So, you need your house painted. Maybe it's time for a fresh look, or perhaps that old paint is just flaking off. Whatever the reason, finding a good painter here in Spokane can feel like a real headache if you don't know what to look for. I've been in this business for years, and believe me, I've seen it all – the good, the bad, and the truly ugly. So, let's cut through all the jargon and get down to what really matters when you're hiring someone to paint your home.
What to Ask Before They Even Give You a Price
Don't be shy. This is your house, and it's your money we're talking about. You've got every right to ask some tough questions. Here's what I'd want to know if I were hiring someone:
- Are you licensed and insured? This isn't just a suggestion; it's an absolute must. In Washington, contractors have to be registered. You can actually check their license number on the L&I website yourself. And insurance? That's what protects you if something goes wrong – an accident, property damage, you name it. If they don't have both, seriously, just walk away.
- How long have you been in business under this specific name? Longevity often tells you a lot about reliability. Someone who's been around for a while usually has a reputation they want to keep.
- Can you give me references from recent jobs? And don't just take their word for it. Pick up the phone and call those references. Ask about how they communicated, if they were on time, how clean they kept the job site, and most importantly, if they'd hire them again.
- What kind of paint and materials do you typically use? A good painter should be able to explain exactly why they recommend certain products. For example, if you're painting an older home up in the South Hill that might have lead paint, they should definitely be talking about lead-safe practices.
- Who will actually be doing the work? Is it the owner, their employees, or subcontractors? This really matters for accountability and making sure the work stays consistent.
- What's your warranty on labor? A reputable painter stands behind their work, right? We offer a solid warranty here at Spokane House Painters because, well, we're confident in our team.
Decoding the Quote: What to Really Look At
You'll probably get a few quotes, and they might look completely different. Don't just compare the total cost. You need to dig into the nitty-gritty details:
- Is it itemized? A good quote breaks down all the costs. It should clearly list things like surface preparation (washing, scraping, sanding, priming), how many coats they'll apply, the type and brand of paint, and any special treatments needed.
- What's included in the prep work? This is huge, I mean, truly huge. Prep work makes up about 70% of a quality paint job. Does it include power washing, patching holes, caulking cracks, sanding any loose paint? Be specific about what you expect.
- Are materials and labor separate or bundled together? Make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.
- What's the payment schedule? A small deposit (around 10-20%) is pretty normal, but never pay half upfront. The final payment should only happen once you're 100% satisfied with the work.
- Is cleanup included? It absolutely should be. They ought to leave your property looking even better than they found it.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
Some things should make you hit the brakes immediately:
- Cash-only deals. This just screams