Obtain a full contract.
The contract should include all of the contractor’s important information, such as name, address, office and cell phone numbers, and license number, as well as any other specifics included in the estimate. Make certain that the contract specifies exactly what is and is not included in the task.
Obtain a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ comp insurance certificates.
If he doesn’t have insurance, you could be on the hook if the crew, for example, drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member is injured on the job.
Request a guarantee.
The painter should guarantee that any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, or severe fading or chalking that occurs within two years of the project will be repaired for free or at a low cost. If he says the paint has a warranty, keep in mind that it does not include labor, which is significantly more expensive than the material.
You get to choose the paint.
Your painter may try to persuade you to choose a paint he favours, but use the finish you prefer. See our most recent research on exterior paints and stains, as well as our Ratings (accessible to subscribers), to identify top performances.
Seek out lead.
Older coats of paint may contain lead if your property was built before 1978. As a result, the painter may need to take further steps to avoid any dangers. For more information, see “Getting the Lead Out.”
Keep your cool.
Finally, do not make a significant down payment and postpone the final payment, which is normally 10 to 15%, until you are completely satisfied with the job.