Choosing a painter: What to look for when painting your house

Choosing a painter is not always as cut-and-dry as it may appear. While it may seem like a fairly simple job, there is actually quite a lot involved in the search and selection process. This includes quote research, reference checking and contract signing.

Many of us consider painting a job that we could do ourselves if it wasn't for lack of time and energy; however, there is a substantial amount of skill involved to ensure perfection and longevity. The following article outlines a checklist on how to choose the best painter for the job.

Finding a qualified painter: The quote and reference-checking process

There are several things to look for when deciding who to hire for your paint job. The two major ones are quality and cost. Some tips for pinpointing top quality work and painters include:

• Check up on at least three of a potential painter's references and enquire about their work ethic and painting skills.
• If it's an exterior paint job you're after, ask for the location of some previous work and physically check it out yourself. Photos are often not clear enough to judge exterior paintwork.
• If possible, check out some of their older paintwork to see how well it has held up over time.
• Ask about experience of the paint crew. You may have faith in your contractor's skills, but this doesn't necessarily mean that the crew is ideal.
• If you're looking for some specialist techniques or finishing touches on an interior job ask for some detailed photos of past work.
• It is important to make sure that your chosen contractor has liability and workers compensation insurance.

We all want a good quality paint job, but the key is combining this with a cost that you're satisfied with. Some tips for negotiating the final cash figure and keeping the job cost-effective include:

• When contacting potential painters for quotes, don't forget to check that the quote is free.
• Get a minimum of three written quotes (not estimates), which include the cost breakdown of labour, material, surface preparation and the number of paint coats. A quote should also include start and finish dates.
• Make sure that your chosen painter signs of on the quote or provides a contract including start and finish dates.
• Don't pay up front for paintwork that has not yet been completed. A good tactic (if your painter agrees) is paying in thirds. This works by paying an up front deposit, a payment once they reach the middle of the job and a final payment upon completion. If you have a contract, make sure that your agreed payment terms are stated.
• If your painter recommends a particular brand of paint and offers to include it in the overall cost, check out the brand to ensure that you're not paying a huge mark-up on low-quality paint. Providing your own paint is even better.

Where to find a good painter

The most reliable form of advertising is always word of mouth from a trusted friend. However, if you don't know anyone who has painted their house recently, try asking down at your local paint supplies store. Chances are they'll have a list of contacts or know at least a couple of professional painters. If all else fails, try researching online on renovation or painting forums.