It can be a daunting task to choose a painter.
First, where do find a painter? Here are a few tips:
1. Try your local coffee shop, at around 10 or 10:30 a.m. you may come across a painter - ask him/her for a business card.
2. In urban areas, there are often new home developments being constructed, talk to the site supervisor and see if they have a painting contractor they could recommend.
3. Walk in to your local paint store and ask them to recommend a painter to you. There are often business cards on display of painters who use that paint company's products.
4. Search the web for a painter near you. I am listed on www.411.ca - this web presence helps homeowners, contractors and business owners find the information they need.
Second, how do you choose the 'right' painter?
It has been said, "If you find a good painter - keep 'em!" Choosing the right painter requires some effort. Relationship is key! Find 3-5 painters and ask them for a free estimate. The ones who walk in and price high, usually don't want the work. The ones who price low, need the work and aren't busy often because their reputation precedes them. Here's a pricing tip: Measure the painting surface areas (LxWxH), add them together and that will give you a rough estimate for a room. Ex. A 10x12x8 room = 432 sq feet. (Paint, Trim, Repairs, Wallpaper removal, etc. are often extra)
Painters have one powerful marketing tool and that is referrals. You know a good painter by the quality of their work. Check the cut lines, trim and frame cuts, consistency of rolling, patching ability and cleanliness of work. Ask a painter for references - and talk to their references.
Feel free to comment or add your two cents. Thanks for reading and happy day to you!
Ron