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How to Avoid a Disaster
When Hiring a Painting Contractor
What You Need To Know
Before you decide to hire the least expensive
painter you can find, or decide to start a "do it yourself" project, here are
some important points you should consider.
 Safety
Painting can be hazardous work, whether its
working on a ladder or dealing with solvents and dust. Hiring a professional
licensed, insured and bonded contractor means you don't, and shouldn't have to
worry about these problems.
Health
If your home or business was built before 1978, it may have been painted with
lead-based paint, which can cause serious health effects when it is scraped or
sanded in preparation for repainting. Professional contractors will take
appropriate steps to protect you. Painting contractors are required to furnish
EPA-produced pamphlets to their residential customers before they begin a job
that involves disturbing lead-based paint in or on a residence. Professional
licensed painting contractors will understand and be willing to follow the
recommendations on this pamphlet.
Preparation & Painting
Getting the surface properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional
contractors know the value of preparation and will do it right.
 Knowing
Paints and How to Apply Them
The choices today are more complicated than
just oil or latex, and professional contractors will know what works, how to use
it, and will have the right tools for the job.
Cleanup and Disposal
Hiring a professional contractor means you don't have to worry about dealing
with paint residues and other leftovers. Professionals will know how to handle
hazardous wastes that may be part of the job.
Choose the Right Contractor For Your Project
Once you have decided to contract with someone to do a particular painting
and decorating project, how do you go about selecting the right company? Do you
make your selection on price, size of company, years in business, or other
criteria?
What you need to know...
Always Verify The Contractor is Licensed
and Insured
Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of
their certificates of insurance. Not all states and municipalities require
licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is
generally a minimum requirement. Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs
requires by law, that ANYONE working in your house must be properly insured.
Written Contracts Are a Must
Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This
contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should
also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface
preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. Knowing the
total scope of the work, paint grade quality etc. enables you to carefully
evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep
them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the
contractor. NEVER ACCEPT A PRICE QUOTE ON THE BACK OF A BUSINESS CARD.
Invest Time in Verifying References
Obtain a list of references from the prospective contractor. This list should
include the contact person, address, and telephone number of the previous
client. Follow up on this list with a phone call. Remember, the contractor will
not give you a bad reference. Therefore, ask references if they know of any
other work this contractor has performed. Be sure to ask whether the contractor
and employees treated you professionally and with respect. The references you
are interested in should be projects similar in size and scope to yours. Also,
some of the projects should be at least a few years old. This will help you
gauge the performance of the construction and materials used. If possible, try
to see the work that was done.
Do They Have a Guarantee Or Warranty in Writing?
Discuss any guarantee or warranty programs
the contractor may offer. Ask about the manufacturer's warranty on the products
to be used on your project. Remember you are looking for long-term durability
from the paint job. The use of high quality products is as important as the
selection and performance of the contractor, and should be mentioned in the
contract. Verifying references will provide a return on your project
investment.
 Is Your Contractor a PDCA Member?
Determine if your contractor is a member of
the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. It has been in existence
since 1884 and has over 3100 members all over the country and parts of Canada.
The focus of the association is the education of its members and the promotion
of professionalism within the industry.
Look for the PDCA logo on your contractor's business card, bid sheets, or
trucks. Trade associations such as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of
America (PDCA) offer many programs for the education of painting contractors.
This education includes training in the area of safety, business management,
technical areas of painting and surface preparation, and more. Quality painting
and decorating contractors are well educated on the different aspects of any
painting project and that knowledge helps eliminate surprises. Excellence in
paint application is as important with your selection of a contractor as are the
skills to properly manage their business and your project.
Not all association memberships are alike
National Associations such as PDCA is a Non-Profit Association who's
interested in making the contracting world better. PDCA is the only national
association for painting and decorating contractors and one of the oldest
contractor associations in America.
Industry standards are another benefit of trade associations. PDCA produces
nationally recognized Painting Industry Standards that cover many different
aspects of a painting project. Use of these standards in proposals and contracts
helps improve communication between the client and the contractor, assists in
ensuring quality, and becomes a basis for evaluating the job's requirements.
In Closing
Good contractors are very eager for your business. They are also very proud
of their craftsmanship. Once you have made your selection, step back and give
the painting professional room to execute the project, and give you the
opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations. Remember, as with anything
else in life, you get what you pay for. If you want high quality and reliable
service, be willing to pay the price that comes with it.
Here's to your successful painting projects.
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