Painting Contractors

Color talks: Find a painting contractor for your project

If your home needs a paint job, and you just don´t have the time, a painting contractor can do the work quickly and professionally.

You probably know the basics already: don´t paint on a marred or dirty surface. A good painting contractor, however, gets better results than most of us because they understand the importance of preparing the surface.

A qualified painter invests more than half his time preparing surfaces to be painted. He washes, patches, scrapes, sands, and caulks all surfaces before the first ounce of paint touches the wall. He´ll also use an undercoat or primer to seal the surface.

Your painting contractor is experienced and knows exactly what type of paint is best for different projects. He´ll know which paints flake and blister, and which are completely scrubbable—a big help if you have kids and pets.

Hiring a painter

Before you sign a contract, interview several painting contractors. Get a feel for their process, techniques, quality of paint and other materials, and craftsmanship. The painter you choose should be able to provide a complete description of the type and extent of preparation they do. Insist on the best quality of paint you can afford.

Get a written estimate that details all the work they will do for your project. Compare the estimates and note the differences between materials and processes. That will give you a solid basis on which to make your final selection.

Before signing a contract:

• Obtain contractor licensing, references, and guarantees
• Verify with the state contractor’s board that licensing is current. Contact the insurance carriers to verify that coverage spans the term of your painting project.
• Read the contract and make sure you understand the scope of work.

Older Homes and Lead-based Paints

If your home is older, it may have existing lead-based finishes. If needed, find out what kinds of precautions your painter will take to ensure the safety and health of your family.