Paints and Materials
Materials include all the primers, paints, finishes and sundries that will be used to complete your project. Choosing the right paint and sundry materials is essential to achieving lasting beauty and protection of your property.
A professional painting contractor is familiar with the paints and other coatings on the market, and can make the proper recommendations based on your specific needs.
Also, a professional paint contractor stays informed of advances in the field by subscribing to painting trade magazines, attending manufacturers' training courses, working with manufacturers' representatives and through pursuing ongoing education events such as those offered by NAPP™.
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Product Specifications
Paint manufacturers publish "product specification" sheets that outline the types of surfaces the paint is recommended for, along with important information about surface preparation, proper application, and the results that can be expected from the product. Many spec sheets even list the quality grade of the product. Consumers may want to call their paint store to learn more about the quality rating of the paint that has been recommended by their contractor.
Because the cost of materials is the smallest cost of a paint job, professional painters won't risk having unhappy customers — not to mention jeopardizing their own hard-earned reputations — just to save a few dollars on paint.
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Extended Warranty Products
Traditionally, paint manufacturers have warranted their products against defects, and will replace the paint if it fails. However, the labor cost of a paint job far exceeds the cost of materials.
Advances in paint technology have made it possible for paint manufacturers to provide warranties not only on the paint, but sometimes will cover the labor expense, too.
Painting contractors wanting to offer these warranties must become Certified Applicators, a process that normally includes classroom training, written exams, and product application training.
Ask your contractor if he or she is certified in this way. It may be the best way to ensure that your home or commercial building remains in top condition for many years to come.
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Exterior Maintenance Painting Programs
Exterior Maintenance Painting Programs offer homeowners a hassle-free way to keep their home protected and looking great year after year.
These programs include scheduled visits to your home or commercial building to inspect the paint job and ensure that the paint is protecting your property as it should. Preventive maintenance extends the life of your paint job, making the need to repaint less frequent.
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Questions to Ask Your Potential Contractor
Does the contractor have a safety program in place to ensure a safe working environment?
Working with ladders, tools and equipment can be dangerous. Ask your contractor about safety issues.
How long has the contractor been in business?
There is a very high turnover rate for contractors in all trades. It's important you work with a contractor who has been in business at least a few years.
Are the employees experienced painters?
Ask if the contractor has experienced painters on the job, and about any training or job qualifications they have.
Is the contractor required to have any state or local licensing?
If so, request a copy of his or her license. Call the city or state office responsible for licensing to ensure the contractor's license is up-to-date.
Does the contractor have the necessary insurance? Is it adequate?
It's extremely important that your contractor has all the necessary insurances to protect you and your home. (Your homeowner's policy may NOT cover work performed by third parties.)
Can your contractor provide a list of local customer references?
Call the references to see how your contractor handled other jobs.
Does the contractor belong to any civic or trade associations?
These memberships indicate a commitment by your contractor to maintain his or her professionalism.
Has your contractor put everything in writing?
Professional painting contractors will provide their customers with detailed written estimates and specifications.
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Monetary Investment
No one should pay more than necessary to get the job done. On the other hand, though, it's not always wise to compare contractors solely on price. Unfortunately, many painters go into business with too small a budget and with prices that are too low to sustain their businesses; they must then skimp on insurance, equipment, employee pay, training and attention to detail.
A professional paint contractor has invested a great deal of money in those items, and that fact will be reflected in the pricing for your paint job.
The turnover and failure rate for contractors is very high, sometimes placing a major inconvenience on the consumer in the event there is a warranty claim. Working with a financially sound contractor is good evidence that he'll be around when you need him.
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