Hiring a Painting Contractor

 

 

When hiring a painting contractor, there are several things you need to consider. Make sure you've asked all the right questions. While a quote should give you a ballpark idea of the cost, the final cost may vary. Before you hire a painting contractor, visit their home to see the work they've already completed. Then, you can decide if they're the right fit for your project. It doesn't hurt to check their references, as well.

 

Before beginning, a painting contractor must prepare the surface. Whether a painting contractor is painting a home or office, preparation is key to getting a great finish. Typically, this involves filling any cracks, scraping off the old paint, and applying a primer coat. They may also remove the existing paint and apply an abrasive material to it to make the surface key for the new paint. Once the work is done, the area needs to be restored.

 

Regardless of size, having a dedicated workforce is essential to making your painting business successful. However, recruiting new employees can be time-consuming and require a significant investment in training. In addition, you'll have to deal with payroll and employment taxes on top of the painting itself. Hiring professional subcontractors to handle the administrative tasks will free up your time. If you're looking for a painting contractor business name, make sure it sounds like your company's mission.

 

While painting contractors often work as small businesses, they are also responsible for marketing and other business functions. They prepare final accounts for customers and analyze the cost of a painting job in relation to the estimate. They also have to market their services through a variety of channels, including advertising, social media, and print media. It's also important to ensure they're insured and have insurance. By hiring a professional, you'll have peace of mind, because they'll take care of everything.

 

Typically, painting contractors claim 40 to 50% of their revenue as labor. That means that for a $5000 painting job, they must pay their employees between $2000 and $2500, plus other employment overhead. Sometimes, these employees are 1099 independent contractors who work for the painting contractor as a "subcontractor."

 

An estimate for a painting job requires a careful analysis of the size and type of paint required. To quote a job, a painting contractor must take measurements, discuss the type of finish the customer wants, and estimate the time required to finish the project. They must also communicate the time needed for the job to dry between coats. Lastly, it's vital that the contractor have a good relationship with their customer. That way, you'll be able to get the best value for your money.

 

Before you hire a painting contractor, you should be aware of the state licensing requirements. In many states, you need to complete 16 hours of business-related classes before you're allowed to take the contractor exam. If you're unable to attend classes in person, you can still benefit from online courses that offer specialized training. Furthermore, college experience is an asset for your resume. While an apprenticeship may require several years, it can also be an excellent way to build valuable skills and experience.