Hiring Professional Painters for Winter Interior Projects: What to Look For
Avoid botched painting jobs and get the best bang for your buck. Learn several variables to consider when searching for a contractor who will handle your winter interior projects.
What to Look for When Hiring Professional Painters
1. Understand the Painting Process—What Goes Into a Professional Job and What to Expect
Not all painting contractors have your best interest in mind. Some might even take shortcuts to save money or complete the job quickly. Without knowledge of the painting process and what to expect, you may end up hiring unqualified contractors.
Therefore, one of the things to do before hiring a winter painting contractor is to know what goes into a professional painting job. With the help of the internet, finding relevant information should be a breeze. You may not have the time or interest in interior painting, but the knowledge you’ll get will help you steer clear of painters who are only after profit.
So, what does a dependable, professional painter do when you ask them to paint your interior?
They will visit the property to determine the project scope.
They can help you pick the best color schemes, finishes, etc.
They will give you an estimate of the project duration and total price.
Once you’ve agreed to use the painter’s service, they will handle the preparation of the job site and the surface they’ll paint.
They will come to your place equipped with professional painting supplies.
They will be responsive, making sure their team is available to answer your questions.
They will clean up when finished.
2. Research the Best Painting Companies in Your Area, Including Reviews and Customer Testimonials
Every painting company in your area will try to convince you they are the best choice. But do not take their word for it. Instead, find the truth yourself by doing research.
Most painting contractors now have websites where they display important information, like their history, services, pricing, and even portfolio. You can visit your prospective contractor’s website to learn more about them. Find out about their experience, their licenses and certifications, and the projects they've handled.
Also, read the company’s customer reviews and testimonials. You can usually find a testimonial or two on the company’s website, but that won’t be enough because you will likely only find positive remarks. Instead, visit review websites like Yelp and their Google Business profile.
Read the positive and negative reviews. From previous customers’ experiences, you will have an idea of what it’s like working with the contractor. Pay attention to negative remarks and how the company handles them.
Aside from reviews on review platforms, try asking the contractor for references. You can talk to these references to find out more about the contractor. You can ask them about the company’s professionalism, punctuality, friendliness, etc.
3. Know Which Type of Paint to Use for Winter Interior Projects: Latex, Oil-Based, or Acrylic
If you don’t have much experience in painting, you might wonder whether you can paint in the winter. For interiors, the answer is yes. However, you have to consider the type of paint and many other factors.
Paints don’t just come in different colors—they’re also made of different materials. There are three common paint types: acrylic, latex, and oil-based.
Acrylic is a durable, water-based paint that is easy to work with. Spills and splatters are not a big issue because you can easily wipe off the newly applied paint. However, it’s a bit expensive.
Latex is another water-based paint and is a common option for indoor paint jobs. It is environmentally friendly, dries fast, and is also easy to clean. But it isn’t the most durable option, so it works best for areas that don’t see a lot of wear and tear. It is best applied when the temperature reaches around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oil-based paints are either alkyd or enamel. They are long-lasting and durable, making them a common choice for exterior painting. This type of paint is best applied when temperatures are between 40 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oil-based paint resists freezing damage better than latex and acrylic. But since you can control the temperature indoors, freezing isn’t a huge concern. The best option will boil down to your preferences. To make the best choice, consider learning more about the pros and cons of each type of paint. You can also ask your contractor, who can even give you winter painting ideas.
4. Find Out How Long the Project Will Take and if There's a Need for Additional Cleaning Services
Have you ever wondered what painters do in the winter? Well, painters are usually busy with interior projects. So, if you want to schedule your interior painting in winter, book a painter as soon as possible.
Interior painting can affect day-to-day life, as painters will have to move in and out of a property. So when you contact your prospective painting company, ask them how long the project will take. Although professional painters are efficient and work fast, the project duration will depend on several factors, including the amount of preparation needed.
Depending on the surface area, an interior painting project may take a few days to finish. If you plan to have your entire house painted, the project may take weeks to complete.
Asking about the project's expected time frame can help you make arrangements early. For example, if you’re going to have your bedroom painted, you can make hotel reservations ahead of time.
Also, ask about additional preparation and cleaning services involved. The painting area must be thoroughly cleaned. You should move and cover your furniture. And after the paint project is done, your place will likely be a mess. So remember to ask the contractor whether or not they will handle the cleaning or if you need to hire a cleaning service provider.
5. Discuss the Cost With Your Contractor and Get a Written Estimate
A professional interior painting project isn’t cheap. You may have to spend thousands of dollars even for a 500-square-foot room. The price will vary depending on the contractor’s rate, the type of room and obstacles, the quality and type of paint, and so much more.
Before hiring a painting contractor, make sure to ask them about their rate. Consider getting quotes from at least three companies. You can compare them to determine the best deal. Don’t just choose the most expensive or the cheapest right off the bat. Make sure to know what exactly you’ll get for the price.
Some painting contractors may charge hidden or surprise fees, which means the actual painting service cost you will pay is way higher than the given estimate. To prevent your contractor from increasing the price without your consent, ask for a written estimate. The document should list what you have to pay for and how much.
In addition to the total price and the breakdown of the pricing, a written estimate should also include terms and conditions, the project schedule, and the period the estimate is valid for.
6. Ask About Warranties for Their Work
Look for warranties when searching for an interior painting project contractor. Painting contractors who are confident in the quality of their work often offer a warranty. The warranty is their way of giving customers some peace of mind.
You must also ensure you learn about the coverage of the warranty. Does it cover peeling and blistering of newly applied paint? How can a customer make a claim in case the workmanship fails? What are the exclusions? When is the warranty valid?
Most contractors’ warranties cover the workmanship and quality of contractor-supplied paint. The length of warranties varies and usually depends on the type of paint chosen. Exclusions also vary but will almost always include acts of God, like floods.
Find the Right Painters This Winter
Generally, finding the best contractor for your winter interior painting project isn’t too difficult as long as you know what you are looking for. Some contractors can even paint exteriors in winter.
If you’re in the Greater Triangle area, Raleigh, or Wilmington, NC, consider Anderson Painting. Our team can work all year round and give you the best interior painting project worth every penny you spend.
