Guidelines for Selecting a Commercial Painting Contractor

Contractors are required to have a license and in many states the license number must be displayed on all advertising.  Reputable commercial painting contractors carry liability insurance as well as workers compensation insurance and are will always provide you with copies of their license and current insurance certificates.

Ask the painting contractor to inspect the site, review plans and give you a proposal for the project. If you are obtaining multiple bids, do make sure that all the contractors are quoting on the same specifications on the areas to be painted, surface preparation, the number of coats, and specific products to be used.  The lowest bid is usually not the best value.

Reputable commercial painting contractors have numerous references.  Ask for a list of references and contact a few of them.  Make sure you ask specific questions about the quality of the work and how the coating has lasted since the project was completed.  Also ask about the professionalism of the painters who will work on your project and if the project was completed on time.

For some professional commercial painting companies, the owner or estimator who bids your project will not be onsite while your project is completed.  Feel free to inquire about the crew who will be working at your place of business.  Professional companies will have a trained foreman or crew leader onsite, and may have a project supervisor or estimator with general oversight on the project.

A written contract is a good policy and will help to protect all parties.  The contract should detail the scope of work for the project, including what surfaces are to be painted, what surface preparation is included, and may detail what is not included as well. The total price of the project and payment schedules should be outlined as well.

The higher quality coating products will have a warranty on the products used in your project.  Some professional painting contractors also offer a warranty on their work.

Professional painting contractors have safety policies and conduct training so that their employees are protected when working with equipment, hazardous waste and solvents.  Professional painting contractors provide EPA information to clients and take the required safety measures when dealing with pre-1978 structures that may involve exposure to lead based paint during preparation.

Is it easy to get in contact with the contractor and his office?  Do they respond in a professional and timely manner?  Respond to the contractor promptly if he needs something from you to ensure the timely completion of your project - for example return contracts and specifications for colors and products, comply with requests for pre-project preparation and, of course pay invoices on schedule.

Notice if the contractor a member of the Better Business Bureau, Professional Trade Association or local Chamber of Commerce?  You can verify these affiliations, but at least look for the evidence of association logos on the contractor’s vehicles, website or paperwork.  The Painting & Decorating Contractors of America is the national professional association for painting contractors.  Memberships in organizations like these show that the contractor has a commitment to professionalism, education and the community.

Do you feel comfortable with the contractor? Do you like their approach and how they communicate with you?  Are they clean and presentable?  Many commercial painting projects take time - is this the type of company that you want in your office or building for an extended period of time?