In 2022, analysts valued the global paints and coatings market at $167.27 billion. That’s impressive enough, but they project it to reach $373.85 billion by 2032.
Asia Pacific is the leading paint consumer, but the U.S. is also a top contender. So, it’s also no wonder the U.S. is home to over 5,400 painting contractors.
However, just because it’s easy to find a painter doesn’t mean you should hire the first one you see. You must first ask each painting contractor questions to help you make the right choice.
We’ve listed the most critical ones below (and the answers you should get), so read on.
1. Can You Give Me Your License Information?
Twenty U.S. states require painting contractors to have a license. So if yours is one of them, ask prospective contractors for their license details.
Reputable contractors wouldn’t hesitate to share this info with you, or they may not even wait for you to ask. After all, it validates their credibility and experience. A valid license also indicates that a contractor meets mandatory liability insurance requirements.
Aside from licensure, many states require registration done at the local level. It indicates a contractor is legally operating and has sufficient liability insurance. You should also ask for this and confirm its validity with your local government.
2. Who Will Paint My Property?
Another of the most vital painting questions to ask contractors is who will perform the job. Ideally, they should tell you it’s their extensively trained, background-checked, and drug-tested employees. Their employees are also likely to have worker’s compensation, whereas subcontractors may not.
3. What’s Your Painting Process?
Highly experienced painting contractors will tell you their process starts with surface prep. The exact steps depend on the surface’s condition, but, at the very least, it involves cleaning. It may also require paint removal and repairs.
Only after that can the actual painting process of using high-quality paint can begin.
Surface preparation, whether indoors or outdoors, is critical to paint adherence. If the surface is dirty or contains contaminants, it won’t take long for the paint to bubble or crack.
Surface preparation may also involve removing existing damaged paint. If it contains lead, ask the contractor if they have a lead-safe certification. It’s a mandatory credential for workers who handle lead paint.
As for repairs, they may entail patching holes or filling cracks on surfaces.
4. What’s Your Warranty?
Today, it’s no longer a question of whether a contractor offers a warranty, as reputable ones always do. Instead, it’s more about how long they warrant their services.
For example, some commercial contractors offer a 12-month craftsmanship or labor warranty. But if you check these commercial painting services, you’ll see they have a 2-year warranty.
So, always take the time to reach out to at least three contractors. Ask them about their warranties and what they cover and exclude.
Time to Hire the Best Painting Contractor
Please remember that exterior paint products can last 7 to 10 years, while interior paint can last 10 to 15. However, a chief factor that can influence paint longevity is quality and application. The latter, in turn, includes proper surface preparation.
So before hiring a painting contractor, ask about paint quality and surface prep. Lastly, ensure they back their services up with a lengthy warranty.
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