Are You Asking Your Exterior Painter the Right Questions?

There are a whole host of questions a homeowner can (and should) ask their prospective house painting company. Lots and lots.

Unfortunately, many folks boil their list down to what they think are the two most important: how much will it cost, and when can you start?

Those are good to include in your list, but they certainly shouldn’t be considered the most crucial. Early conversations with your potential painter are your opportunity to gauge what their priorities are, whether or not they are a professional, trustworthy operation, and if they’re really and truly worthy of your business. Your home is a huge investment, and painting it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

So, to give you a head start, here are a few essential questions to add to your list.

4 Essential Questions to Ask Your Exterior Painter

exterior painting in Chicagoland

#1 Are You Licensed and Insured?

Yes? Excellent! No? Run.

Too many homeowners don’t realize that if their painter doesn’t carry the proper credentials and coverage, the liability lands on their own shoulders. You own the worksite, and the responsibility may be bigger (and more expensive) than you know.

#2 Where Can I Find Reviews and Past Client Feedback?

They may be able to provide you with testimonials, but you also should check sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Google, and Houzz.com. The benefit of a site like Houzz, by the way, is that you also can check out past project photos while you’re there.

Regardless of where you find them, you can learn a tremendous amount about a painter by the feedback they’ve received. Will every review be positive? Not always (mistakes can be made and miscommunication happens). Overall, however, the feedback should be positive.

#3 What Surface Preparation Is Included?

finding an exterior painter

The estimate you receive should be clearly organized, easy to read, and communicate what level of surface preparation is included. We can’t emphasize enough how important this is. Painting isn’t just about applying a product; it must be applied to a healthy, solid surface to last as long as possible. Unscrupulous painters may paint over dirt or decay, but that’s unacceptable.

#4 Which Brand of Paint Will You Use, and Why?

Product selection should be a specific, well-considered process. While some painters are married to a specific brand because it has always treated them well, others pick different manufacturers for different applications.

Either way, make sure you’re receiving high-quality paint, and that your painter isn’t holding back. You really do get what you pay for, and will appreciate the longevity, color retention, and beauty of a higher-end product.

Are You Looking for House Painting Services in the Chicagoland Area?

The team here at Jalapeno Paint Werx would love to help, and to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today!


Categories: Exterior House Painting, House Painting