Painting either the exterior or interior of your home is time-consuming with no guarantee of a quality finished product when you do the work yourself. So, if you’ve made the smart decision to invest money in interior painting contractors in Marietta, you want to make sure you get a good contractor that will give you a fair price and do a great job. There are some things to look for when considering different house painting contractors in Marietta. Here’s what you need to think about.
Referrals
One of the best ways to choose a good painter is to ask family or friends who’ve recently had their home professionally painted. This gives you a good idea of the quality of their work and gives you an opportunity to see the finished product. In addition, you can learn more about their customer service and how committed to satisfaction they are. If a personal referral isn’t an option, look at third-party consumer websites for reviews and testimonials.
Thorough Estimate
It’s common sense that a painter should give you an estimate of what the job will cost, but be sure this estimate is done correctly. A painter shouldn’t be able to give you an estimate over the phone without ever seeing the extent of the job. The painter should do a walk-through and take measurements to give you an accurate estimate so that there are no surprises once the job starts or completes. The estimate should include materials and labor and include costs for preparation, primer, different paint brands, number of coats, and specific finishes.
Insurance
Be sure the contractor you’re considering is properly insured. They should have a general liability policy that protects you if there’s any damage due to the contractor’s actions. They should be able to show proof of this insurance and any other necessary riders if you’re having work besides painting done.
Surface Preparation
It’s also a good idea to ask how the contractor prepares surfaces for painting. This is especially important if you suspect or know that your home currently has lead paint. Make sure the contractor has the appropriate safety equipment to keep the workers and you safe if lead paint is going to be removed.
Payment
Contractors may have different ways of accepting payment for the job. It’s understandable for you to be wary of a contractor that requires the full payment up-front. However, many good painters will allow you to pay part of the total amount when work begins and then the rest once the job is completed to your satisfaction.
Written Estimate
Be sure to get a written estimate that includes not only all the costs involved, but the time frame of the work as well. This can prevent a drawn-out job that makes it difficult for your life to get back to normal.