This is where we are going to practice how to post, and then add categories.

 

  1. The best place to get referrals for a painter is either from friends and family or by going to your local paint store and requesting names of reputable contractors. Make sure to call at least 3-5 painters for bids.
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    When calling a painter to come give you a bid, make sure to request that they bring along a list of at least 2-3 references and proof of liability insurance. Also, any bid should always be free. If a contractor charges at all for a bid then you don’t want them.

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    When the contractor arrives, make sure that he/she is courteous, respectful of your home, and has a pleasant attitude. The actual amount of time a contractor takes doing a bid is not that important. However, a contractor normally will take measurements, inspect any problem areas, and ask relevant questions. If a contractor does not do at least 2 of these 3 things, then a warning flag should be raised. When I was a painting contractor I would rarely take more than 10 or 15 minutes for a bid. If a contractor spends an hour giving you a bid for one room, that should also raise a warning flag, as they will likely take much longer than usual on the room or sit around and chat to you instead of doing the work. Also, do not expect a contractor to give you a price on the spot. Most contractors prefer to take the information back to their office and work out a price. It is better that the contractor give you a definite price then just a quick estimate. During the bid be sure to make your desires known for the job. Make sure they are clear on what is being painted, how many coats of paint you want applied, what order you want rooms painted in (example:kitchen, then living room), how long the job will take, and any other concerns or questions you may have. It is not abnormal for a contractor to ask you to sign a simple term contract, this is fine, just read it thoroughly first.