Finding a painter in Fort Wayne and picking one…
As painters we have often been told that finding a painter, in this case finding a painter in Fort Wayne, is a challenge.
This article will try to help you pick a local Fort Wayne painter.
There are a number of ways to go about this. We will discuss a few of them, considering the Pro’s and Con’s.
- Yellow Book: This is probably the first option most people think of when seeking a painter. The Pro is that this will probably provide the most exhaustive list of painters in Fort Wayne. The Con is…it provides the most exhaustive list of painters in Fort Wayne. Sure, you have the list but who do you select?
- The Internet: The Pro is that you can get a better “feel” for the painter than in the phone book. You are usually presented with more than just a name. The Con is that the painters’ web page is an advertisement and by its very nature will be somewhat self serving. You are not going to read a web page that tells you how bad they are at painting now are you?
- Paint Stores: To find a painter in Fort Wayne you can ask for referrals at paint stores. (We are not talking about the big box stores; use stores such as Glidden, Ream Steckbeck, Sherwin-Williams, etc.) The Pro is that you will be talking to someone who knows the painter and possibly his reputation. The Con is that the store owner or salesperson is probably not going to tell you anything negative about the painter because the painter is a customer of the store. The store is not going to chance jeopardizing their relationship with the painter.
- Referrals: This is usually considered the best way to pick a painter. The Pro’s are 1. You are talking to someone you may know and trust. 2. This person may have actually employed the painter or knows someone who did. I can’t really think of any Con’s to referrals. It’s ust that finding a referral can be difficult.
- Internet referral sites: This may be your best option for picking a painter in Fort Wayne. These sites show reports from actual customers who have used, in this case, painters. (They also report on all other kinds of businesses and services.)
The Pro’s are obvious; 1. You get a referral from actual users of the painter. 2. The report covers a number of catagories that help you evaluate the painter. 3. You get many referrals from which to pick and then make a final choice. (See article: Choosing a Painter in Fort Wayne)
I can’t really think of any Con’s.
Well, hopefully, with the help of these tips you will be able to find a painter in Fort Wayne. Pick at least 3 painters. The article “Choosing a Painter in Fort Wayne” will explain why you want to pick 3 painters and then how to choose the right one.
Choosing which painter you are going to use to paint for you can feel a bit overwhelming, can’t it. We know. We see the anxiety when we enter someones home for the first time. It can feel like an invasion; and it is in a sense. Here are strangers coming into your home to work on it and you may not know a thing about them. What can you do?
It is important to remember that you are in charge; it’s your house. Doing at least the following things puts you in charge:
- Get bids. We recommend at least three.
- Get references. Again, three is a good starting number.
- Ask questions. You want to know what is going to be done.
These are three of the most important actions you can take when choosing a painter.
Let’s take a look at each one more fully.
- Getting Bids
- Unless there are unusual circumstances the bid should be free.
- You will need to expect that it may take a day or two for the painter to get to you so plan your job accordingly.
- Make sure that you get the same information from each painter bidding; your bids should be “apples for apples”. If something arises during one of the bids which would change the bid get back to any painters who have already bid and tell them of this factor. This will insure that your bids are accurate. This is only fair to them and you.
- Make sure that each painter includes in the bid all of the points that were discussed. Don’t assume that because you discussed it while he was at your house that it will be done. Get it in writing.
- Some painters will give you a price right away and others will send you a written bid. Regardless of whom you decide to employ make sure everything is finally in writing.
These are some things to consider when obtaining bids. There are others, depending upon the job and you will probably think of some yourself. Don’t hesitate to have these included in your bid.
- Getting References
- This part of the process of choosing a painter cannot be over emphasized. Unless you personally know the painter you want to get references.
- Even if the painter was referred to you by someone else get more references.
- Get at least three live references. (A live reference is someone with whom you can talk.) If the painter has given you these references you do not need to feel any hesitancy about calling them.
- You can also check with any of the many local paint supply stores (not the box stores) and ask if they know the painter. If they do not know the painter that is not a negative. But, if they do than it will give you another reference to consider.
- By talking to at least three former customers you will be able to get a genuine ‘feel’ for the painter. You will also be able to tell if these are legitimate references or set-ups. (Yes, it does happen.)
Again, do not gloss over this part of the process of choosing a local painter. The difference between the painting of your house being a pleasant experience vs. a nightmare can hang in the balance. It may seem like a lot of work but it is worth it just in the peace of mind you will have going into the job.
- Ask Questions
This is important for both you and the painter. If you ask questions the painter gets to know what you want and expect. You get to hear his answers. It is true that the painter is the one with the painting experience and should ask you many questions but unfortunately that is not always the case; so if he doesn’t…you do.
So, what sort of questions should you ask? Here is a short list that should give you the idea:
- How long will the job take?
- Who does the work? (Is it the person bidding or will it be other people?)
- How many people will be doing the job?
- What brand paint products will be used? Why?
- What is included in the bid? (Labor, materials, etc.)
- What sort of prep work is going to be done before paint actually goes on the wall?
This should give you some idea of what to ask. Most probably you will have many other questions. Make sure to ask them of each painter bidding.
If you do you will find that by the end of the bid process you will have a good feeling for which painter you want to do the work. Keep in mind that whomever you select is going to be on your property or in your house for the duration of the job. You want, not just the best price, but someone that you can be confident is going to do good work and with whom you can work and feel comfortable. Very often things come up during the job. Things do not always go as planned. Suddenly you realize that, oops!, that color doesn’t look as good on the wall as you thought it would. Are you and the painter going to be able to handle things smoothly? These are some of the considerations to keep in mind when selecting your painter.
In the next article we will consider one aspect of how the work on your house should be done: Painting a Room.