Factors to Consider When Searching For the Right Painting Company
Many people rely on recommendations from friends, family and neighbors to choose contractors for their projects. Others turn to the internet to read reviews of different companies.
However, there are other factors that should be considered when selecting a painting company. These include: quality of materials, scope of work and pricing.
Reputation
Painting companies with strong reputations are able to build trust among clients. They also know how to respond to negative reviews and provide an excellent customer experience. A good painting company will always strive to improve their performance and maintain a positive reputation.
It’s important for a painting company to have a website and claim their Google Business Profile. This allows potential customers to see their ratings and reviews online, which makes them more visible in searches for a painter. They should also have real photos of past projects that are not stock images.
A painting company should focus on the services that they are best at and enjoy doing. Otherwise, they will likely lose money on a project that requires them to perform work outside their comfort zone. This could cost them in a number of ways, including lost profits, equipment and supplies being ruined or stolen, and unexpected government regulations that increase costs.
Experience
Painting companies with a long history are likely to be more stable and have honed their skills over time. While age isn’t everything, the amount of time a company has been around can be indicative of how they treat their customers and how well they understand the industry.
Painting contractors that have been around a while will also be familiar with all the little things that can make or break a job. Whether it’s an issue with a window sill or a spot of rust on a wall, experienced contractors know how to resolve them quickly and effectively.
Check out a painting company’s reviews on third party websites to get an idea of what previous customers have experienced. Remember, you are inviting a contractor into your home to work for days at a time. They should be friendly, courteous, and understanding that this can be an inconvenience. They should also be able to communicate clearly and answer your questions thoroughly.
Pricing
Painting services can be a bit on the expensive side, so finding a company that offers fair and transparent pricing is essential. Customers appreciate knowing the total cost upfront so they can plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected costs down the road.
Additionally, a reliable painter will use high-quality materials that will last whole house painting and provide a visually appealing result. Skimping on materials could result in a job that deteriorates quickly and requires future touch-ups.
Finally, a quality painting contractor will be able to clearly state their scope of work and what they will do during the project. This will help ensure that the customer is not getting a subpar job for an overly-inflated price.
Operating expenses, such as utilities, phone service, and vehicle maintenance, can add up quickly. Choosing whether to rent or buy equipment can also have an impact on a painting business’s upfront costs. Generally, leasing equipment can save on initial expenses but comes with restrictions and stipulations that may limit the equipment’s utilization.
Warranty
A reputable painting company will offer you a warranty for their work. Ideally, a painting warranty will last for at least twelve months and include both labor and materials. This will give you peace of mind in case any problems arise.
It’s important to note that the painting company’s warranty should not cover paint failure caused by external factors such as sun exposure, or heat damage from a built in barbecue. However, it should cover paint failure that is the result of substandard workmanship.
In order for a painting company to offer a warranty, they must have adequate operating capital. This is because, like any other small business, painting companies can run into cash flow issues. When this happens, it can make it difficult to buy supplies, market their services, and pay contractors and employees.