Here at Richmond Painting, we know that the process of finding the right painter for a job is not an easy task, but it is an important one. A bad paint job can have many short-term and long-term consequences. Here is a list of things to consider to ensure that you hire the right contractor for the job.

Do your homework. Perhaps you know family members, friends, or coworkers who recently hired a contractor for a paint job. Ask around. Try to find at least three different contractors and check online reviews.

After you have narrowed down your search, you will want to schedule a meeting with each contractor. Invite them to your home so they can personally inspect the area and make an assessment. Ask them about their past work and collect references from them. Try to get in contact with each reference so you can hear from them personally.

Be sure to let each contractor know your expectations. The more specific you are, the better estimate you will receive. Speaking of estimates, you will want one in writing and as thorough as possible.

You will also want to make sure that the contractor has a proper license. You can check the Contractor’s License Reference Site online.

Get a complete contract in writing. It should include the contractor’s name, address, office and personal numbers, and license number. The contract should state what is and is not included in the job. It should also include a list of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. If the contractor doesn’t have insurance and an accident happens on the job, it’s possible that you could be the one held accountable if any litigation were to occur.

Get a guarantee in writing. It should include a warranty for not only the paint itself but for the labor. If there is chipping, peeling, or fading, for example, the guarantee should include the promise to correct it at little or no cost.

Finally, you and the contractor should agree on down payment and a promise to pay the full amount after you are completely satisfied with the job.

The process of finding the right painter can be time-consuming and not very enjoyable, but if you make the right decisions, the results can be very rewarding. At Richmond Painting, we stand by our work and will go the extra mile to ensure that our projects are as flawless as can be. We hope that you will consider us for your next painting job.