One of the first impressions your business makes to the outside world is the exterior of your building. It is essential that your facility appear well maintained at all times and that it exudes professionalism and care. Refreshing your exterior painting is one of the easiest ways to give your property a facelift. A coat of paint can hide stains and damage and cover any other imperfections, and a change of color can alter the look and feel of your entire building and aesthetic. Hiring a commercial exterior painting contractor can be the perfect way to keep your business looking its best!
10 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Commercial Exterior Painting Contractor
If you’re considering hiring a commercial painting contractor, you might be confused about where to start. While many companies can offer this service, not each is created equal in terms of quality of work and experience. Read on for ten factors to consider when hiring for your next commercial paint job!
1. What Is Their Experience?
No amount of education or cutting-edge tools beats years of experience. Looking for a commercial exterior painting contractor with extensive experience is essential. A contractor with a long history in the industry has built relationships with suppliers and has had the time to bring together a team of the most talented, detail-oriented, hard-working painters.
Additionally, they will have experience tackling almost every type of commercial project; from large warehouses to historic storefronts, an experienced contractor can do it all. Commercial painting projects often have different, unique requirements compared to residential projects. A professional contractor should have experience working on complex projects, handling larger surfaces, working in high-traffic areas, and using specific coatings and processes suitable for commercial applications. Be sure to inquire about their commercial project expertise before signing a contract!
2. A Shining Sterling Reputation
You can look up almost any company’s reputation in the Internet age. Heading to Google Reviews, Yelp, or Angi is one of the best ways to vet a commercial exterior painting contractor. You can read authentic testimonials from former clients and decide whether the company is right for you.
3. Proper Licensing and Insurance
Commercial exterior painting is a regulated industry that requires valid licenses. Hiring a contractor with the licenses and permits required by local authorities is crucial. This indicates that the contractor has met specific requirements and regulations and holds liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. If a company does not have this, you could be on the line for any accidents, damages, or liabilities that occur during the project or on your property. Ensuring the contractor has the proper licensing and insurance is the best way to protect yourself if something goes wrong on-site.
4. Accurate Portfolio and References
Someone can talk up their reputation all they want, but the proof is in the pudding. Make sure you check out a contractor’s body of work before you hire them. Request references from past clients and examples of completed projects to assess the quality of their craft. This also helps you discern whether the contractor has completed projects similar to yours or whether they might be out of their depth. Additionally, this can help you have an example of their work to reference if the job does not turn out as expected and you have to ask them to fix problems or make it look more like their previous work.
5. Detailed and Transparent Cost Estimates
When looking for a commercial painting contractor, you must consider the cost. Obtain accurate and detailed itemized cost estimates from multiple contractors and compare them to understand a fair price clearly. Ensure each assessment includes the cost of materials, labor, equipment, and additional services. If an estimate is significantly lower or higher than the others, that could indicate suspect quality or hidden charges.
6. Realistic Timeline and Scheduling
Every project must have a timeline and deadline. A reliable contractor will be able to communicate a realistic timeline and schedule for completion to you when giving you an estimate for the project. Communicate your expectations upfront if you have a specific deadline or time constraints. A worthwhile contractor should be honest about potential delays affecting your project and provide solutions in those situations.
7. Quality of Materials and Techniques
You want a contractor committed to quality in every step of the process. Review their portfolio, testimonials, and references for these essentials – proper surface preparation, site cleanliness during and after the project, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials. Ensure they use high-quality paint and coatings and prioritize durable solutions for exteriors. A reputable contractor can recommend the best materials for your specific project.
8. Communication and Customer Service
Effective communication is essential to a successful project. Ensure that the contractor is responsive and maintains open lines of communication. When selecting a contractor, read past performance reviews and set clear expectations – you must have regular updates on progress, challenges, and any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth experience.
9. Proper Safety Measures
Commercial exterior painting differs vastly from residential or interior painting. Surfaces are larger, more complicated to reach, and require different tools and equipment. Safety should be a top priority for any reputable commercial painting contractor. Inquire about their safety protocols and practices and adherence to regulations, training, and the use of safety equipment. Proper safety measures minimize the risk of accidents or property damage.
10. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Any reputable contractor will stand behind the quality of their work by offering a satisfaction guarantee. Inquire about their warranty or guarantee policy, and ensure it is detailed in the contract. This demonstrates their confidence in their artistry and ensures they deliver a final result that meets or exceeds expectations.
How Paintmaster Services Can Help
Are you searching for a commercial exterior painting contractor in the Tri-Cities Washington area? Paintmaster Services Inc. is here to help! Our team of professional painters is ready to take on any commercial space – there is no job too big! We work with your building, needs, preferences, and budget to find the perfect painting solutions for your project. Contact Paintmaster Services Inc. for a free consultation and estimate for your commercial exterior painting project. Our experienced team is ready to deliver exceptional results for your business!
Michael Duarte, one of the four current owners of Paintmaster Services, oversees the Residential Division, ensuring exceptional service and quality for homeowners. With years of experience in the painting industry, Michael brings a passion for craftsmanship and customer satisfaction to every project. His leadership helps guide the team in delivering beautiful, lasting results for every client.