House & Garden

How To Get the Best Out of Your Painting Project

Your home’s visual appeal is a big deal, and painting makes a huge chunk of that. It not only makes the property more attractive and heavenly but also increases the resale value.

So, whether you’re looking to sell your home soon or bask in its visual glory, making sure your paint job is topnotch is a great way to make a good impression.

Why hiring a painting contractor is the best step to take

To get the best out of your painting project, it’s best to hire a professional painter. Painting contractors are faster and more skilled in avoiding common painting mistakes while achieving a flawless finish.

In addition, the company may offer you a guarantee that when the paint peels or cracks within a specified time, they’ll remedy it at no cost. An experienced house painting company in your location will likely know the best paint to use for your exterior based on the prevalent weather conditions.

Although hiring a professional painter comes at a cost, they are often worth the investment. However, it’s worth ensuring you hire a painter that doesn’t give you headaches instead of satisfaction.

6 tips for hiring the right painter for your home

Here’s how to hire a pro painter to ensure you get it right:

1. Have some options

Consult with at least three contractors so you can decide on which of them best understand your needs and you can trust for the job. Getting references from websites, friends, and neighbours is a great way to go.

Let each of them come to your home to assess the condition, state what they intend to do, and their estimate.

2. Be clear with your expectations

If the best painter isn’t sure about your desires, it makes satisfying you twice as difficult. Inform them of what you want and don’t want. Don’t always assume they know what’s on your mind. Also, some of your needs may require extra effort and time, so you must be willing to pay more.

3. Request a detailed estimate

Ask for a written breakdown from each painting contractor, including material and labour costs. This will give you an idea of what the painting cost covers. For example, while one may seem cheaper, it could be because they intend to use lower-quality materials or leave some desirable things out.

4. Check reviews and portfolio

Checking reviews and ratings of painters can give you an idea of how satisfied they’ve made other homeowners. If most of the reviews are positive and their past works look attractive, they may be able to replicate that for you.

If you aren’t too happy with what you see, it’s a no-no. So, don’t hesitate to request a house painting company’s portfolio if you can’t find it on their website.

5. Consider insurance

You aren’t liable when an insured house painting company damages your property or gets injured while on the job. So it’s risky to hire an uninsured painter. Get a copy of the painter’s liability and compensation insurance certificates to be sure.

6. Ask for a guarantee

Most painting contractors will offer a guarantee to repair chipping, flaking, or chalking occurring within two years after the job. Ensure you confirm before hiring. A guarantee is different from a paint warranty because the latter doesn’t include labour cost, which is typically more expensive.

Finally, it isn’t wise to pay completely or make a large down payment before the contractor commences work. About 10-15% should be fine as a deposit. Before completing payment, inspect the home to ensure you’re satisfied with the result.