Secrets to Finding a GREAT San Diego Painting Contractor
Congratulations! You’ve made the smart decision to improve your home’s appearance and value with a professional paint job. Now comes the daunting challenge of finding a paint contractor. Not to worry! These secrets will help you find a GREAT San Diego paint contractor who’ll deliver a top-quality job at an excellent price and leave you with a satisfying home improvement experience.
A GREAT Paint Contractor Presents Proof of Insurance
While a good paint contractor may tell you he’s insured, a GREAT contractor presents a copy of his policy, proving the amount of coverage he carries for both property damage and bodily injury that may result from the contractor’s work. By nature, paint materials are highly flammable and, should a tragedy occur, you need to know your contractor is sufficiently insured.
A GREAT Paint Contractor Offers Great Warranties
You can tell a lot about a paint contractor by his warranty. Well-known contractors with established reputations are respected by paint suppliers who, in turn, pass on extended – even lifetime – warranties on their paints because they know the product will be applied right. For any number of reasons, less experienced contractors may not have valuable relationships with suppliers. On the labor side, a GREAT contractor works with solid, experienced painters whose work he knows he can stand behind with an extended labor warranty.
GREAT Paint Contractors Give Professional, Detailed Quotes
A GREAT painting quote includes a detailed list of ALL aspects of work to be done:
- Caulking, sanding and priming
- Trim repair – GREAT contractors will know what needs to be done
- Details of products and application – GREAT contractors know the right products for every job
- Touch-ups and clean-up
In addition to the quote’s content and accuracy, is it presented professionally?
- Is the quote printed on company letterhead?
- Does the sheet show the contractor’s license number?
- TAX I.D. number?
- Work guarantee and relevant product warranties?
Inexperienced contractors, using standard business forms purchased at office supply stores suggests they haven’t invested much in their business and may not be properly licensed. Also, they may not be paying income taxes.
GREAT Paint Contractors Care about Their Communities and Industry Associations
Being active in local Chambers of Commerce, committed to area charities and having a presence in the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association (PDCA) shows that GREAT paint contractors have professional integrity and care about their communities. Fly-by-night contractors avoid connections to civic or professional organizations.
GREAT Paint Contractors Provide References in Your Area – Both Old and New
Good paint contractors in San Diego may have references from local work that was completed in the past few weeks. GREAT Paint Contractors will provide multiple local references from both recent and past work. References from a year ago or longer show the paint job’s durability and confirm that any necessary follow-up or billing issues were handled correctly.
GREAT Paint Contractors Invite You to See a Job in Progress
If a contractor is confident about the way they work, they’ll prove it by asking you to judge for yourself. Things to look for:
- Work vehicles – are they clean, organized and professional?
- The painters – are they neatly dressed and groomed?
- Materials – are ladders, scaffolding, drop cloths and electrical equipment in good condition?
- Is work being done carefully so as not to damage landscaping or property?
Bottom Line: GREAT Paint Contractors treat a home – and its homeowner – with respect at all times.
GREAT Paint Contractors Have a Professional Website
While it is certainly possible to be a good paint contractor and not own a Website, GREAT contractors are also successful business people who understand that today’s consumer is looking for instant information. A GREAT contractor’s Website will include all the details homeowners are looking for – references, before & after photos, details of services, contact information and history of the company and its owner and staff