Exterior painting is one of the quickest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and increase the value of your home. A fresh coat of paint can make the exterior look newer and give the impression that your home is well-maintained.
All these, however, hinge on finding a reputable painting contractor. Start your search for the best exterior painting services with these simple tips.
Get References
Personal recommendations are the best leads to finding a local painting contractor. Talk to neighbors, friends, family members, and coworkers to find out if any of them recently completed an exterior house painting project. If they have, get to know who they hired and their experience.
Word-of-mouth referrals can help streamline your search. You can even visit that person’s home to ensure the result meets your standards.
Research Painting Contractors
Even with personal referrals, doing some online research is a great idea. This research will allow you to determine if the painter has experience working on your type of house or if other individuals agree with your relative’s or friend’s assessment of the contractor’s work.
You can also search for “exterior painting services near me” for additional recommendations for your specific project. Independent reviews from platforms such as Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google may also be helpful.
Interview Painting Contractors
After doing your research, make a list of exterior painting companies you’d like to work with. Schedule a number of appointments to communicate your expectations, get a sense of the company, and receive estimates for the job.
Here are a few of the questions to ask potential painters:
- Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide your certificate of insurance and contractor license number?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have a portfolio of past work?
- Are there exterior paint jobs you’ve completed in the area recently that I could see?
- Who will be working on the project? Are they subcontractors or employees?
- How experienced is your crew?
- What type and brand of paint do you use? Which paints do you recommend for this project?
- How many coats of paint do you recommend?
- What are your procedures? What safety precautions do you take? How will you protect my home before and during the project?
- How long will it take to complete the project?
- Is there a guarantee for the work?
- What are your payment expectations?
- What extra costs can I expect?
- Do you prefer for the residents to leave during the job?
This process will help you narrow down your choices and create a shortlist of contractors to contact for estimates.
Get Estimates in Writing
Before making your final decision, request written estimates from at least three contractors. Asking for more than one estimate will help you understand the average cost of exterior painting services in the area.
Moreover, having a detailed proposal and description of the work to be performed in writing will help you make the best decision for your budget.
Estimates
Typically, the estimate should include the following:
- Scope of the project: Areas to be painted, prep work, and the application process
- Start and completion dates
- Supplies to complete the project
- Paint specifications
- Number of coats of primer and paint
- Number of materials or hours spent on each area
- Cost per material or rate per hour
- Total cost, including taxes
- Terms and conditions
The project’s total price shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor when it comes to exterior painting services. Consider the company’s experience, track record, and reviews from previous clients as well.
And if the deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Lower bids mean less prep, cheaper materials, and poor safety protocols.
What to Expect in the Home Painting Process
Achieving high-quality results for your exterior painting project requires adherence to a strict set of guidelines. Properly painted, the exterior surface of your home will look amazing and withstand the elements for years to come.
Here’s what to expect with your exterior painting project from start to finish:
Cleaning the Exterior
A quality exterior paint job must be done on a clean surface. The crew will clean your home’s exterior by removing any buildup of dirt, loose paint, debris, pollen, grime, and mold. Having a clean surface will ensure the best coverage, as well as a durable, lasting finish.
Repairing Damaged Surfaces
If you have any damage to your siding, like cracking or rotting, repairs must be done before the painting begins. If the current paint is peeling or cracking, it will be scraped off and sanded to create a smooth surface.
Caulking All Seams
All seams and joints between siding boards and around doors, windows, and fascia are caulked and sealed. Also, any visible nail holes on the trim and siding will be filed and smoothed.
Placing Protective Coverings
Areas that will not be painted are covered using plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. The contractor will place tarps on shrubbery, decks, patios, walkways, and other surfaces to minimize mess.
Applying Primer
Before the surface can be painted, a primer must go down on the prepped surfaces. Applying primer creates an even and adhesive surface for the paint. The primer must dry overnight.
Painting the Exterior
Paint can be applied using a sprayer, rollers, and brushes. The paint is applied from the highest point of your house toward the foundation. In most cases, one coat of paint is enough to produce beautiful results. Two coats, however, may be recommended based on the condition of your siding. Once the topcoat is applied, the crew will work on other surfaces that need paint, including trim, doors, windows, and metal surfaces.
Clean Up and Inspection
Your painting contractor should not leave a mess behind. After the painting job is completed, they should remove all coverings, protective tarps, masking, and debris.
The project manager will inspect the completed project to ensure it meets your expectations and standards. They will also walk you through all the paperwork, including warranties.
Trust Us for your Exterior Painting Project
Ready to get started? You can trust Red Diamond to deliver the highest quality and smoothest result, giving your house a complete facelift without any hassles. We offer comprehensive exterior painting services from preparation to finishing touches. Contact us to discuss your house painting project in the Denver and Fort Collins area.
