Hiring the right exterior painting contractor can be a daunting process. There are many exterior painting contractors to choose from at different price points. However, did you know that choosing the right contractor can save you big money in the long run? It’s true! We go over five common mistakes people make when hiring an exterior painting contractor so that you can save on wasted time and money.
Mistake 1: Hiring the Least Expensive House Painters
When you spend less on house painters, keep in mind that you are getting what you pay for. Very often, low-priced house painters either don’t have as much experience as a quality professional, or they will skip out on the quality of the paint, applying primer or something else that’s critical to achieving a paint job that looks professionally done and you won’t have to redo later down the road. Remember, the paint quality matters; you don’t want a new paint job that will not stand up to the elements.
Furthermore, the temperature in Westminster CO varies greatly from a January average of 18.4 degrees to a July average of 89.5 degrees. In such extremes of temperature, paint needs to be mixed and applied correctly in order to prevent cracks, air pockets and chips. Some low-cost home painting contractors do not have this type of experience, and thus your house will likely need to be retouched at some point during the year, and since the cheaper contractors usually don’t guarantee their work for long (if they guarantee their work at all), you will likely be on the hook for the additional cost. However, an experienced professional can give you a paint job that will stand up to the elements year-round without the need for retouching.
Mistake 2: Not Hiring a Local Painter
Hiring a local painter can save you a great deal of headaches. For example, when hiring a painter from Westminster, it’s easier for them to arrive on the site in a timely manner.
Secondly, if you need emergency home painting services, such as when your paint job chips or cracks, the house painter can quickly fix the issue, and many contractors will charge you an extra fee if you live outside a certain radius, so hiring a local painter can save you a great deal of time and money.
Mistake 3: Failing to Ask About Insurance
This is another place where the professionals have you covered. Most professionals have some sort of liability insurance that covers damage to your property and/or injuries suffered by the workers. For example, if one of the workers happens to fall off a ladder, damaging your mailbox, you will not be out of any additional money; their insurance will pay for medical costs. Furthermore, depending on the type of coverage the company has, the insurance may also pay for having your mailbox replaced. This can provide you with extra peace of mind in knowing that you are not on the hook for such issues.
Mistake 4: Failing to Perform Adequate Research
You can find out a lot about a paint contractor with a simple Google search. Reading reviews can help educate you of any potential issues that might happen along the way. Ask yourself these questions, then try to find the answers yourself:
- Is the contractor known for quality work?
- Is the contractor dependable?
- Is the contractor licensed in my state?
- Does the contractor have liability insurance?
Be sure to use common sense when you find the answers to these questions. You’re not likely to find a contractor that can please everybody, but if you find a lot of negative reviews about the contractor, it may not be worth dealing with them. Save your money for when you do find someone who is right for you. Hiring just any company is too great of a risk.
Mistake 5: Failing to Obtain a Copy of the Contract
It is very important that you obtain a copy of the contract in writing when hiring a paint contractor. This can be your most valuable piece of evidence in the case something happens where you end up in a legal dispute with your contractor, especially a dispute over property damages.
Why is a copy of the contract so valuable? That’s because it contains key information regarding the terms and conditions of the agreement between you and your contractor including:
- Established timetables for completion of the work
- Details of payment
- Work schedules
- A list of agreed-upon materials
Contact American Painting Specialists for an Estimate
Contact American Painting Specialists to set up an on-site estimate. Our company has been serving Westminster CO for over 30 years and has a proven reputation for excellent customer service, quality painting work and reasonable prices. Contact us at 303-937-1912 for more information.