One of the easiest ways to care for your home’s exterior is to inspect and paint it regularly.
And painting is also one of the most common reasons homeowners hire a contractor — which is why it’s so essential to use care as you select a painting contractor. Choosing the right house painter can make all the difference between a long-lasting, beautiful home exterior, versus an inferior paint job that dampens curb appeal and hinders weather resistance.
You deserve a top-notch exterior paint job that makes you smile every time you come home — not just because it is so attractive, but also because you know it’s durable, making your investment last.
But how do you know who to hire? What should you look for in your painting contractor?
This doesn’t have to be a mystery. As you research and evaluate potential home painting contractors to hire, weigh these 10 factors carefully — and you’ll find yourself making a solid choice in the right house painter near you.
1. Meet with several potential house painters.
Remember that price isn’t everything. You also need to know how easy it will be to work with someone, and how reliable they’ll be.
Meet with several contractors at your home, and observe how they behave. Do they take the time to inspect your entire exterior? Do they make notes, or ask thoughtful questions? Do they listen carefully to your needs?
2. Make your expectations clear.
A house painter may have expertise in painting, but you have expertise in your house and your preferences. Be sure to state your needs upfront and in detail.
Let the painting contractor know your goals — which can range from a quick, inexpensive job for a rental house, all the way to a super-smooth finish that may take more time and cost more, but give you the fine finish your eye craves.
3. Get detailed written estimates.
Written estimates that spell out exactly what the painter plans to do for what price make it easier to compare and select the best contractor for your needs. Having the details spelled out helps you to understand how the job will be done, as well as highlighting any remaining areas where you might want clarification — before the job begins.
Estimates should include material and labor costs, how many coats of primer and paint will be used, specific paint brand/finish, details on surface preparation, and an approximate timeline for completing the work.
4. Ask for references.
Reputable businesses will be able to provide references. Speak to their past customers, and drive by homes they have painted in the last few years to see how the exterior paint is holding up. A history of positive experiences is a good sign.
Tip: Ask friends, family, and neighbors for their reviews about their preferred house painters. Find out if they’ve used or heard good things about the contractors you are considering.
5. Check credentials.
Before officially hiring a house painter, find out if they have all the necessary licensing for your area. Be check to check the Better Business Bureau for reviews. Also, ask if they have sufficient liability and workman’s compensation insurance to cover issues that may arise while they are working on your property.
6. Sign a complete written contract.
Long gone are the days when you could do business with a word and a handshake. Be sure to sign a contract that states the company’s name, address, phone numbers, license number, specific job details agreed to in the estimate, timeline for completion, and payment terms.
7. Clarify how problems will be addressed.
Sometimes things can go wrong on a home project, so it’s useful to know what issues the painting contractor is willing to address. Do they offer a guarantee for their work? Will they paint a portion of your home with a small sample to ensure you like the color before painting your whole home?
8. Find out if your old paint contains lead.
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance its older coats of paint may contain lead. Removing such paint requires special precautions. Find out if your painting contractor is qualified to handle lead paint.
9. Choose a superior paint brand.
There are many types of paint, and many brands to consider. In addition to hearing the contractor’s recommendations, do some research. Look for long-lasting, high-quality brands and finishes that score well in consumer product tests.
10. Don’t pay it all upfront.
A painting contractor that demands you pay the full fee upfront may not be that reliable. Expect to pay a small down payment before the work begins—perhaps one-fourth to one-third of the overall fee. You may also pay in installments to help cover the purchasing of material and interim labor. The final payment should be made once the job is completed.
Choose a Painter Near You that You Can Rely On
Remember — the first step to choosing the right house painter for your needs is to schedule a consultation with a trusted painting contractor. Our professional, experienced painting team at JD Hostetter would be happy to meet with you, discuss your preferences, and answer any questions you have about how to enhance your home exterior’s curb appeal and durability with the best paint for your home’s needs.
We use only top-quality paints — PPG Porter, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams — to ensure your home receives long-lasting, gorgeous results. We’ll be happy to show you color options, make recommendations, and help you have a home exterior that pops from the curb.
Schedule a free painting consultation to get a detailed estimate and find out if JD Hostetter is the right fit for your painting needs.
