If you’ve lived in a home for a few years you might have to repaint your home at some point, but how do you choose the best painter for the job?
1. Have a Plan & Set Expectations
It’s important to know exactly what you would like before connecting with a painter. This means knowing the color and type of paint you would like to use. While a painter can provide recommendations, you should have some idea of what you would like to see to provide them with some guidance.
2. Get a Couple of Estimates
Look for estimates from 2-3 painters to have a comparison for your reference. Review the estimates in detail and look not only at the price but also at the painting services includes with the estimate. The estimate should ideally include a summary for the paint, labour, and other materials to be used on the job.
3. Verify References and Past Reviews
Ask your painter for a list of past clients that you can contact to find out how they did, or check out their website for past projects. Most importantly check reviews on public websites such as Google, Yelp or Facebook to see what other clients had to say about working with your selected painter and their painting skills.
4. Obtain a Contract
The deal is not signed until you have something in writing. Whether that’s a detailed contract or an invoice that outlines the details of the project. The contract should also list all the contact information for your painter and any details of the estimate that was provided. If possible, also obtain a copy of your painter’s insurance certificates and worker’s compensation coverage to ensure that any liability coverage can be covered by the painting company.
5. Request a Painting Guarantee
Painters should be able to provide you with a guarantee against chipping, peeling, blistering or excessive fading or chalking that might happen over the years. Note that if you choose the paint yourself this might affect the guarantee, so it’s important to work with your painter to choose a paint that is best suited for your project.
6. Don’t Pay the Entire Bill Upfront
While most companies are trustworthy, it’s important to not pay your painter the entire project cost upfront. Most painters will provide a sliding scale payment schedule that allows you to pay different percentages as the project progresses.
Choosing a good painter in Toronto is not always easy, but it is important to take the right steps to avoid selecting a poor one. The right painter can make the difference between your satisfaction at the end of a job and paying for the same job twice.