Questions to Ask When Choosing a Commercial Exterior Painter

Do you want to transform your business and make it look brand new? Usually, a fresh coat of paint does the trick. However, doing it alone can be challenging, especially if you need the right skills or materials. So the only solution is to hire a commercial exterior painter.

In reality, paint doesn’t only make any structure look nice. It’s also the first line of defense against harsh elements and other problems. Fortunately, an exterior commercial painter knows how to handle these issues. But you must find someone reliable and knowledgeable to ensure you get a quality paint job.

Essential Questions to Ask a Commercial Exterior Painter

Asking the right questions to ensure you’re hiring the right person is imperative to protect your investment. So before making a decision, get answers that will satisfy you.

Are you properly insured?

Having insurance is crucial for any business, especially for painting contractors. They should have at least general and worker’s compensation insurance, even if the law doesn’t require it. Insurance can protect its employees and customers if mishaps happen while on the job. After that, make sure to verify with their insurance provider.

Insurance typically covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. If any of these incidents happen while they’re on the clock, their insurance carrier can pay for any injuries or accidents.

Do you have any references?

Of course, you want to ensure that the commercial exterior painter you’re hiring is reputable and trustworthy. So to find someone with years of experience, ask if they have any references you can talk to. You can ask their previous clients the following questions:

• How is the quality of their paint job?
• What are the common issues or concerns you faced with the contractor?
• Can I see some pictures?
• Would you hire them again?

These questions are necessary to know if the painting contractors provide quality services. Plus, these questions will guide you before making a decision.

What brand of paint do you use?

When selecting a brand of paint for your commercial exterior painting project, it is crucial to consider the quality and longevity that comes with each option. Talking with a professional painter about which brands they recommend can be beneficial. Generally speaking, high-quality latex paints such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and BEHR are known for their superior coverage.

Premium-quality paints can also withstand the elements and hide previous colors. So make sure to insist on the brands you want, or else you could end up with a cheap paint job that looks tacky.

How will you prepare my house or business before painting?

An exterior commercial painter knows how to properly prepare the structure they’re about to work on. It’s an important step to ensure that the job is done well. And as the owner, you should know what these preparations are.

Some examples are cutting shrubbery, trimming the bushes, or doing other prep work. In addition, some painting contractors will only ask you to contribute to the preparation efforts, while others will. So you should be ready if any other work needs to be done before they begin their jobs.

Do you offer any warranty?

It’s a question that some contractors fear, but it’s a must because you want to ensure they are there to fix any issues once they arise. Some contractors will try to avoid giving you a written copy of the warranty conditions but insist on getting one. Additionally, ask the following questions for clarification:

• How long is the warranty?
• What are the inclusions or exclusions of the warranty?
• Does it have coverage from the manufacturer?

These questions will put you at ease, knowing that you’re protected if there are any problems with the overall result, such as paint defects.

Who will oversee the entire project?

The project manager is the one who will handle the project, and they must have a system that they follow to produce top-notch results. The procedures should include prep work, application, and cleanup. These should be written in the proposal, which the project manager must explain to you. Other responsibilities of the project manager include:

• Informing you of any delays or problems
• Inspect the work of the crew
• Make necessary changes
• Answer questions you may have

Communication is critical in large projects like painting jobs. And the project manager should be your point of contact. Plus, they must be easy to reach and always willing to help with your concerns.

What is the typical timeframe?

The timeframe for completion of a paint job depends on several factors. Some of these factors are as follows:

• If there’s a strict deadline
• The size of the project
• Weather
• Condition of the exteriors

If the project is large, they might require extra manpower, or if there’s a deadline that you want them to meet. However, a professional commercial exterior painter should give you a rough estimation so that you know what to expect.

Can you provide me with an estimate?

The paint contractor’s proposal should include the materials used, prep work, labor, and other costs. It gives you an idea of the estimate and if they require a down payment before they begin. Some factors that influence the cost of the project are the following:

• Size of the structure
• Spring and summer are in-demand seasons
• Products and materials
• Preparation of surfaces

Once you receive the estimate, ask if there are any other hidden charges or fees. You must also ask if the paint contractor offers any discounts or promotions. Lastly, review the estimate and compare it with other contractors to know which ones provide better prices for quality work.

Find an Exterior Commercial Painter You Can Rely On

A skilled and expert paint contractor is key to every good paint job. It would be best if you found a reliable contractor who is up-to-date with their knowledge and use of modern techniques and materials for the job.

And if you’re searching for a reliable paint contractor for your industrial or commercial needs, McLean Company is here to provide you with quality work. Get a quote and contact us today so that we can get started!