Conculsion - Hiring
A Painter
While it is common for the
customer to pay an initial deposit for materials and/or
installments as the work progresses, never pay for the
entire job in advance. Agree on a schedule of payments as
key work is completed. The final payment should not be made
until the entire job is complete and has been carefully
inspected. Any extra work that arises once the project is
underway must be specified, priced and agreed in writing
before the work is undertaken and any costs are incurred.
Only make payments by check, not cash so that there is a
paper trial should disputes over payment occur. Be realistic
about the amount your have budgeted - good painters are in
demand and will therefore usually charge more than the
market average.
Draw up a clear agreement and establish your ground rules on
the project scope and payment schedule. It is essential to
get everything in writing before the job starts, otherwise
it may end up costing you far more than expected.
Color is Key
Choosing color is a critical
part of the finish, so don't rush this part of the process.
Many painters will help you select colors if you request
this service, however, remember they are experts at painting
not color consultants, so if you are looking for a
complicated color scheme, it may be better to hire a color
consultant for this part of the work. Always test your color
choices using testpots. These will also provide a useful
color check for the painter to ensure they applying the
correct color.
If you are planning to have
paint effects or textured coatings applied, ask your painter
to prepare a sample panel. A myriad of paint and textured
effects can be created depending on the style of
application. If planning such an effect always agree on a
sample panel before the contractor starts the work,
otherwise the finished result may be vastly different from
what was desired. The number of coats required may vary
depending on the colors you choose.
Don't Accept Substitutes
Make sure the painter uses
the paint and color specified - don't accept less expensive
color 'matches'. It is easy for a painter to try to
substitute a cheaper paint, but this will result in a poorer
finish. Check that the brand stated on the paint cans they
bring to the job match the brand stated on the quote. Colors
can be checked in the same way. Testpots are also useful as
standard color references.
Remember, the painter has
quoted on using a specific product - don't let them
substitute a cheaper product as you are paying for them to
use the more expensive product. While two products may
initially look identical, higher quality paint is more
durable and will last longer. You will regret a moment of
weakness in a few years' time when the inferior paint breaks
down faster.
Or You Can Always Do It Yourself
If you decide to do the work
yourself, allow plenty of time to complete the job. Surface
preparation will almost always take longer than expected.
The above is
an article from
Resene Paints , the largest paint manufacturer in the
UK. Resene also is the largest paint trade organization in
the UK, it is like the BBB of paint professionals.
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