Hiring a contractor can be stressful and confusing. Before you do so, here are a few tips to make your decision a little easier.

Any contractor should know and understand three things: the crucial techniques of surface preparation, the broad range of coatings available and how to diagnose and solve unique challenges.  

Safety: From working on ladders to addressing dust, painting can be a hazardous job. King Custom Painting addresses these issues in our procedures manual. We are also an insured painting company so that you (our client) can rest easy!

Health: If built before 1978, your home may contain lead- based paint. A professional contractor will know and understand the importance of taking the proper steps to make sure that your home and family are safe from harmful chemicals. It is required of painting professionals to distribute a pamphlet from the EPA detailing important facts on lead- based paint. A professional contractor will be willing to comply and understand the suggestions in this pamphlet.

Preparation: Correctly preparing the surface to be painted is imperative to how long your paint will last. A professional contractor knows the importance of preparing the surface correctly and we do it right the first time!

Knowing Paints and how to Apply them: There are many different types of paints and how to apply them. The painting professionals at King Custom Painting know the different types of paints. This is important for the coating to have a uniform appearance, color and sheen. 

Cleanup and Disposal: One of the many reasons to hire a painting professional is so that you do not have to worry about the cleanup and disposal of what is left after a project. A professional contractor will leave the project without leaving a mess and dispose of any leftoves (hazardous and non- hazardous) in the proper manner.  

Here are a few things to consider when choosing your contractor:

1. Ask if the contractor is licensed and insured.  They should be able to provide you with a Certificate of Insurance that shows Liability and Workmen's Compensation insurance.

2. Ask if the contractor requires a written contract. Any contract should detail the work to be done including but not limited to: surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules, and payment procedures.

3. Obtain a list of references. This list should include the contact person, address and telephone number. Follow up on this references and make sure to ask if the person was treated professionally and with respect.

4. Ask if the contractor is a member of any trade associations such as the PDCA.