May 25, 2013

Secrets to finding a GREAT Painting Contractor

www.paintingsandiegopros.com

Congratulations! You’ve made the smart decision to improve your home’s appearance and value with a professional paint job. Now comes the daunting challenge of finding a paint contractor. Not to worry! These secrets will help you find a GREAT paint contractor in San Diego who’ll deliver a top-quality job at an excellent price and leave you with a satisfying home improvement experience.
A GREAT Contractor is Licensed
• Anyone performing construction work in California that totals $500 dollars or more in labor and materials must be licensed by CSLB.
• Licensed contractors must demonstrate at least 4 years of experience/education in the trade for which they are licensed, be fingerprinted, have an FBI background check, and be bonded.
• Unlicensed contractors are part of the $60-140 billion dollar underground economy that does not pay taxes, insurance, or follow safety laws

Don’t be fooled by “handymen” offering too good to be true prices. A great painting contractor has taken the time and invested money into becoming a licensed contractor.
Visit the California State Licensing Board to verify license status ~ https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx

 A GREAT Paint Contractor Presents Proof of Insurance
While a good paint contractor may tell you he’s insured, a GREAT contractor presents a copy of his policy, proving the amount of coverage he carries for both property damage and bodily injury that may result from the contractor’s work. By nature, paint materials are highly flammable and, should a tragedy occur, you need to know your contractor is sufficiently insured.
Maverick Painting carries a $2 million general liability, $1 million bodily injury, $1 million property damage policy.
A GREAT Paint Contractor Offers Great Warranties
You can tell a lot about a paint contractor by his warranty. Well-known contractors with established reputations are respected by paint suppliers who, in turn, pass on extended – even lifetime – warranties on their paints because they know the product will be applied right. For any number of reasons, less experienced contractors may not have valuable relationships with suppliers. On the labor side, a GREAT contractor works with solid, experienced painters whose work he knows he can stand behind with an extended labor warranty.
Maverick Painting offers a 4 year warranty on all interior and exterior work.
GREAT Paint Contractors Go the Extra Mile
Because GREAT contractors have learned the value of a satisfied customer, they’re able to focus on service and offer extras that show you how important your business is to the contractor. Check to see if your contractor offers the following:
• Professional color consulting
• FREE color try-ons
• Two coats of paint – as a standard offering!

GREAT Paint Contractors Give Professional, Detailed Quotes
A good painting quote includes a detailed list of ALL aspects of work to be done:
• Caulking, sanding and priming
• Details of products and application – GREAT contractors know the right products for every job
• Touch-ups and clean-up
In addition to the quote’s content and accuracy, is it presented professionally?
• Is the quote printed on company letterhead?
• Does the sheet show the contractor’s license number?
• TAX I.D. number?
• Work guarantee and relevant product warranties?
Inexperienced contractors, using standard business forms purchased at office supply stores suggests they haven’t invested much in their business and may not be properly licensed. Also, they may not be paying income taxes.

GREAT Paint Contractors Care about Their Communities and Industry Associations
Being active in local Chambers of Commerce, committed to area charities and having a presence in the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association (PDCA) shows that GREAT paint contractors have professional integrity and care about their communities. Fly-by-night contractors avoid connections to civic or professional organizations.
GREAT Paint Contractors Provide References in Your Area – Both Old and New
Good paint contractors may have references from local work that was completed in the past few weeks. GREAT Paint Contractors will provide multiple local references from both recent and past work. References from a year ago or longer show the paint job’s durability and confirm that any necessary follow-up or billing issues were handled correctly.
 GREAT Paint Contractors Invite You to See a Job in Progress
If a contractor is confident about the way they work, they’ll prove it by asking you to judge for yourself. Things to look for:
• Work vehicles – are they clean, organized and professional?
• The painters – are they neatly dressed and groomed?
• Materials – are ladders, scaffolding, drop cloths and electrical equipment in good condition?
• Is work being done carefully so as not to damage landscaping or property?

Maverick Painting usually takes photos and videos of each jobsite. We proudly display photos of our project transformations, before and after

Bottom Line: GREAT Paint Contractors treat a home – and its homeowner – with respect at all times.
 GREAT Paint Contractors Have a Professional Website
While it is certainly possible to be a good paint contactor and not own a Website, GREAT contractors are also successful business people who understand that today’s consumer is looking for instant information. A GREAT contractor’s Website will include all the details homeowners are looking for – references, before & after photos, details of services, contact information and history of the company and its owner and staff.
Visit www.maverickpaintingsandiego.com for an example of a Great website

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About maverickpaintingsandiego

Jamie Waller, owner of Maverick Painting, has been in the painting industry since 1990.
Maverick Painting is raising the bar for local contractors. You can expect our staff to be on time, clean cut, courteous and will communicate effectively. Unlike national chain companies, Maverick Painting's owner,Jamie, is on-site at every job. Most local contractors just drop off materials to a crew and only return to collect a check. For over 20 years Jamie has taken pride in personally transforming every home and will see every job through to the very last detail. Maverick Painting is changing the image of a "typical contractor"
Jamie is married to his high school sweetheart, Trina. They have 3 rugrats. Gavin 11, Skylar 10 and Cheyenne 4.