We did some research, interviewed local painters, and reached out to friendly clients. These are some of our favorite tips for hiring a home exterior painter.
How to hire a home exterior painter
1. Get 3 Estimates.
A key part of a successful outcome is getting estimates for your painting job. Prices can vary greatly. I would ask my neighbors for their suggestions, or post a request on NextDoor and Facebook. If you are having trouble getting any results and this seems impossible, then consider the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. The PCA will send you recommendations of painters that they believe are exceptional by using your address. We recommend that you get 3 estimates after doing your research.
2. Ask questions.
Ask the painter you interview questions about their process. If they are confident in their abilities, they will be willing to answer any questions you have, and listen to your concerns.
Asking important questions:
- Are you insured and licensed?
- Are all employees licensed and insured?
- Which brand of paint do you use?
- Why would you choose that brand?
- What is the time frame for the project?
- Is prep work, clean-up, and supplies included in your quote?
- Is there any warranty on the work?
- Are you a specialist in one area? Brick? Stucco?
- Can you help me test colors in my environment.
- Will you subcontract or be there?
- What kind of payment plans do you offer? What are your payment options? Is it quarter at a time, quarter at a half, or half when you’re satisfied with my work? Don’t pay all at once.
- Do I have any questions that I am not asking?
- What makes your company/process better than _____?
- Discuss the possibility of a contract that holds everyone responsible for what they’ve discussed.
3. Find out the bottom of the Estimate.
Most estimates include all necessary supplies to complete the job. Also, prep work such as power washing, cleaning and patching, caulking, preparing your house for the next step, and clean up. Fortunately, not all the time.
The labor required to prepare your home for painting is usually the most expensive and time-consuming part of the process. To ensure that the area is ready for painting, a good painter will inspect it carefully. Most often, power washing, sanding and caulking are required. It is necessary. Be sure your estimate includes prepping your house for painting. Don’t be surprised if you don’t ask the right questions.
4. Calculate the Supply Costs.
Calculate the cost for supplies to complete the job. Is it cheaper for your painter or you to purchase the supplies? It is hard to calculate the cost of supplies without researching. Painting stucco can be a very different process than painting siding. Limewash finishes are different from the traditional painting brick. Prices vary depending on the paint brand used and the surface that is painted. For a 1,500-square foot home, the national average price for paint and other supplies is $500 to $800.
5. Have a Reasonable Estimate in Min
You don’t want surprises. You should have an idea of what a reasonable price for painting your house. Painting a house can be expensive depending on where you live, what time of year it is, the type of paint you use, the size of your house, and what product you are using. Find out how much people spend in your local area. When you receive an estimate, it is important to determine if the price is fair.
Recently, we had a Missouri client who received 3 estimates to paint her wood siding house of 4,000 feet. The initial estimate was $60,000. The first estimate was $60,000. The second estimate was $10,000, and the third was $30,000. This is a huge discrepancy! Make sure you are aware of the truth!
6. Determine how long it takes to paint an exterior house.
It takes a different amount of time to paint a house. This is why it is important to ask this question when getting estimates. The couple I mentioned was not in a hurry. Their painter took nearly five months to finish the work due to his small crew and three hour days.
Consider:
- Do you want to hire a team of two or five people? It will speed up the process if there are more people involved.
- Are the crew working long hours or just a few hours every day?
- Painting is dependent on the weather. If the weather is not cooperating, it will slow down the process.
- Our clients said that it took them three to six days to complete the job with two to three painters. It takes 2-3 days to clean and prepare, then 2-3 days to paint and clean up.
Our clients know that it is easy to paint their house the right colour as it is to paint it the wrong one. We believe it is essential to do it correctly! Our experts are skilled in choosing paint colors. It is crucial to choose the right colors for your home’s environment and architecture. The best exterior painter in oakville can make the difference between a great and mediocre outcome. Your largest investment is your home. You should make thoughtful and deliberate choices.
Get more information about our virtual exterior design service or start seeing your home before you decide to paint.