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A good way to begin looking for a painting contractor is to ask relatives, friends, or neighbors who have had a quality paint job done that has lasted a while. If you find one who was extremely pleased, ask if it would be alright to come have a look. Carefully examine the small things like trim work, eaves, inside corners, and ask about how the work surface was prepared. Ask if areas that were not to receive paint masked off and adequately protected. Were the workers constantly on time and staying on task or did they show up late and only work half days. Also, find out if a written warranty was supplied, and if possible, review it.

Another way you might go about finding a reputable, reliable, local painting contractor could be the local paint store (not the Wal-Mart). A lot of painters buy their paint from the local paint store, so they would have some idea of who buys paint regularly. They might recommend someone who has gotten good reviews from other customers, and while youre there might get there professional opinion on proper preparation before painting. You still would have to think about the insurance issue, and where is the guarantee down the road that this person will still be painting if there is an issue with the work.

Its sad to know that some have spent hard earned money just to have the paint on their home peeling or flaking off in just a few short months; especially when it could have been avoided by just doing a proper preparation job. When paint substrates (fails to adhere properly due to a wet, dirty, or degrading surface) it is because the surface was covered with old loose or flaking paint, dirt, grease, mold, other substances, or wasnt clean and dry.

The time to really ask questions is during the consultation, prior to any contract agreements. Really examine your house with the salesperson. Make sure to question there preparation processes, pressure washing and caulking, whether or not to replace any bad wood to prevent future issues, how they plan on preventing overspray to the items and areas you do not want painted, and if you can get references from others that have used their service. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with this company, and does this person seem knowledgeable and professional? The quote should cover in detail the approximate time involved, preparation details, brand and type being used, and how many coats to be applied.

Your written contract needs to have all of the above included, and also have expanded details like start date, material specifics, colors, and an estimated completion date. There should also be a clause for how any changes, payments, or cancellations are handled. Ensuring that the workers on your property are insured is very important. One way to handle this with minimal stress is to hire a company that has its own employees. If you have uninsured subcontractors on your property, and they get injured, you, not the contractor are liable. Plus if the contractor doesnt pay them after completion, you could have a lien placed against your home.

If you follow these few tips, get a written warranty, and insist on a company with a longstanding record of reliability, quality, and great workmanship, you are almost guaranteed a job you can be proud of that will last for years to come.