Many people who live in Elmhurst IL look for an exterior painting contractor in the Chicago area who can provide reliable service and produce a quality result for the investment. Knowing who to trust can be difficult without the right knowledge of what to look for. At a time when most people have tighter budgets, there are even more scammers and dishonest painters trying to take peoples’ money, so it helps to know how to avoid those individuals. Final Touch Painting wants you to be happy with your home’s exterior. If you are a homeowner in the area who wants to update your paint, these are some important red flags to watch for as you search for house painters.

Unclear Contract or Estimate

Every contractor should at least verbally discuss the terms of the painting project. A reputable company will offer to put the terms into a contract or will provide a printed contract without being prompted. Also, the terms should be detailed enough that you understand the scope of what the house painters will do, what supplies they will use and how much they charge for their services. If the contract or estimate is unclear, beware of working with that contractor. Beware of contractors who refuse to print a contract and sign it.

Odd Payment Requirements

Normally, exterior painting companies or contractors require up to 50% of the total project cost as a deposit. The deposit may be smaller in some cases. However, a reliable person or company will accept more than one payment method. If a painting contractor tells you that only cash is allowed, look for a different provider that accepts at least two forms of payment. There should always be a documented way to track your investment.

Poor-Quality Paint Products

Some unreliable home painters and scammers use low-quality paint. They often paint over an existing coat without properly preparing the surface. If a contractor uses cheap paint, you can be sure your paint will not last as long as it should. A reputable company will use quality paint that is designed to last longer. Also, a reliable contractor will explain why a certain paint is used and will recommend the right type of paint for your home’s exterior material. Beware of any contractors who do not know how to select the right type of paint or want to use poor-quality methods or products.

No References or Online Reviews

When an exterior painting business is new, there may not be any reviews online. This is not always a bad sign. Some new companies are started by individuals or teams who have years of experience working for someone else and decided to start their own business. However, if a company claims to have been in business for a long time and has no reviews or poor reviews, beware. It is also important to avoid any contractors who cannot provide verifiable references if they lack online reviews. Reliable painters will be happy to provide names of people or businesses who can vouch for their work.

Lack of Experience

It is normal to not want to work with new painters who have never painted or have only been in business a short time. As noted in the previous paragraph, some new companies are owned and operated by experienced people who decide to start their own business after painting for years. However, if an individual painter does not have experience, it is better to work with a reputable company. Professional companies may hire new painters to work on teams so they can learn, but they are trained and work with others who have experience to ensure that the result is favorable. Just beware of solo painters or contractors with no experience.

Lacks Proof of Insurance

Not all states require painting contractors to carry insurance, but maintaining it is a sign of reliability. When a contractor does not have insurance, that is a major red flag. Insurance is important to give you the assurance that you will not pay more than you should if your property is damaged or the project turns out bad. Reliable home painting contractors have insurance to protect themselves and customers, and they can prove it. Beware of any contractors who refuse to provide proof of insurance.

Reliable Exterior Painting Contractors in Elmhurst IL

At Final Touch Painting, we understand that you do not want to wind up hiring a painting contractor who will splash on a quick coat of paint, take your money and leave you disappointed. We want to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your exterior painting investment, which is why we take our commitment to quality service seriously. Our qualified house painters finish jobs on schedule and on budget. We will be happy to consult with you on your scheduling needs, paint color preferences and more. If you are planning to repaint your home’s exterior, please contact us for a home painting estimate in Elmhurst IL.