Finding the right person to paint your house can be a nightmare, especially if you are not that familiar with the technical aspects of these procedures. A key place to start from is the company’s portfolio. Check if it presents residential works – the category you are looking for - or only commercial projects. Even if the company's portfolio conquers your heart, it is worth researching its approach to work before making a final decision.
How to verify whether the contractor is dependable? Here are some hints for that.
#1 Appropriate selection of products
A good way to understand if a contractor ensures the best quality is to know the quality of the products they use. Sticking to the verified brands is essential - but there is a catch. Even the best brands have their low-cost lines that show weaker parameters and less durability and longevity.
Try asking about the different options of the brand the company uses, such as economy, medium, premium, gold, or diamond quality. Of course, these last ones will, not only look better but last way longer than the cheapest options.
The most resistant paints are made with acrylic resin and pigments. Experienced painting contractors tend to avoid water-based products. In addition, they are usually faithful to a particular brand and product line: the one that never caused any issues.
#2 Thorough reparation process
An essential part of the painting process is the preparation of the surface. It guarantees durability and longevity. A layer of paint applied on a dirty wall with holes and cracks will not survive long. In addition to that, it will only look good for a while. A good painting contractor should make sure that the first step of their professionals is to remove loose paint and wash the surface properly with strong water pressure.
You can also ask if they intend to fix the cracks with caulk, which is a way worse sealer than a cement-based stucco patch. An excellent company would also make sure the foundation of your house is clean and apply a weatherproof sealer before starting the painting process. From this initial information, you can already formulate an idea if the contractor intends to guarantee the best quality service or if it wants to save on time and resources.
#3 Using protective measures
Another essential step before starting to paint a house is to protect all the other elements that comprise it from being painted as well. That would mean masking and sealing off furniture, windows, doors, decorative elements, vehicles, and any other possessions. The pavement and surfaces made of concrete should also be covered with drop cloths.
Concrete tends to absorb the paint, what makes it very difficult to wash off. Many kinds of pavement share these characteristics with concrete. Therefore, make sure the company you consider hiring covers all your belongings before starting painting.
#4 Personal approach
An excellent painting contractor always makes sure the employees study your specific case before coming with a price proposal. They should send somebody to carry out expertise. The specialist should verify the condition of your walls and understand your expectations related to their work.
That is crucial since every case is different and requires a distinct amount of time, effort, and products. In addition, such an approach builds trust from the first moment. So, it is worth asking the contractor whether they can delegate one of their professionals to examine your interiors or exteriors before even quoting the price of their service. That is a good way to know how personalized the service is.
#4 Final inspection
After the job is done, the painters should carry out a detailed inspection of the achieved effects. This way, they can avoid posterior amends that are an inconvenience both for the client and the painting team.
Then, and only then, the team leader should present the effects of the works, asking whether the client is satisfied with the results and if there is something else, they can help with. Thus, do not hesitate to ask the contractor about the final procedures of the painting process and make sure they encourage their workers to do a thorough final inspection of their own work.
