Most people consider painting to be a fairly simple task: dip your brush or roller in the paint, apply it evenly to your wall. And while it is true that most people can do the job themselves, it’s also true that a professional painter near me can make the process much smoother and quicker than you might expect.
But how do you find a quality painting contractor? There are generally 3 main places to start looking. The first is to ask friends and family for referrals. Word-of-mouth is still the most effective form of advertising, and your friends and family will be able to give you the inside scoop on what a company is all about.
The second is to search online. This can be helpful if you want to quickly compare the services of a number of different contractors in your area. It’s easy to enter your pin code and your location, and then you will get a list of top contractors in your region. It’s a good idea to check out the websites of each one, and see what kind of reviews and testimonials they have.
Another place to look is in your local phone book. There are often several listings for painting contractors in your area, and some will include their contact information and a photo of their work. You can quickly compare the services of each, and then decide which one might be the best fit for your project.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to call the painters to discuss their pricing. Ask them to provide you with an estimate that breaks down the costs by direct and indirect. Indirect expenses will include things like labor, materials and paint. It’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting for your money, so ask for an estimate that is clear and concise.
It’s also a good idea to ask about insurance. Most reputable painting companies will have valid insurance that covers both their workers and your home. This is important if something were to go wrong during the project, as it could cost you a lot of money.
Most professional house painters will supply all of the necessary materials for your project. This will generally include the paint itself as well as any sanding, priming or other preparation work that may be required before the actual painting can take place. They will generally use trade or professional paints, which are of a higher quality than the consumer-grade paints that you might purchase at a retail store.
They may also include any specialized or decorative painting that you are interested in, such as faux finishing, trompe l’oeil and other specialty techniques. They will also typically factor in any additional costs that might be associated with your specific project, such as removing old popcorn ceilings or cleaning moldy or mildew-stained drywall.