When you’re looking to hire an interior or exterior painting company, you might think it’s pretty straightforward. After all, they come in, prep and paint, then they go again. So really, what’s the difference between company A and company B? The answer is: potentially nothing, potentially a lot. Commercial and domestic painting isn’t quite as simple as it seems, and you want to make sure you’re hiring a reputable company who isn’t going to walk out and leave you with a half-painted wall. So, here are a few questions you can ask to make sure you hire the right painting company for your project right from the start.
How long have you been in Business?
It’s generally best if you can find a painting company that’s been in business for at least 5 years. This proves that they are good at what they do and can run a business properly. It also means they’re unlikely to be some fly-by-night contractor who will leave town before they’ve finished the job, leaving you high and dry.
Do you use Subcontractors?
The last thing you want is to develop a good relationship with one company, only to have people from a completely different one turn up on your doorstep to do the work. Painting companies who use subcontractors tend to have less control over the quality of the work being done, so we would advise looking for a painter that employs staff directly instead.
Do you offer a Warranty?
Any respectable painting company or contractor will offer you a warranty on their work. This is their guarantee that their work is high-quality and will stand the test of time. If a painting company doesn’t offer a warranty, you might want to look elsewhere.
Are you Insured?
Insurance is a key thing, since all decent and properly run companies in the UK should have it, regardless of what they do. For a painter, insurance is essential to cover any damage to people or persons while they are working in your property. Never work with a painting company who aren’t insured.
Have you received any Awards for Superior Service?
This one isn’t mandatory – it’s just an added bonus. Not having won any awards doesn’t mean the painting company isn’t good or reputable by any means but having an award to their name guarantees it. We wouldn’t say ‘don’t use any painting company that doesn’t have an award’, but it’s worth looking out for.
Can you provide References?
If a painting company can provide you with references from their previous work, it’s always a good sign. You don’t always have to directly ask them this either – you could find out simply by visiting their website and looking at their testimonials or looking at their social media profiles. Having good references and testimonials gives you a good idea of what a company is like to work with and should make the decision easier.
Do you have a Portfolio I can look at?
One of the things that helps you truly work out the quality of work with a painting company is pictures. If you can see examples of their work in high-quality photos, then you can decide for yourself whether they meet your standards or not. If you can find some photos that have staff working in them all the better, as this proves they aren’t stock photography! Remember to look out for clean-cut lines in corners where different colours meet, and for even finish on walls as a true show of quality.
Do you keep a clean Workplace?
This is important, especially if they are going to be working in your home. Experienced painting companies know how important it is to keep your home neat and clean while they work, and make sure they don’t disturb things any more than needed. At the end of every day, your painters should be taking the time to clean up in all the areas they’ve worked in to keep your home neat.
What Brands of Paint do you use?
Again, not an essential, but if they can name some of the professional grade brands they use, then it’s another tick in the box to help gain your confidence. Lower quality paints will degrade over time, so you want to be sure they are using good quality materials.
How much wall prep is included in your Estimate?
A good paint job is only as good as the preparation work, so it’s worth making sure your chosen painting company will do any wall prep needed before they start painting. It’s also worth checking if that is included in the price, and not an added extra.
Are you involved in the Community?
Again, this isn’t essential, but it’s nice to have. If you can find a painting company that gives back to the community, it shows a level of care for the people they work for and gives you a good feel for the type of company they are. It also shows confidence that the business provides quality work, so you can be sure of quality in your own project.
At DPM we provide high-quality domestic and commercial painting and decorating services in and around Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey, and we are always happy to answer all the above questions, and more. We have a wealth of testimonials for our work, great reviews and a huge portfolio that you can view online, so you can be sure you are making the right choice for your painting project. For more information, just get in touch with the team today.
