Hiring A Painter

Question: Our house needs to be painted/stained. We have several areas that extend from the main structure like the garage, family room. As such, the painters would have to climb on these roofs in order to reach the sides of the main structure. This concerns me since we have a cedar roof and i would imagine there would be significant damage from ladders etc. How do professional painters go about painting a house like this? what should I look for in a painter?

Thank you

Answer: Hi Mike,
Thanks for stopping in.

Hiring a painter
I have painted a number of homes built like yours. They can pose a challenge depending on the pitch of the roof and they roofing material. Cedar shakes can be slippery, which makes them especially difficult to work on. A professional painter will be able to handle this with a minimum amount of damage. Often a sheet of OSB is laid on the roof for protection and even footing of ladders. There are harness systems that are available as well. But there is no substitute for being careful.

When you pick a painter, ask people you trust. Friends and neighbors are always good. You can also call local paint stores. They have a short list of people they recommend. Check out the BBB or Chamber of Commerce. If a name or two comes up more than once give them a call. You can also check www.angieslist.com. There are also a number of companies that screen contractors and refer business to them, like www.servicemagic.com.

If they show up for the estimate your on the right track. Even better if they show up on time. For your situation you may want to have the painter(s) sign a waiver of liability from accidental injury. This should be covered in their insurances, but if it concerns you it should be brought up.

Look for the obvious things you normally would. First impressions are important. Does he seem trustworthy or a little flaky? He should have most of the following things: confident and professional demeanor, a business card, certificate of insurance or other business licence, fan deck of colors, references to call, pictures of past work, action plan of how to work with your situation, recommended products and why he's using them, estimated life span of the paint or a garrantee of some kind, a written estimate detailing products, procedures, time involved, all costs and final estimate.

Also, be aware of the difference between hiring a pro painter and a guy who paints. You may save a few buck with the latter but may end up regretting it later.

Hope that helps,

Tim Hoeffel
Better Painting,