For most, the job of choosing a professional painting company comes down to one thing alone – the price quoted. Which is understandable to a degree, but at the same time should be just one of many factors to consider. You don’t want to overspend, but at the same time you don’t want to be provided with substandard service.
Regardless of the size or nature of the job, it’s in your best interests to ensure it gets done properly the first time. After all, you’ll soon find yourself wishing you’d chosen differently when the paint starts to chip, crack, peel and fade just weeks after being applied.
On the plus side, getting it right can be a breeze. Just keep in mind the following 10 things and chances are you’ll find it hard to go wrong:
1 – Reviews and Ratings
First and foremost, it’s never been easier to gauge public opinion and find out what’s being said about any painting company. Along with the testimonials posted by the brand itself, it’s also worth checking things out with the Better Business Bureau. There’s no better way of finding out whether the painting company you’re considering delivers the goods or falls short of the mark.
2 – Accreditation and Certification
Painting companies have to work hard and show real dedication to become accredited and certified. Which is why it’s a good idea to look for the kinds of ‘badges’ that confirm this. Membership to the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) for example should be seen as a stamp of approval, along with strong business partnerships with other leading brands.
3 – Case Studies or Portfolio
It’s one thing to talk a big name – it’s another to back it all up with hard evidence. If a painting company has total pride and confidence in its work, they’ll be more than happy to share the results by way of a strong portfolio or series of case studies. This way, you get to see the kinds of results you can expect long before putting a penny of your money on the line.
4 – Simple, Guaranteed Quotations
The only quotations you should ever accept from a painting company are those that are set in stone and guaranteed not to change under any circumstances. Not only this, but quotes should also be simple, easy to understand and 100% transparent. Anything else should be taken as a sign to look elsewhere.
5 – Help and Advice
Some painting services expect you to know exactly what you want and need. High-quality painting services offer comprehensive consultancy, in order to help make sure you make all the right decisions. Whether in need of a little color choice inspiration or unsure which products are best-suited for the job, you should be able to count on the company you work with.
6 – Experience and Expertise
It sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s nonetheless important to make sure that the company’s expertise matches your needs. Whether it’s exterior home painting, large-scale commercial painting or simple internal touchups, check they’ve got plenty of experience in the painting services you need.
7 – Paint and Equipment Quality
If the company you’re considering doesn’t make clear the kinds of paints and equipment they use, feel free to ask. Just as some will only ever use the industry’s very best, others cut as many corners as possible to save costs. Don’t run the risk of being short-changed – find out exactly what they plan to use.
8 – Flexibility
A good painting company will always work hard to remain as flexible as possible, in order to accommodate the needs of the client. Whether it’s working outside office hours, organizing urgent last-minute paint jobs or working in challenging environments, it’s the job of the painting service to make it happen. They should always work around you, rather than the other way around.
9 – Extensive Warranties
It’s generally advisable to stay away from any painting companies that aren’t willing to offer solid warranties with every job carried out. You should be looking for at least a couple of years to cover the work – a surefire sign of a quality company using quality products. Anything less and there’s really nothing you can do if the results aren’t as expected or don’t last. Hömm Certified Painting Systems offers a 3 year warranty.
10 – Advance Payments
Last but not least, no professional painting company should ever ask its clients to pay in advance for services pending. It’s not until the job has been completed to your total satisfaction that you should even consider handing a penny over. And if it’s not up to scratch, it’s the job of the painting company to keep on at it until you’re delighted. When you pay in advance, you run a very high risk of the money disappearing with the recipient, never to be seen again.
The Takeaway…
The long and short of it is that you should be looking at knowing exactly who you’re working with, before you choose to work with them. It’s easy enough to avoid scam operators and low-grade service providers these days, simply by checking them out online before going ahead.
Painting might seem like a service, but it’s a paid service nonetheless and one that should be done to the highest possible standard. And if you want to put your money to good use, taking the time to find the best painting company in your area is a small price to pay!