Summer is the ideal time for home improvement projects, including house painting. Whether you need to repaint a bedroom or the entire exterior, you’ll want to find a reliable, professional painter for the job. Here are four qualities to keep in mind when searching for a local painting contractor.

What to Look for When Hiring a Painter

License & Insurance

You should never hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your home. For one thing, licensure indicates a company or individual is legally permitted to do the job, and many insurance providers don’t cover damage done by unlicensed contractors. A painting contractor should also carry insurance. If they have a team of painters, make sure they have liability and worker’s compensation coverage. The first ensures they will pay for any damage they cause while on the job, while the second protects you from financial liability if a worker is hurt on your property. 

Strong Reputation

Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Once you have a list of prospective painting contractors, check out customer reviews and testimonials online using sites like HomeAdvisor® or Angie’s List®. You can also ask the contractor for two or three recent references from within the past six months. When you contact past clients, ask what kind of work was performed and how satisfied they were with the job. Also, ask what it was like to work with the contractor; were they friendly, communicative, and honest? 

Honest Communication

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to two or three contenders, ask for detailed estimates from each. The evaluation should include an itemized list of costs and a projected timeline for your painting project. Although projects don’t always go according to plan, even with strategic scheduling and planning, an estimate will give you a general idea. A good painting contractor will also be happy to answer any of your questions and address concerns. This will be especially crucial during the job if an issue arises, such as hairline cracks, excessive moisture, or structural problems. In this case, you’ll want someone who will notify you immediately and develop a plan of action.

Experience

Although experience isn’t everything, it is helpful. No two painting projects are identical, and some require a variety of tools and pre-treatments, such as sanding and pressure washing. Painters with plenty of experience are more likely to know how to handle challenging situations effectively. Ask how long the company has been in business and look at their portfolio to see whether they’ve worked on projects similar to yours.

 

If you’re a Cincinnati homeowner in need of a trustworthy painter, look no further than Bill’s Painting. These local contractors have over 35 years of experience in exterior and interior projects. They also hand-wash every exterior beforehand to ensure an even, long-lasting, and high-quality job. Call (513) 742-3937 to speak with a friendly team member, or visit the website to see examples of their past work.