How To Choose The Right Painting Contractor

Is Just Add Paint The Best Contractor For Your Painting Project? That is the question. Maybe, maybe not…

Different people are looking for different things when it comes to hired help. Some are cost driven, some are price driven, and some like to use the largest company in town. Usually it is a combination of several factors, and we have compiled a list from a company survey in Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill that may help you choose the right painting contractor. Hopefully the answer is Just Add Paint, and if not we hope we can help steer you in the right direction! Here are a few factors when considering How To Choose The Right Painting Contractor:

• Is there a preference to working with a local or national painting company, and what’s the difference? National companies are more likely to utilize subcontractors, and charge higher rates to cover their advertising costs and overhead. Local companies rates vary from business to business, so it may take a little more research to find the right price. They tend to hire employees rather than subcontractors, and rely more on word of mouth for references and potential customers. Look for more individualized attention from local companies, but understand that they may not be equipped for super-sized projects.

• Is there a preference to working with someone who has been in business for a long time? Most people we come across prefer to have someone who has been doing it for years and does great work. However, if you have a project that is not detail oriented, someone new to the field may be able to meet your standards AND save you money.

• Is there a preference to having a written estimate? It may sound like a given, but there are many painters that will work on a handshake. We recommend having something in writing to protect both the homeowner and the contractor. This helps prevent miscommunication, and also builds trust. Also check to see if there is a firm or variable (time and material) price. Both can have advantages depending on what one finds most comfortable.

• Does it matter if the contractor has a contractor’s license and insurance? Most definitely. A contractor’s license makes it easier to track down a contractor that disappears with a deposit and never comes back. Insurance means a contractor will have the ability to pay for damage they may cause to a customer’s home. Most states require both of these things.

• Is the contractor a member of a trade association? People are often unaware of the benefits trade associations can bring. Mainly, it means the contractor is surrounded by others in the field who are striving to do their best. The PDCA is the trade association responsible for industry standards. Accreditation means the contractor is actively involved with continuing education in the trade, which is always a good thing.

•  Are online reviews important? Online reviews are great tools for pre-screening contractors. Use them to see what others think, and if satisfied customers are the norm. A few negative reviews should not disqualify a contractor who has an excellent overall rating. Many people prefer online reviews to references because they involve 3rd party, independent opinions.

• Are examples of past work important? Photos of past work are a great way to see the quality and type of projects a contractor has completed in the past. Similar projects should build confidence since it means the contractor has done this before.

• What about back ground checks? Background checks are a great service that a company may employ to screen their workers. Painters come from all walks of life, and a criminal history goes a long way. We highly recommend asking if workers have passed a background check before having them into your home. Drug tests also help weed out potential issues with liability (pun intended)….

Just Add Paint loves residential house painting, and are local to the Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill areas. This is a small business that has been around for over 10 years with a reputation for an enthusiastic staff that does great work. Just Add Paint has a business license, insurance, and a membership with the National PDCA Trade Association. Check online reviews on Google, Angie’s list, Facebook, Porch, and Yelp. Prices tend to fall in the middle of the road, and customer service is a priority. However, Just Add Paint is not the perfect match for everyone. When this is the case, here are a few other recommendations of local painting companies in Mechanicsburg offering different services:

Anderson Pro Painting: This is one of the larger local companies in the central PA area. We recommend Anderson Pro often for commercial projects.

CertaPro Painters of Harrisburg: CertaPro is a national franchise with a Harrisburg location. CertaPro is good for commercial projects, and those who are in a time crunch.

Duck’s Painting: This is a friend of ours who has started his own company and does great work. Matt is a one man operation and is ideal for smaller to medium sized projects.

We hope you have enjoyed this blog about How To Choose The Right Painting Contractor. Please feel free to reach out to us for estimates – and also if you are a DIYer and just have some questions we can answer in an email. We are happy to talk shop about all things painting even if you are planning to do a job yourself!

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