There are many things to look for in painting contractors, including their qualifications and reputation. In this article, you’ll discover the 10 deadly questions to ask before hiring a painting contractor. After reading these, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right contractor for your home improvement project. You’ll be sure to end up with a home that looks as beautiful as it did when it was first painted. And, of course, a well-painted home will increase the value of your home.
Qualifications to become a painting contractor
While most states require licenses for electricians, painting contractors are subject to state regulations. Most states require 16 hours of business-related classes prior to sitting for the contractor exam. While an apprenticeship can take several years, online courses may prove helpful for professionals who can’t attend classes in person. In addition, completing college courses can help build your resume and show potential employers that you’ve studied the painting trade. In addition to meeting state requirements, painting contractors must also be registered with their state’s Department of Consumer Protection.
To become a painting contractor in Washington, you must register with the secretary of state. There are no exams required, but you must have proof of general liability insurance. Additionally, specialty contractors must carry a bond of $6,000 to cover workers’ compensation claims. In West Virginia, painting contractors must register with the Division of Labor, have a state-level license, and have workers’ compensation insurance. In Wyoming, painting contractors do not need a state-level license.
Ten deadly questions to ask before hiring a painting contractor
The best way to avoid a substandard painting job is to do your homework before hiring a paint contractor. Paint contractors who don’t take the time to interview and hire their own employees are likely to subcontract their work to other companies. They’ll cut corners to make the job profitable and you’ll have no idea who’s working on your property. They may also not perform background checks on their workers. Ask the owner’s employees about their work history and whether the same crew will be working on your property throughout the entire project.
References are a critical part of the hiring process. Potential painters should provide a list of their recent clients. If a painting contractor won’t provide references, that should raise a red flag. Be sure to ask about their follow-up procedures and how often they’ll check in. Also, don’t hesitate to ask a potential painter about their insurance coverage. You want to make sure the company will stand behind their work if something goes wrong.
Reputation of a painting contractor
When selecting a painting contractor, check the reputation of that company. Look for online reviews and testimonials to see how satisfied past customers were with the service. A good painting contractor will always have positive reviews and references. If you are unsure of the quality of the work, check out the portfolio of previous projects to get an idea of what to expect. Listed below are some tips to choose the best painting contractor for your needs.
Check reviews online for authenticity and detailed explanations of what customers liked and didn’t like. Detailed reviews are more likely to be credible than single-sentence reviews. Read through the reviews thoroughly to get a sense of the quality and breadth of the company’s work. Those who wrote detailed reviews were able to provide details about the quality of their work and the duration of the project. If references give hesitant responses, don’t hire that painter.