An established
Minneapolis painting
contractor will have
paint store charge accounts
and rarely needs “money for
materials.” Materials for a
residential repaint rarely
exceed more than 20% of the
total price.
Get several estimates.
Ask friends and neighbors
for recommendations. It is
better to hire someone who
has a known track record as
a reliable person who does
good work. Ask for proof of
liability insurance, too.
A detailed written estimate
is important. It will be
your agreement as to the
amount and type of work to
be performed so you and your
painting contractor are on
the same page about all
aspects of the job.
Consider other work you are
going to have performed. Are
you going to replace trim,
counter tops, window
treatments? Generally, this
work should be completed
before painting. If flooring
is to be replaced, it is
mostly best if the painting
is done before new floors
are laid and then final work
– touch up, baseboards –
done when the flooring is
finished.
When you get estimates, make
sure the painters are
quoting on the same
specifications – areas to be
painted, number of coats,
type of paint and so forth.
Also important: ask if all
the work will be done at
once. During the busy
season, contractors can get
stretched too thin. You
don't want your painter to
be juggling your job along
with several others at the
same time!
Determine who will be
responsible for taking down
wall décor, window
coverings, moving furniture,
etc. Painters have differing
policies on this. I ask that
the client take care of wall
décor and anything small and
breakable, but I will handle
all the furniture and window
coverings.
Be wary of anyone who asks
for a substantial down
payment and never give
anyone more than 50% of the
price up front. Personally I
think progress payments are
best on large jobs – paying
as work is completed and
reserving the final payment
for satisfactory completion
of all work including final
touch-up.Remember, trust
goes both ways! Like most
small contractors, I have
been “burned” too. I never
ask for money up-front, but
if the job is going to take
a while it is only fair to
get payments commensurate
with work completed.
Hire someone based on track
record and your gut feeling
as well as cost. Since
you'll be working with this
person and giving them
access to your home, you'd
better like and trust them!
If the bid difference is
minimal, I think it's better
to go with the contractor
you feel better about even
if it costs a little more.
If you are looking for Minneapolis
painting contractor, please call us today at 763-439-4300 or complete our
online request form.
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