask if a painting company will offer you a warranty of at least a year. If they hire professionals who prep thoroughly for each job, use high-quality paint and do not cut corners, they will stand behind their work. Ask if the warranty covers both labor and material and understand what exclusions, if any, there are. Finally, get the warranty in writing and keep it until the warranty expires.
What Materials and Techniques are Used?
Ask for your contractor to specify which materials will be used. Low-quality materials may be cheaper. But they are less durable. They are not very effective at hiding imperfections and is not very resistant to weathering or wear and tear.
The prep work done before the project should also be solid. Make sure your contractor will repair any existing damage, such as flaking, holes, mold and mildew and rough edges before the painting begins. Any imperfections make it harder for the paint to adhere to the surface.
Are the Employees Safe and Trained?
Make sure you hire a company that runs background checks on their contractors. After all, these people will be on your property and in your home. Moreover, ask if the contractors undergo continued education to make sure each contractor stays abreast of the latest and most effective procedures and techniques.
How are Estimates Provided?
You may find it more convenient to receive estimates over the phone. However, describing the scope of your project over the phone is not the most effective way to get an accurate estimate. Ask if a contractor will come out and inspect your property before giving you an estimate. This way, there are no surprises when the scope of the project is larger than anticipated.
Contact ProFleet NW Today
Painting your home can completely transform your home for all the right reasons if you hire the right contractor for House Painting in Portland OR. We guarantee our work and make sure clients are satisfied at the end of every project, no matter how big or small. To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (503)946-1733 or email us at info@profleetnw.com.