You’re all set to repaint your home and one of the first questions that comes to mind may be, should I hire a licensed and insured painter? A quick search for a cheap contractor might seem like your best option, but there are risks involved that could make the job more difficult and costly in the long run. Here are some of the reasons why you should hire a licensed and insured painter:
- Accidents can happen. There are two types of accidents that can happen while someone is painting your home. Both of them will only effect and cost you in the end. If any of your property gets damaged during the project and your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover it-on top of the painter being unlicensed and uninsured- the repair costs come out of your pocket. The same goes for if one of the painters falls, trips or gets injured on the job. The fault will lie on you.
- The outcome of the project may not be what you wanted. The first reason you hired a professional painter was because you wanted the job to be done right. However, just because they are a “professional” does not mean they are a licensed, insured, and trained painter. Unlicensed painter’s work will not meet the standards you set out for when you decided to paint your home. Sloppy, poor quality paint jobs can cause you to have to hire another contractor to redo the work.
- Scams are always a possibility. Acquiring a license is different in every state, but having one is the industry standard. Too many people try to make money by claiming they’re licensed, so be wary of painters who make unsolicited phone calls, have no web presence, lack signed contracts and require large down payments upfront. If a contractor is missing some or all of these items, they’re probably out to scam you.
- Disputes aren’t always handled professionally. Not everything went according to plan during your project and now you’re in a dispute with the painter. If they are licensed, the state licensing board can help you settle the issues and make sure the work gets finished. They also have the authority to revoke or suspend a painter’s license so in turn, you could help prevent others from going through similar problems. This process isn’t so easy when you deal with an unlicensed contractor!
- Experience is invaluable. In order for a painter to obtain a license, they must pass a series of tests. A professional contractor should be good with a paintbrush and possess other skills and knowledge to make sure the job is done correctly the first time.
Hire a licensed and insured contractor whenever you decide to have someone come in to work on your home. You’ll save yourself from future headaches, extra expenses and prevent the stress that comes with a project gone wrong. For the best home painting contractors, reach out to the experts at Fort Myers painters.