Painting your home’s exterior is an investment, and it’s important to do it right. Choosing the right contractor is critical to ensuring that your project meets expectations and protects your property from damage.
When selecting paint colors, purchase small test sizes and swatch them on your home’s exterior in various conditions and lighting conditions.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Exterior Painting Services
1. Experience
Whether painting a new addition to your home or refreshing the exterior of your business, working with a professional painting service breathes life into a space. It’s a great way to give your home or business a fresh look and tell a story you want to share. However, choosing a painting company can feel daunting because there are many things to consider.
Experienced exterior painting services understand the unique requirements of each job and have refined skills that help them complete projects promptly. They are familiar with the materials and surfaces to be painted and understand how different weather conditions can affect the outcome of a paint job. They also know how to properly prepare the surface for painting so the result lasts longer.
A good painting company will have a solid understanding of what types of colors work best with the existing color scheme of your home or business. They can suggest the right colors that work well with the natural tones of your wood, brick or stone.
They will also be able to recommend the right types of paint that will hold up to the elements and still look great in years to come. They will also have access to independent consumer testing publications that simulate years of outdoor exposure and provide a realistic expectation of how long your paint will last.
2. Reputation
A fresh coat of paint can improve your home’s overall appearance and curb appeal. In fact, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, buyers consider curb appeal one of the top six factors when making their property-buying decision.
When hiring an exterior painting service, look for a company with a solid track record and references from previous clients. Also, find out what type of paint they use. Many reputable companies use quality materials that are lead-safe. In addition, they can provide you with an estimate that includes the cost of any necessary repairs, labor and supplies needed to complete your project.
Choosing the right paint color is essential for creating a long-lasting finish. The color should be compatible with the architecture and style of your house. For example, pastel colors may not be the best fit for ranch-style homes, and very bold hues could clash with Victorian homes. When choosing a paint color, it is also important to consider the surrounding landscape and neighborhood.
Another factor to keep in mind is the weather conditions where you live. For exterior painting projects, the weather can affect how quickly the work can be completed as well as the quality of the finish. Rainy or windy days can delay a painting job, while hot or cold temperatures can cause the paint to dry unevenly and crack.
3. Warranty
When customers have a paint job issue, they want to be sure they can trust the company they hired to resolve it. This is why a rock-solid painting warranty should be an essential part of the contract between a customer and a contractor. It shows that the contractor takes responsibility for their work and will do whatever is necessary to ensure the customer’s satisfaction.
A painting warranty is the only way a company can demonstrate its commitment to quality and stand behind its work. It should also clearly outline what is covered and what is not to avoid any miscommunication between a customer and a contractor about their painting project.
For example, a typical paint warranty excludes damage caused by extreme weather conditions, roof leaks, low-quality client-supplied paint, and other factors unrelated to the job.
However, a good painting warranty should cover all the basics, including labor and materials. This will give the homeowner peace of mind that their issue will be resolved quickly and with minimal effort. Providing a comprehensive warranty will help painting services build trust with their clients, increase word-of-mouth referrals, and ultimately grow their business. So, when it comes to a painting contractor’s warranty policy, read it carefully and ask the company questions if there is anything you don’t understand.
4. Pricing
Getting your home’s exterior painted can be an expensive proposition. The cost depends on various factors, including the size of your house, the current condition of its surfaces, and the type of paint you choose. It’s also important to consider the kind of preparation required. For example, the time and labor costs will increase significantly if your house requires substantial repairs or sanding before being painted.
Another important factor in the cost of painting is the quality of the paint. While higher-quality paints may cost more, they will last longer and require less maintenance than cheaper paints. In addition, it is worth considering the impact of changing your exterior paint color on your property value and curb appeal.
If you’re unsure what color to choose, it is recommended that you contact a professional painting service for advice. They can provide you with recommendations based on your individual needs and budget. Additionally, they can help you choose a color that will compliment your landscape and neighboring homes.
It’s also a good idea to test out the color of your choice on the surface of your building before making a final decision. This is because different types of surfaces react differently to paint colors and can affect the finished appearance.