The best contractor painters are out there, just waiting for you to find him. Try these 7 tips rated from good, to great, to the best ways to find one.
#7 – Painting Trucks
Chances are, if you see a painting contractor’s truck at various locations throughout your neighborhood, they do quality work at a fair price. A professional vehicle with the name of the contractor on the side indicates that the company takes pride in their work.
#6 – Yellow Pages
You may be surprised to see the Yellow Pages listed, but they are still a good source of qualified business names. The Yellow Pages require an outlay of money, so the average moonlighter or fly-by-night operation will not invest in this kind of advertising. And remember, a lot of painting contractors will include coupons in their ads, saving you additional money and you still get professional results.
#5 – Direct Mail
Direct mail is another form of advertising that requires a commitment from the painting contractor. They will need to invest money for multiple mailings and they will need to have someone track the results they receive. Direct mail is targeted in the area that the contractor works in and it will include all the pertinent information, so you know where exactly the contractor is located and how to contact them. They may also include coupons or incentives if you respond to the mailing.
#4 – Website
Using the Internet to begin your search is a time and gas saver for you. You have the ability to research any painting company before you even contact them. A search engine such as Google can yield kudos and complaints as well as information on the owners, the services they offer, before and after photos and customer testimonials. You can pare down your choices to two or three companies to get quotes from.
#3 – Jobsite Signs and Neighborhood Flyers
Painting contractors will usually ask the homeowner of a current jobsite if they can post a lawn sign. They may also distribute flyers to nearby homes, listing the address of the home they are working on and maybe even offering discounts or coupons if you hire them within a specific period of time. Take this opportunity to drive by, view the property and talk with the owners if possible.
#2 – Paint Stores
Paint stores can be a virtual jackpot of information on local painting contractors. The employees of a paint store will know who does a professional job and who gets the complaints. Ask them for the names of a few qualified contractors, then do your homework and check them out. If a paint store employee refers a painter it’s more likely that they will continue to buy their products.
#1 – Referrals
The number one way to find a qualified, professional House painting worker is to ask for a referral from a friend, neighbor or family member. You will have the opportunity to see the work in person and the homeowner will be honest with you about how the process worked.