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“Apples to Apples” – Tips for a Successful Painting Project

I am very relieved to meet more than one excellent painter whom I trust, whose presence in my home is at least pleasant and discreet, who is orderly and respectful of my personal environment. Personally, I’m more comfortable with someone who works out of my own home, or my clients’ homes, who has a fairly low profile in the workplace and is focused on the project at hand.

You will also probably want to feel comfortable with the people in your home even if you don’t know them well. There may be times when you’re not there, but the project must go on! Although temporary, his presence is part of your life. Some of these things you can infer when you know them, and some things you may have to ask outright.

Apples to oranges?
Trying to level the playing field can be tricky, because when you start interviewing your painters, you find that they each may have perfectly reasonable explanations for the practices and processes. If you develop a way to keep track of feedback and suggestions, and balance that with your own list of project requirements, you’ll have something to go through to try to turn “apples to oranges” into “apples to apples,” to do your best. effort. -informed decision.

Here are some questions to get you started:

How long have they been in business?
Don’t be shy, ask for references.

Do they work alone or with others?
If using a crew, will the owner be available for questions, follow up and supervision? This will have a lot to do with your level of satisfaction and confidence.

What brand of paint do you use?
You may want to just take the painters recommendation for the brand, but you should also feel comfortable discussing this and specifying the brand you want.

Refinishers often suggest replacing markings with “we can mix any color in any marking”. However, paint companies have differing base materials and this can affect the result. For example, it’s simply not possible to replicate a “full spectrum” paint color in a non-full spectrum method, no matter how it looks on a small part.

Three questions about preparation

• How would the painter treat moldy areas?
• Will the painter plan to fill all the holes and seal the seams?
• Will the painter sand the walls to get a smooth finish?

What is the typical painter’s procedure?
General painting practice specifies two topcoats and often one coat of primer/sealer. Does the painter plan to prime the walls under the color coat? Some top coat colors require a tinted primer.

How many coats of finishing color do you recommend?
What kind of paint for ceilings and walls? In most cases, a matte finish paint is best for ceilings. However, paint used for walls is often of a higher quality than “ceiling white,” especially if a stronger stain or color is used.

contracts are essential
The purpose of a written contract is to ensure that all parties understand the scope of work, with a clear explanation and details of the surfaces to be painted, preparation, work methods, schedules, and payment procedures for the project. . Once you’ve met painting contractors in person, this is the best way to gauge the different proposals you receive. Just as important, it protects both you, the client, and the contractor. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract.

Last but not least: remember these important documents
Do you have commercial liability insurance? You can request a certificate of insurance from the painter’s insurance company.

As with most home repairs and other large projects, lining up the details in advance will set the stage for a better experience.

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