A fresh painter Brisbane job on the outside of a house can increase curb appeal and value. It’s important to hire a painting contractor who will do the job correctly.
Painters who are not reputable will often water down the paint or charge outrageous fees upfront. Their work may initially look good, but it will soon peel and fade. How do you choose the right contractor?
Whether you’re selling your home, revamping your interior or just repainting the exterior, house painting is a job that requires professional painters to do it correctly the first time. Hiring a reputable company can be a daunting task, especially with so many choices in your area.
Many people attempt to paint their homes themselves in order to save money. However, painting is a very complex process that requires special skills and equipment to get the best results. Homeowners often underestimate how much work goes into painting a home. It is not only important to use the right paint on each surface but also to do extensive preparation work such as power-washing and scraping. A professional painter will have the equipment necessary to complete the job quickly.
A professional will also know which paint is best suited for each surface, as well as the climate. They can give you advice on the best colors and how long your finish is likely to last. A professional can also advise you on how to paint – whether it’s by rolling or spraying.
You should always hire an insured and licensed company. If something goes wrong, the company is obligated to fix any problems. A reputable company will have a portfolio of past projects that you can look at and may even have testimonials from previous clients.
The word of mouth is a great way to find a reputable painter. Ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations. Then, do some online research to see what others have said about the painting contractor. Generally, a company with the best word of mouth will also have the best reviews.
Having references is an important part of hiring any contractor, especially painting contractors. This will allow you to hear about other people’s experiences working with the company and see some of their work. In addition to asking for references, it’s also a good idea to look at online reviews for the painter. These can give you a better idea of the painter’s work and service.
During your first meeting, ask the contractor for local painter references and contact information. A quality company won’t hesitate to provide this information. This could be a warning sign. Ask about the type material they use, and if there is a guarantee. A bad paint job can cost you thousands over the years, so it’s important to know the painter’s satisfaction guarantee policy.
Finally, ask about the prep work they do to prepare your home for painting. This is a critical step that many homeowners overlook. It can make or break the finished product and is where most painters cut corners. Make sure the painter is using a good quality primer and caulk and that they are preparing the surface properly to ensure a long-lasting finish.
Ask the contractor what colors they use, and if they provide color consultations. This is a great way to make sure the pro will listen to your concerns and help you choose a color that suits your taste and fits with your home. Ask the painter how they paint the walls – whether or not they use a sprayer or a roller.
Once you have narrowed your list down, ask each contractor to send a written estimate of the work. Each estimate should include a breakdown on labor and materials costs. The estimates should also clearly state how much prep work is included. If your house requires sanding and caulking, or power washing before painting, make sure that is reflected in the estimate.
A good painter will take a thorough walk around your home to evaluate the condition of your current paint, the size and complexity of the job and any obstacles that might prevent them from accessing hard-to-reach areas. They may even bring their crew along to assess the situation and give a more accurate estimate.
In general, contractors charge by the square footage. In some cases, they may include flat fees for fixed expenses like overhead or permits. They will also provide a detailed description of the prep work that will be done to prepare your surface for paint and how many coats of paint will be applied. They should also tell you what type of paint they plan to use and how long it’s rated to last.
You should also request a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage before hiring them. A contractor without this insurance is putting you and your family at risk.
It may be tempting to choose a contractor who has the lowest price, but that should not be your only consideration. Fly-by-night painters will often not provide a contract, which gives you less leverage should you be dissatisfied with their work. A reputable local painter will offer you a contract that details all aspects of your project.
During the consultation, you will need to communicate your expectations for the project and what type of work is required. This information will help each painting pro to provide a thorough estimate. Share any paint colors or options that you are considering with the contractor so they can include them in your quote.
You should also discuss the level of prep work you are looking to have completed before painting. This can include cleaning exterior surfaces and removing debris. It could also include repairing small areas or sanding. You should also ask each painter if they use a power washer to wash the surface before painting. This will remove any dirt and mildew that may have built up and allow for a smoother finish.
It is also important to ensure that the painting contractors are insured for their employees. This will protect you if an employee is injured on the job and provides peace of mind that the company will address any issues that arise during or after the painting project. A painting company should have both workers’ compensation insurance and general liability coverage. If they do not, you should move on to another painting contractor. Choosing an exterior painting contractor is not an easy task. But it is well worth the effort to find one who can complete your job to your satisfaction and leave you with a beautifully painted home.
A paint job on the exterior is a significant investment and should be treated accordingly. Ask the painting contractor to provide a written guarantee that covers the paint as well as the workmanship.
A legitimate painting warranty will cover any flaws in the work that may be discovered within two-three years after the completion of the paint project. A paint warranty that is much longer than this is most likely a marketing ploy and should be questioned.
The quality of a paint job is largely determined by the amount of preparation that is done before the actual painting takes place. This includes repairing holes or damaged areas on the wall, power-washing the surface to remove dirt and debris, scraping and sanding before priming and paint. It is important to ask the painting contractor how they prepare surfaces before they are painted. A reputable company will be able explain their process in details and provide references from past customers who can attest to their quality of work.
In addition, it is a good idea to find out if the painting contractor has any insurance coverage in case of an accident while working on your home. It is recommended to make sure that the painting contractor has a comprehensive business liability policy with a million dollar limit as well as workers’ compensation insurance.
You should also ask the painting contractor how they plan to keep your property neat and tidy during and after the project. This is an important question, as many homeowners do not want to remove old paint buckets and worn-out drop cloths left behind by the crew.