What do you look for in an interior painter, if you’re really, really honest? For most, it’s cost first, maybe followed by comfort level, feeling confident in their skills, and not having to wait too long for the work to be done.
We get that! Especially the price point considerations. After all, we’re family people, homeowners, and budget-followers ourselves.
As you weigh your options, however, we wanted to share a quick tip to help you not just find a painter, but find the very best painter to meet your needs.
Low-Cost Painters: What’s the Risk?
Something makes those low prices possible, so it’s crucial that you ask what you’re willing to lose and sacrifice to achieve that alluring price point.
What’s the risk?
- Lack of proper credentials. Many budget painters skip the proper licensing and insurance, passing the risk and liability on to you.
- Poorly maintained equipment! Older, faulty equipment can slow down a timeline, decrease the quality of the finish, and in many cases even be a real danger.
- Unhappy, uninvested employees or subcontractors. If the team isn’t on board and excited about their work, the work suffers.
- Worthless warranties. It’s easy to offer a guarantee, but how do you know a fly-by-night company will even be around to service it?
- Lower-quality work. Not all paint finishes are created equal, and training and expertise really shine in our line of work.
What Should You Look for in a Painting Company?
Here are just a few attributes to keep an eye out for:
- Clear, detailed, official estimates (no napkin ballparks!)
- A breakdown of the work, materials, and preparation/repairs that are recommended and included
- Dedicated, happy team members (check their website and social media to get a feel for their culture)
- Longevity, proving that they will be available to stand by their work
- Local commitment is also a bonus, demonstrating an appreciation for the community that they are serving
- A thorough work process, including protecting your surfaces, prepping, and using quality products
Remember, when in doubt, ask questions! It’s never a bad thing to trust your gut to a degree, but don’t rely exclusively on intuition. It’s best to take your time, do your research, and invest in a painting company that will really deliver the value you deserve.
