Consider Finding a Painting Contractor

Undertaking a paint job always calls for some forethought beyond color selection and decorative themes. Painting a room is not difficult. In fact, it's nearly the perfect do-it-yourself home improvement project. Nevertheless it is a task that places demands on your time, finances, and skills. So before you haul out the brushes, paint cans, and ladders, ask yourself a few pre-determined questions.

• How much preparation will I need to do and will I have enough time to do it?

• Am I up to the difficult parts of the work, such as climbing ladders and moving furniture?

• Do I have the patience to learn a different skill, and can I accept that my initial progress might be slow and somewhat frustrating?

• Will I be able to live with a house left unfinished if I am called away or when I must return to work after the weekend?

• Are there parts of the job I can do but simply don't enjoy? Are there parts of the work I could do myself and parts I want to contract out?

If your answers to these questions make you decide to contract all or some of the project, then go about gathering bids and searching for a contractor methodically.

First, talk to friends and neighbors and get their tips about contractors they have used. Have a look at the quality of the work done for people you know so you can make sure the grade of the job meets your standards.

Then, contact at least three of the top contractors to go over the work you want to have done. Meet with each of them individually to look at the job and discuss the precise job details.

Questions for Your Painting Contractor

• For each surface (including trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls, and so forth), ask what will be done to get it ready for priming including which type and brand of primer. Then ask your contractor about the finish coat, like the type and brand of the paint, how it'll be applied, its quality, and the number of coats. Make sure the contractor will use high quality paint. A quality acrylic latex paint might cost more initially, but its toughness will save money in the long run.

• For exterior work, ask what will be done to safeguard landscape plants. For interior work, learn how furniture will be protected and moved.

• Ask when the contractor can begin the job and exactly how long it will take. It's also advisable to know what remedy will be available if the work is not completed on time.

• Discuss the guarantee on the job, how long it is, whether it covers both labor and materials, what kind of failures are covered (peeling, cracking, fading), and exactly what will be done to rectify such failures.

• Make sure the contractor is bonded and insured. Bonding will replace your costs if the contractor fails to complete the job. Insurance will cover any injury to any of the workers. Without such insurance, you could be liable for such injuries. Insurance could also cover damages done to your house.

• Ask each contractor for the names and contact information for previous customers. Call some of the references and ask when you can see the contractor's work.

• Get written estimates from at least 3 contractors. Be skeptical of any bids that are significantly higher or lower than the others. Bids from reputable contractors are usually fairly close to each other for the same work. The estimate should break down material and labor costs and show payment terms.

Before making your decision, consider the contractor's demeanor. He or she should be responsive, punctual, and business like when returning calls or arriving for a scheduled appointment. The contractor should take time to reply to your questions and explain details of the work.

Picking a Painting Contractor

Once you've selected a specialist painter, that contractor should submit a formal written contract for the work (unless the bid or estimate had already been in contractual form). The document should spell out everything you have discussed with the contractor about your work. It should specify these things:

• the work to be achieved

• the materials to be used

• the starting and completion dates and remedies for failure to stay on schedule

• methods for resolving disputes

• procedures for making changes (change orders are alterations to the contract to which both parties must agree)

• evidence of insurance and bonding and licensing if required by local ordinance

Before you make final payment, inspect the work with the contractor, making notes about whatever needs correction (proper coverage, cleanup, etc). The contractor should correct the problems before you make final payment.

Sound Quality Painting

824 90th Dr SE suite B

Lake Stevens WA 98258

(425) 512-7400

Sound Quality Painting

Best Painters Lake Stevens

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