
How To Choose The Right Painting Contractor For Your Job
Posted Aug 15, 2022 by Dave Scaturro

In today’s world, finding a contractor to work with can be well…overwhelming.
In a matter of seconds, online search engines can offer hundreds of options of businesses that can do the job but how do you know which choice is best for you and your project?
Whether you’re searching for an interior, exterior, industrial or commercial contractor, here are some important tips to consider in your search.
Responsiveness
Once you’ve reached out, notice how responsive a company is to you:
- Were you able to speak to someone directly or did you have to leave a message?
- Was someone ready to help you?
- Did the person you spoke with seem organized and prepared for your call or flustered and rushed?
Communication is one of the most important parts of a project, regardless of industry, and this first encounter is a great way to gauge what it’s going to be like to do business with a company. Making sure the contractor you choose responds to your calls and emails quickly and has your specifications organized should be a huge consideration in your decision.
Large exterior painting companies or other big operations may be fielding calls from many clients, but it is still important that they get back to you in a reasonable timeframe. An organized support staff aids communication between the client and the team and is a sign of a company that is running efficiently.
Experience
Take a look at the company’s experience and expertise in the paint job you’re looking for:
- Have they been performing commercial painting for many years?
- Have they just recently added painting to their list of services?
- Do they have a portfolio of industrial paint jobs, or will you be one of their first clients in that space?
A little experience goes a long way, and a lot of experience goes even further.
Reputation
Reviewing a company’s history, reputation and former projects is a way to get a feel for how they do business and what their priorities are.
- How long has the company been in business?
- Is it family owned?
- Has it been running under the same management for 30 years, with few complaints?
A reputable company will also be eager to answer your questions about former projects and even be willing to put you in touch with past customers. You may also want to ask about client retention to get a feel for how the company manages their client relationships.
Reviews
It’s never been easier to read reviews about a company you’re interested in working with.
- What kinds of reviews do you see when you search the company?
- Are the testimonials and ratings consistent? If not, is the company willing to speak to you about it?
Keep in mind that even well run, reputable companies sometimes falter so any company with only 5 star reviews may be a red flag.
Insurance, Safety and Training Procedures
At minimum, any painting company you work with should hold the necessary insurance certifications and be well acquainted with proper safety training and procedures. You’ll also want to confirm whether the company is certified to do the work you are requesting. This means they perform the work to standards set by industry authorities.
Ask about safety certifications relating to industrial painting jobs, such as confined space, lead abatement or scaffolding rigging and ensure they are compliant with all applicable OSHA regulations and have a documented PCA Approved Safety Program. The last thing you want on any job site is to have an unsafe contractor that has an accident they are not insured for.
Finally, your ideal contractor should also conduct health, drug and alcohol screenings on its employees periodically to minimize the risk of injury on the job.
With these tips in place you should be well on your way working with a reputable company on a successful paint job. For more on this topic, take a look at our checklist for choosing a commercial painter.
For those looking for painting contractors in the tri-states and Connecticut, give us a call today! Alpine Painting is family owned and operated and has been in business since 1975. Our experience, standards and certifications set us apart, not to mention our love for what we do.