Quality Matters: Factors to Consider When Hiring a Professional Painting Contractor
Imperial Painting
Read this article to learn more about which factors to consider when selecting a painting contractor for your home improvement project.
Read this article to learn more about which factors to consider when selecting a painting contractor for your home improvement project.
A painting project is more than just adding a fresh coat of color to your walls—it’s about enhancing and protecting one of your most significant investments—your home. That’s why it’s crucial to find the right painting contractor.
The challenge in finding the right painter is navigating through a sea of options, each promising exceptional results. Despite this challenge, it’s essential to research your options because a painting project can only go down two ways; it can be a delightful home improvement experience or a costly, frustrating endeavor. If you want to achieve the former, you’ll need to consult as many painters as you can.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the most important factors you should consider when searching.
Michigan does not require home painting contractors to have a state license. However, this doesn’t mean that qualifications and professionalism are any less important. Painters can still pursue voluntary certifications and licenses demonstrating their commitment to their craft. We recommend starting your search with licensed house painters, as it shows that they hold themselves (and their work) to higher standards.
While licensing may not be mandated, every house painter should have appropriate insurance coverage, including workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Workers’ compensation helps cover any injuries or accidents that may occur on the job, ensuring the homeowner is not held liable for these incidents. We cannot understate how vital insurance is—please always ask potential painters to provide proof of insurance, as it will protect you from incurring costs related to on-site accidents, property damage, non-completion of work, and defective workmanship.
You probably already know this factor is important—you don’t want to hire someone without experience or any record of past projects.
Experience reflects expertise. A painter with extensive experience is likely to have encountered and successfully handled a variety of painting challenges, and this experience can be invaluable for complex or large-scale projects.
When researching house painters, always view their portfolios and online galleries, which offer insight into the breadth and quality of their work. Look for project diversity, attention to detail, and overall aesthetic appeal. Portfolios can also give you an idea of the painter’s style and if it aligns with your vision. If you visit a painter’s website and they only use stock images and do not have a gallery of before/after photos, look elsewhere.
Another way to review the quality of past work is to read client feedback and reviews. Online directories, like Yelp and Google Business Profile, offer customers the opportunity to share written text and photos that detail their experiences with a specific company. Remember that while negative reviews can be red flags, it’s normal for a company to have a few. How many customers rate the painter 4 or 5 stars compared to 1 and 2? Read customer reviews thoroughly, pay close attention to reviews with photos, and evaluate how the company generally responds to feedback.
A company’s good reputation is often earned through consistent, high-quality work and reliable services. While online reviews are an excellent way to determine a company’s reputation, we recommend contacting references. It’s one of the best ways to gain insight into how the company works with their customers and will help you ensure you’re investing your time and money into the right company.
A good house painter should have a list of references and be willing to give them to you without hesitation. If they don’t, they’re not the right painter for you. When a painter does provide you with a list of references, contact as many as possible and ask the following questions:
Although budget may be a critical factor for you, it should not be the primary deciding factor. The adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true in home improvement projects, including painting. Opting for the cheapest quote can sometimes lead to disappointing results in terms of quality, durability, and overall satisfaction.
Instead of focusing on the price, focus on price transparency. A reputable painting company should provide a clear and comprehensive estimate that outlines all costs involved in the project, including labor, materials, and surface preparation. It’s also important to ensure that the company promises no hidden fees. The estimate should be detailed enough so you understand exactly what is included in the price and what could lead to additional charges.
And remember—always get more than one quote. When evaluating different quotes, ensure you are comparing like with like. Check that each quote includes the same scope of work, materials, and services.
Lastly, communication and customer service are paramount in a painting project. From the initial inquiry to the final walkthrough, your chosen painter should be responsive and communicate clearly. This includes providing timely updates, answering your questions, and addressing concerns you have throughout the project.
The painter you work with should also exhibit professionalism in how they communicate and interact with your home. They should be punctual, respectful of your requests, and stick as closely as possible to the plan and project timeline they’ve provided. Additionally, your painter should go above and beyond to protect furniture and flooring, keep the work area clean and organized, and ensure your space is left in good condition after the job is complete.
And when the project is over, they should still be responsive and answer any follow-up questions or concerns you may have.
We know how important success is in home improvement projects. Whether you need help painting your living room or your entire home, you need someone you can trust to realize your vision and get the job done right.
Imperial Painting is a fully licensed and insured home improvement company that proudly provides interior and exterior painting services to homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan. Our commitment to exceeding customer expectations is showcased in our 200-plus 5-star ratings.
We follow a structured process to ensure consistency and quality, have a “no deposit” policy, meaning we won’t collect money until the job is complete to your satisfaction, and provide free and transparent estimates. We also offer flexible same-as-cash financing options with EnerBank.
Please visit our online portfolio to view some of our past projects, or contact us today to get started with a free estimate. All quotes come with a copy of our licensing, proof of insurance, and a list of references. We hope you choose us for your next project!
Macomb: (586) 412-9040
Oakland: (248) 275-5657