Every so often, we need to remind ourselves what’s important in a paint job. We’ve gone over a few questions to ask painting contractors before in this blog, but I thought we could all use a refresher.

Before we break down six questions to ask a contractor, remember that contractors who don’t want to answer your questions at all are red flags. Unfortunately, companies try to rush their work to bring in more clients and end up sacrificing quality. These questions are meant to reveal how your contractors will treat your property and approach the painting work you need completed.

How much wall prep time is included in the estimate?

You’ll want to use the word ‘estimate’ in this question because you want not only to learn what prep duties the painting crew will use but also much it will cost you. Finding a painting company that claims to do no prep work is unlikely, but different painting contractors approach prep work differently. Learn what they do to prepare your interior and/or exteriors for painting and how much it will cost. At minimum, a painting contractor should prime bare surface areas and be prepared to put as many layers of paint on a surface as necessary.

How long has your company been in business?

This is information you should be able to find online. Even after you do, asking a company representative could give you more insight into how the company works in the community and how well-known it is. You want a company that has been around for at least five years. Sometimes painting companies are really only one or two people who could skip town before the job is finished.

Do you use subcontractors?

The correct answer to this question is ‘no.’ Occasionally, if a company can’t hire enough full-time employees to complete jobs, they’ll hire short-term subcontractors. Many are unskilled at painting, especially if a company is in a bind and needs warm bodies. Unless it’s an unusual situation, most companies won’t need to rely on subcontractors to complete the job.

Do you offer a warranty and are you insured? 

This is an important question and you shouldn’t assume that because you’re communicating with a seemingly legitimate, recommended painting company that they offer warranties and insure their workers. This will protect you and your home against damages that might occur and give you an out is you’re unsatisfied with their work.

What paint brands do you use? 

Most professional painting companies charging the going rate for their services will use name brand paints like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. Lower quality paints fade more quickly. 

How do you keep painting spaces clean? 

This question isn’t necessarily meant to get all the specific actions the painting crews take to keep areas clean and free of debris, it’s meant to remind the painting contractors that you care about your home and want to keep it as tidy as possible. If they don’t have a smooth response to this question, that’s a red flag.

To ask some of these questions and get a free estimate of your next paint job, contact Ireland’s Finest Painting today.