Selecting A Contractor
Questions to consider when selecting a quality-oriented painting contractor
Are they licensed? An Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license is mandatory.
The Oregon CCB protects the consumer, helps resolve disputes, and requires liability insurance and business training classes.
CCB does not test the quality of workmanship. A license does not measure skill.
You can easily verify a contractor license at: https://www.ccb.state.or.us/search/.
Working with lead- based paint? If you have a pre-1978 home, contractors must have a special, additional license to even bid renovation work, including repainting.
The issue is not the last coat of paint, rather the early layers that may contain lead-based paint and be disturbed by scraping or sanding. This is protection for you, your neighbors and our workers.
Lead-safe practices do not mandate removal or “abatement”, simply clean methods to control dust and chips.
Does the contractor provide Workers Compensation insurance?
If not, you could find yourself liable if an accident occurs on your property.
A contractor license does not necessarily ensure the contractor insures workers.
Does the painting contractor…
have the crew to finish your job in a timely manner?
have a spray shop for items to more appropriately be sprayed off-site?
use quality products? Does their lower bid reflect lower quality products? The most expensive product may not be the best choice for a given requirement, but the cheapest product rarely is.
have technical knowledge to analyze conditions and recommend products and methods?
Does their proposal detail the processes and products to be used?
Is the proposal too vague? “I will paint your house for $x”
Does it spell out preparation such as washing, treating mildew, sanding, spot priming, etc.?
Are materials outlined and identified specifically by brand and product? Within a brand, “economy” products may cost less than half of “premium” products.
Is the number of coats specified? One is seldom enough. Often, added coats are a good investment for longer service and cost much less than the first coat.
Be careful of low “bait” bids where you could find the painter constantly asking for more money.
Additions, beyond the scope of the bid, can be appropriate but should be communicated to you, for your agreement, prior to work.
Does the painter have a good reputation at the quality paint stores in town? With your friends? Do they provide references?
Be wary of contractors who require too much money down before they start.
We typically require no money down, or only a modest deposit to secure time in our schedule. We may require progress payments as work is completed, depending on the duration of the job. Payment follows product.