Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, getting your house painted can seem daunting.If you’re in or near Woodstock, Georgia, your first call should be to D.A.G. Painting! But regardless of who you choose to complete your painting project, we wanted to share advice we found from a number of great sources, including Angie’s List, Consumer Reports, Today’s Homeowner, and The Spruce. Below is a checklist to help you get started on your search for a painting professional:
- Talk to at least three contractors, and ask about their team members and experience. Also, make sure they have general liability insurance.
- Have a face-to-face meeting before hiring someone. And make sure you walk that person around your house so you can clearly explain your expectations for the project.
- Get a list of references, and check the contractor’s past work. If possible, have a good look at the house of those references so you can get a detailed impression of the quality of work (simply driving by the property won’t tell you much).
- Get a detailed understanding of the costs involved. When getting estimates from potential painters, find out what goes into your total: do they charge per square foot? Is the cost of the paint included? What about prep time? How many coats of paint? With a few detailed estimates in hand (assuming they are all close to the same total), you will have a better idea of what you should be paying for your project.
- Learn from your contractor’s expertise, but do your homework as well. While you likely have a good idea of which colors you would like to use, your painter should be able to tell you which types of paint are best for your surfaces, depending on your local climate. But the final choice of paint is yours, and not the brand that your painter prefers, so make sure you understand the pros and cons of the product you choose.
- Preparation makes perfect. Ask your contractor to specifically explain the steps they will take to prep your house’s surfaces for painting. This may include power washing, sanding, gap filling, or priming, depending on the surface material.
- Request a guarantee. If you spot any chipping, peeling, flaking, or other excessive wear within two years of the completed project, make sure that your painter will commit to fixing those things at a reasonable cost.
These are just some of the things you should keep in mind as you look for your next house painter. If you’re in our part of Georgia and need a thorough and meticulous painter who stands behind his work, reach out to the professionals at D.A.G. Painting today!
