Monday, March 24, 2014

Selecting The Best Painting Companies

By Jaclyn Hurley


It is important to make wise decisions when making changes and renovations on an investment as substantial as a home. There are some procedures a handy homeowner can do on their own but when time and expertise are considerations, it may be best to trust the work to a trained professional. There are quite a few qualified and respected painting companies in and around Lincoln, NE who can help increase the property's value through great work.

Most people find that gathering recommendations from friends, family, neighbors and associates is the most reliable methods knowing which contractors are worthy and which should be avoided. One may wish to stay with companies that have a listing in the local yellow pages as it shows the business has established itself as a fixture in the area. When a list of possible candidates has been amassed, it is important to ask a few key questions.

First impressions are very important in these circumstances. If the company representatives make the effort to respond to correspondences in a timely fashion, arrive promptly for meetings and conduct themselves in a professional manner, it is a good bet that the entire business is run as such. The best contractors are often booked well in advance and may not always be available to start work immediately.

A minimum of three references are still needed even if the representative answered all questions well and made a great impression. Try to speak with several past clients of each contractor in order to get a well rounded view of how the job was performed and how issues were resolved. Whenever possible, viewing samples of their work in person is strongly recommended.

Make inquiries about whether the company and its workers are bonded, as well as their insurance coverage. The business should have policies in place for both liability and workers compensation. These items are all necessary to protect the contractor, the client and anyone on the job site if there are any accidents or damage to the property.

Homeowners may also want to find out if the contractor is a part of either a national or local chapter of any business or painters associations. These groups set quality standards and work ethic expectations for their members. The fees required to join are substantial and only companies who take their reputation seriously going to make that type of investment.

Estimates should be obtained from three or more contractors in order to get the best choices. The quotes should be fairly close in price but it is important that each one be carefully reviewed for a detailed listing of the complete scope of work including how many coats of paint will be applied and what materials are to be used, to make sure nothing is missing. To avoid an unexpected inflation of the final bill, inquire as to what could have an impact on the price.

Always request a written guarantee on the work that is to be done and a list of procedures that are in place to handle certain problems that may arise. It can also be beneficial to know if those performing the job are going to be exclusively employed by the company or if they will be subcontractors. An established and respectable company will have no need to request a portion of the payment up front.




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