Your Guide To Choosing The Right Painting Contractor
When it’s time to paint your home, hiring just anyone with a brush isn’t enough. A professional painting contractor offers expertise, experience, and reliability. But what exactly is a painting contractor, what do they do, and how can you find an affordable and qualified one?
What is a Painting Contractor?
A painting contractor is a professional painter who works either for a general contractor or directly for a homeowner. They can be self-employed or part of a small company. They focus on painting both interiors and exteriors, and some also handle staining, wallpapering, and drywall repair.
How Much Does a Painting Contractor Cost?
Interior Painting Costs: Professional paint contractors usually charge $2 to $6 per square foot of interior space. This typically includes two coats of paint. Adding doors, trim, and other areas will increase the cost slightly.
Exterior Painting Costs: For exterior painting, expect to pay between $3 and $6 per square foot.
Room-Based Rates: Some contractors charge by the room. For a bedroom, you might pay $800 to $1,200, and for larger spaces like living rooms and kitchens, $1,000 to $3,000. These rates often include painting the mold and trim. Opting out of these extras can save you 30% to 40%.
Day and Hourly Rates: Day rates range from $200 to $500, while hourly rates are typically between $20 and $50.
How to Find a Good Painting Contractor
Ask for Recommendations: Start by asking friends and family for recommendations.
Check Online Reviews: Look at reviews on Google and Facebook to find top-rated contractors.
Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain at least three to five quotes. Provide details about your project, including square footage and any special requests. Compare the quotes based on labor and material costs and the estimated time to complete the job.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- What guarantees do you offer for your work?
- Do you do the work yourself or hire freelancers?
- How long have you been in the painting business?
- Can I see proof of your insurance?
What Does a Painting Contractor Do?
Besides painting, contractors might test for lead in homes built before 1978, move furniture, and do prep work like sanding and minor repairs. Let them know in advance if you have any old finishes that need removal.
Painter vs. Painting Contractor
Painter Definition: Anyone can be a painter if they have a brush and some skill, but a professional painter is licensed.
Painter Costs: Expect to pay around $25 an hour for small jobs and up to $100 a day for larger ones. Prices for non-professional painters vary widely based on their experience.
Look for general painters on Craigslist, social media, or through local Facebook groups. Painting contractors carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance, reducing risk for clients. They provide their own materials and equipment, ensuring quality and reliability.
The Value of Hiring a Painting Contractor
Painting contractors can handle any job, from a single room to an entire house. They bring years of experience and access to all necessary equipment and supplies.
Summary
If you need a skilled and certified painter to complete your project quickly and with high quality, hire a painting contractor. Color Pro in Portland, OR is the top choice for painting services. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, we offer tailored solutions for all your painting needs.
FAQs About Painting Contractors
What is a painting contractor?
A painting contractor is a professional who paints homes and buildings, either working independently or for a small company. They may also specialize in staining, wallpapering, and drywall repair.
What is the profit margin for painting contractors?
A typical independent painting company with a small crew can make around $80,000 to $120,000 per year, with gross sales around $500,000 and profit margins of 25% to 35%.
Do you need a trade to be a painter?
Requirements vary by state, but most require painters to have a certification in painting and decorating.
Do you need a contract with a painter?
Yes, you should always sign a contract before starting a painting project. The contract should detail all aspects of the job.
Is being a painter profitable?
Yes, the painting and decorating industry is worth $24.7 billion in the U.S., with the average painting contractor earning about $782,000 in gross revenue annually.
Are painters supposed to clean up?
Yes, professional painters should always clean up after themselves.
