Why Should You Repair or Paint Your Walls?
Homeowners choose to paint their walls for many reasons. Perhaps you need to refresh paint that has started to chip or crack. Maybe you just finished renovations and need to bring color to your newly built space.
Whatever the reason, you want a professional painting contractor who can give your project the care and attention it needs. So how do you find the perfect local contractor for your home?
Whether you are dealing with wall damage, taking on a full remodel, or simply giving your home a fresh look with new paint colors, our helpful guide makes finding and hiring a painting contractor near you easier than ever.
Why Should I Hire a Painting Contractor Near Me?
Painting is a skill and a profession built on experience—and hiring a local contractor will go a long way in enhancing both your home and your community. Professional painters in your area are likely to know the neighborhood they’re serving, including the locally owned paint stores that sell Benjamin Moore paint. When you hire a painting contractor near you, you’re supporting a small business and keeping profits local.
4 Tips for Finding Local Painting Contractors
1. Do Your Homework
A simple online search that includes your ZIP code will yield painting contractors’ websites and ratings, as well as customer testimonials. If you don’t see images of past painting projects, email the painters directly for examples of their work.
Explore social media to find painters’ Instagram and Facebook accounts, which usually feature before-and-after photos, project videos, and perhaps even recorded customer testimonials. Local community Facebook pages are also great resources.
In addition to searching online, reach out to your colleagues, friends and family. If you know someone—anyone—who has had painting work done, be sure to ask them for a referral. Call or visit your locally owned store for recommendations. These independently owned businesses are integral parts of their communities and are often well acquainted with many home improvement professionals working in your neighborhood.
2. Book Consultations with Painters in Your Area
Whether you are meeting a professional painting contractor online or in person, look for a professional and polite demeanor. This person will likely be spending time in and around your home, so make sure you have a good rapport.
When describing your project during the consultation, ask to receive more than one option tied to different products (primer, paint and stain, for example), and ask the candidate to explain the differences. Doing so will not only help you make an informed decision but also give you a strong sense of the painter’s professional knowledge of their craft.
3. Get Three Quotes from Professional Painters Near You
It’s a common question: How much does it cost to paint a room?
Not surprisingly, pricing varies depending on whether the job includes one room, an entire floor, the full exterior of your home, or a deck. Plan three consultations and get quotes from each painting contractor.
Be sure to specify all the details of your painting project up front. If meeting virtually, be prepared to provide photos and measurements.
Estimates are typically free, but if you are unclear about any of the estimate’s pricing, simply ask. Painting contractors are professionals and should be prepared to explain all pricing to you in detail.
The following may contribute to the cost of a painting job:
- Purchasing paint
- Cleaning (think grease on kitchen walls, for example)
- Sanding
- Prep and repair (including taping and fixing small holes and cracks)
- Priming
- Caulking
- Cleanup
- Moving furniture (pulling furniture away from walls and protecting it with plastic covers)
4. Find a Painter and Get a Written Contract
After comparing the estimates and choosing the best painting contractor for you, request a written contract. A written contract is imperative and will help you manage expectations and avoid surprises. Upon delivery, your contract should include the following:
- Details on surface preparation
- What paint products will be applied
- Timing and schedule
- Payment terms
While trackable payments like checks and digital money transfers provide an extra layer of security, if you opt to pay in cash, make sure you have an email chain or a signed receipt verifying the exchange. A lack of documentation may cause problems later.
3 Ways to Save Money When Hiring a Local Painting Contractor
1. Take a DIY Approach to Protecting Your Furniture
Taking personal responsibility for pulling your furniture away from walls and protecting it with sheets or plastic covers can help you save money on your painting project.
2. Fix Holes and Cracks in Your Walls Before Painting Begins
If your walls are in poor condition, a high-quality paint job will be more expensive. To lower the cost, fix small holes and cracks before your contractor starts painting. Keep in mind that old or damaged walls will show imperfections, no matter what paint is used.
3. Use Premium Quality Benjamin Moore Paint
Investing in premium Benjamin Moore interior paint, exterior paint, or exterior stain means your finished project will last longer, saving you money by extending the time before you have to repaint.
"Ask the right questions! Are they licensed and insured? Do they have references that can be provided for similar projects? How are the employees trained? How do they protect belongings and maintain a clean, safe workspace? These are all examples of questions that should be asked to ensure you are hiring the right painting contractor for your project. They should also have a demeanor that is easy to work with and focused on your needs for the project, not theirs."
This tip was given by a painting professional at Precision Painting Plus in Miami, FL.