5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Paint Contractor

A commercial painting project is a job you want done right the first time. After all, a good paint job not only leaves a positive first impression for your customers and a better workplace for your employees, it can also help your business or building stand out.

Knowing the right questions to ask potential contractors is the first step in ensuring your paint job will leave a positive impression. Here are the questions we suggest starting with:

Are they licensed and insured?

If the answer is no to either question, you probably shouldn’t hire them.

A reputable company will carry insurance - general liability and workman’s compensation at the very least - to protect their business, employees and you, the customer.

Similarly, a licensed painting contractor is required to meet guidelines set forth by the city, state or municipality and is recognized as such. These guidelines may include safety requirements and proper material usage, though it can vary by location. This list offers an overview of your state’s requirements.

What kind of materials do they use?

Our top tip? Not all paint is the same. Don’t automatically assume the materials a contractor is using are good quality just because they are more or less expensive. Always ask for details about the types of products that will be used on your project and inquire about WHY. A qualified contractor will be able to provide you with a list of materials, explain what they are recommending and the why behind it.

Can they provide a list of references?

Any company that is proud of their work will gladly provide you with a list of references. Here are a few questions to ask when you speak to a reference:

• How was your overall experience working with the company?
• Did they provide open, honest communication throughout the duration of your project?
• Did they proactively communicate when issues arose?
• How would you rate the quality of your experience with this company?
• Can you share photos of the work they completed?
• Would you hire them again?

In addition, we always suggest doing background research on your own by checking out the company’s online reviews, portfolio and standing with the Better Business Bureau.

What third-party organizations do they belong to?

Being a member of a professional trade association or third-party organization shows a company is both accredited and invested in industry best practices as well as the most up-to-date research and technology in the field. We suggest looking for painting contractors who are affiliated with the Painting Contractors Association and Association for Materials Protection and Performance.

What are their payment plans?

While companies may vary in how they require payment, whether it be some up front or in installments, a contractor who provides an estimate that sounds too good to be true or will only accept cash should be a red flag. We recommend finding a contractor that will work with your payment needs.

Keep in mind that changes to the initial project scope, such as a project that takes longer than anticipated, may require an additional fee so you’ll want to discuss those hypotheticals early so there’s a plan in place to avoid conflict down the road.

Ready to start your commercial painting project? Schedule a free estimate today!