It is always a good idea to have your porch and patio painted by professional painters. However, not all of these companies are created equal. Not only should you ask some serious questions about their employees and qualifications, but you also need to do your own research before hiring anyone to do work on your porch or patio. Ask for some references, call around to some local competitors, talk to the Better Business Bureau, check the website of your local contractors’ association, and ask friends and family who have had jobs with one of these types of companies for several years. You may be surprised at what you learn.
Before you begin contacting painting services, you first need to determine what sort of job you want them to do on your porch or patio. Are you repainting, replacing siding, or just repainting? Do you know the difference between the two different types of paints that are used for this type of project? If you know the answer to all of these questions then it will make your job easier as you will be able to choose the right company and compare prices more effectively. You can then choose to either hire someone in your area to come out to do the work or you can call around to other businesses in the area to see if they would be willing to come out and give you a quote.
Make sure you get price quotes from the painting services you are considering. They should provide you with an estimate on either a fixed price or a free estimate. The fixed price will be the total cost at which time the job will be completed. The free estimate should be just that, a free estimate. They may offer you a certain amount to start with, then tack on additional costs depending on the length of time it takes for the job to be completed. This is a good method for companies to use because they know you may want to change your mind and do the work anyway.
Make sure that you tell each company the same story about the porch and patio you want to be painted. Some people like to embellish their porches and patios with flowers and ribbons and never really tell the company they want to paint them. Others want everything about the painting job to be perfect. Ask the company you choose about the materials that they will be using for the job. Are they going to use primer and paint or are they going to sand and finish the paint off?
You will need to discuss the timeline with the painter you choose. Some companies will start the painting process as soon as the contractor has been hired and others will want the job done as soon as possible. Make sure you both agree on a timeline for the job.
Ask about the cost of the painting services again. You need to know the average cost for porch and patio paint. Get any questions you may have answered for free. If you feel the painter you are working with is not being straightforward, move on to another company. You do not want to sign a contract with someone who is not very honest.
Make sure the painting company uses good quality paint on your porch and patio. The last thing you want is a faded, patchy paint job. If you ask if they will paint the porch and patio the same day you call, make sure to ask if they will paint it the same day you pay if it is during business hours. A lot of companies will give you a set date for the job but will wait until after business hours to give you the completion date.
Takedown the names and dates of all contracts you sign. Have a pad and pen handy to take down those signatures. You may want to keep a list of the various companies you work within the event something happens to your porch and patio. That way, if anyone should need your help, you will have their contact information on hand. Good luck with your next porch and patio painting project.