How to Check the References of a Painting Contractor
When I ask my clients if they checked my references, I am often surprised by their responses. Some of the most common are:
- “We didn’t know what to ask”
- “No one will ever give a poor reference”
- “Since you provided over 100 names we figured you were a professional”
I do provide a list of over 100 references and I encourage you to call as many as you like.
Over 80% of our painting projects come from referrals and from past clients that ask us to do additional projects for them. I believe this is a strong indicator of the service we deliver.
Due to the economy a lot of companies have sprung up in the painting business in Nassau and Suffolk counties and a lot of commercial companies have suddenly become “expert” house painters.
Checking references will help you avoid hiring a company that is learning how to paint at your expense.
If a company can’t provide at least 10 recent references, it is a smart idea to cross them off of your list.
An Outline that May Help You
The outline below was created by a company that has spent years advising and educating both homeowners and residential contractors on professional business practices.
They recommend that you prepare a list of 5 to 10 questions to ask each person.
Your goal should be to obtain ratings on timeliness, quality, cleanliness, adherence to price and professionalism.
Basic questions you may want to ask:
- Did they start when they said they would?
- Did they leave your home clean at the end of each day?
- Was the price in the proposal what you paid? If not, why not?
- Were there any issues during the project…and how did they handle them?
- Were they polite and respectful to everyone in your home?
- Have you recommended them?
- Why did you choose them and not another painting contractor?
Naturally you should add any other questions that are important to you to this list.
We hope this Reference Guide helps you get the information you need to make the best choice when it comes to hiring, evaluating and working with a professional painting contractor.
We are providing this as a service so you can make the best decision possible in hiring a painting contractor, regardless of who you decide to go with.
If you are interested in painting one room or several rooms, painting the exterior of your home, office or business, applying a special paint finish to your walls or ceilings or installing crown molding, baseboards or trim my crews have the experience you would expect from a painting contractor with over 30 years of experience. Please see our Services page for a complete list of all of our services.
Hi Tony, I wanted to let you know how much I loved your creative painting. It transformed my dull interior into a beautiful welcoming home. Also, your creative outdoor work enriched the appearance of my terrace and Japanese garden.
Great Work – Thanks
If you’re looking for an honest, reputable and stable painting contractor with a proven track record of quality work, reliable service and a stellar business reputation, call today at (631) 427-2595 for a quote on exterior or interior painting.
Thanks for your time and we look forward to making you our next satisfied client.