Many homeowners in Michigan are updating their homes and repainting them. If exterior painting is in your plans, it is important to find a trustworthy home painting contractor. Since scam artists and dishonest people know that homeowners are looking for opportunities to save money, they are taking advantage of them in several ways. At LRM Painting, we simply want you to be happy with your home’s exterior, so our purpose with this blog is to share some red flags with you. If you notice any Oakland County MI house painters that fit the following points, avoid them at all costs.
No Insurance or License
Since a few years ago, the state of Michigan no longer requires painters to be licensed, but some maintain a contractor’s license. However, a reliable painting contractor should have general liability insurance. If you encounter a contractor who refuses to show proof of insurance, work with someone else. When house painters are uninsured, you may be stuck paying for their mistakes or damage to your property. A company that cares about its reputation will not make you pay for damages or mistakes and will be happy to show proof of adequate insurance.
Unspecific Contract or Estimate
When you hire an exterior painting contractor, it is important to know the scope of the work. You should also be able to find out exactly how much paint is needed, what supplies are needed and how much everything costs. Good contractors know how to accurately estimate these things and can provide you with an itemized quote. Also, they will discuss the timeframe, cost and project details with you. If you agree to the terms, the contractor will usually offer to print a contract or agreement. Beware of any painters who refuse to provide you with a detailed estimate or a written agreement.
No Experience or References
One of the first places people look today when they think about hiring painters is online. Solo contractors may have their own blogs or websites showcasing their work, and professional companies usually have websites and social media pages. If you find a website for a company that claims to have been in business for a long time and lacks reviews, that is a red flag. A new company is not always a red flag. Some new companies are started by experienced contractors or groups of them. However, such people should not fit any other red flags on this list. Reliable contractors, whether they run new or seasoned companies, will have references or reviews to back up the quality of their work. If you encounter someone with no verifiable experience, or if a contractor refuses to provide references, find another painter.
Unusual Payment Requirements
After you consent to the terms of an agreement, a home painting contractor will usually ask for an upfront deposit. It is usually up to 50% of the cost of the total estimate. However, it may be less. Some contractors charge only for supplies at first since they do not want to potentially lose money on those supplies. If a contractor asks for a reasonable deposit, that is not a red flag. Beware if the contractor only accepts cash. Scammers may use this tactic since it is harder to trace a cash transaction. It is better to work with a contractor or company that accepts a payment method that you can track, such as a personal check, a credit card or something else.
Low-Quality Products
When you ask an exterior painting contractor about the details of the project, be sure to ask what type of paint will be used. Reputable contractors only use quality paint that meets the highest industry standards. They will also be able to explain to you why they choose the paint they do, what distinguishes it and why it is the appropriate choice for your siding material. Stay away from contractors who plan to use cheap paint or do not have modern painting supplies. Low-quality paint and supplies can lead to early peeling, bubbling or other problems with your paint. It may also look unattractive and cheap if the surface is not prepared correctly with the right tools and methods. Experienced painters know how to prepare surfaces and paint them in a manner that maximizes the longevity of paint.
Trustworthy Exterior Painting in Oakland County MI
LRM Painting is here to help you turn your ideas into a beautiful and seamless exterior paint result. We have years of experience in residential painting and an excellent track record for quality work and service. Our painters are familiar with paint properties, the right application techniques and choosing the right paint for various substrates. Also, we are fully insured and licensed. Rest assured that our team of professional house painters will complete projects within your estimate-based budget and on time. Our team will be happy to consult with you on paint color preferences, scheduling needs and more. Please contact us for a free exterior painting estimate in Oakland County MI.
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