I Found a Painting Contractor I Really Like, But They Can't Start When I Need Them To. What Do I Do?
How to Evaluate Your Options When the Right Painting Contractor Can't Start on Your Schedule
If you've found a painting contractor you trust but they cannot start your project when you need it completed, don't automatically choose another contractor simply because they are available sooner. Instead, use the time to make sure you're hiring someone who is properly insured, experienced, reputable and capable of explaining how they will approach your specific project.
Finding the right painting contractor can take time. You may have looked at their previous work, read reviews, asked friends or family for recommendations and finally found a company that seems like a good fit.
Then you make the call and discover that their schedule does not line up with yours.
That can be frustrating, especially when you are ready to move forward. However, availability is only one part of choosing a painting contractor, and it should not necessarily be the deciding factor.
Why might a good painting contractor not be available right away?
Professional painting contractors can have limited availability because homeowners consistently choose to hire them. A full schedule does not automatically mean a contractor is difficult to work with, and immediate availability does not automatically mean a contractor is the better choice.
The important question is not simply, "Who can start first?" It is, "Who can I trust to do this project correctly?"
A contractor who has established a strong reputation may have projects scheduled ahead of yours. That can be worth considering when you are comparing your options.
Should you choose a painter simply because they can start sooner?
If your project is urgent, scheduling obviously matters. However, if you have some flexibility, it can be worth taking additional time to evaluate the contractors you are considering.
A contractor who can begin tomorrow may be an excellent choice, but their availability alone does not tell you anything about their workmanship, experience or reliability.
Before making your decision, consider whether the contractor can provide:
- Proof of insurance.
- References from previous customers.
- A clear explanation of how they plan to approach your project.
- Recommendations based on the specific surfaces and rooms being painted.
- Answers to your questions about preparation, primers and paint finishes.
- Evidence that they have experience with projects similar to yours.
Taking a little extra time to evaluate those things can help you make a more informed decision.
What should you ask a painting contractor before hiring them?
A professional painting estimate should be more than a price. You should have an opportunity to understand what the contractor is recommending, how the work will be performed and what you can expect from the finished project.
Ask questions that help you understand both the contractor and the work itself.
You should also ask for proof of insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to provide documentation showing that they carry appropriate insurance for their business.
Why are references from previous customers important?
Pictures of finished projects can show you what a contractor's work looks like, but they cannot tell you what it was like to have that contractor working inside someone's home.
Talking with previous customers can provide a different perspective on the overall experience.
Ask for the names and phone numbers of at least three previous customers who are willing to discuss their experience. When possible, ask those homeowners about the quality of the work, communication, professionalism and how the contractor treated their home.
What should an experienced painter be able to tell you about your project?
A knowledgeable painting contractor should be able to look at your project and explain considerations that may not be obvious to you as a homeowner.
That can include whether certain surfaces require primer, what type of finish may be appropriate for a particular room and how different sheen levels can affect the appearance of your walls, ceilings and trim.
The goal is not simply to sell you paint. It is to help you understand what your project requires and why particular recommendations make sense.
When might a primer be necessary?
Primer is not automatically required for every painting project, but there are situations where it can play an important role in achieving a quality result.
The appropriate approach depends on the existing surface, its condition, the previous coating and what you are trying to accomplish with the new paint.
A professional painter should be able to explain whether primer is appropriate for your project and, just as importantly, explain why.
What paint finish is usually appropriate for ceilings?
Ceilings are often best suited to a flat finish because it helps reduce reflected light and can minimize the appearance of imperfections.
A higher sheen can reflect more light across a ceiling surface, which may make imperfections in the drywall more noticeable.
The right choice can still depend on the condition of the ceiling, the room and the homeowner's preferences.
What should you consider when choosing a wall paint finish?
Walls can be painted with several different sheen levels, but increasing the sheen can also make imperfections in the drywall more visible.
For many living areas, a quality wipeable flat finish can provide the traditional appearance of flat paint while offering some added cleanability.
The best choice depends on the room, the condition of the walls and how the space is used.
What finish makes sense for trim, doors and moldings?
Trim, doors and moldings often benefit from more sheen than the surrounding walls. This can help those architectural details stand out without making them unnecessarily shiny.
Depending on the project, satin, medium-luster or semi-gloss finishes can all be appropriate options.
The contractor should consider the appearance you want, the condition of the surfaces and how much durability or cleanability the area requires.
What should you consider when painting kitchens and bathrooms?
Kitchens and bathrooms experience more moisture and humidity than many other areas of a home. That makes choosing an appropriate coating particularly important.
For these spaces, homeowners should discuss coatings designed with mold- and mildew-resistant technology with their painting contractor.
The appropriate sheen can also depend on the room, the surfaces being painted and the homeowner's preferences.
What if you cannot wait for the painting contractor you wanted?
Sometimes your project simply cannot wait. A closing date, home sale, renovation schedule or other circumstance may require the work to be completed sooner than your preferred contractor can accommodate.
If that happens, you do not necessarily have to abandon your original choice without another thought.
Ask the contractor whether there is any flexibility in the schedule. If there is not, use what you learned during your conversation with them to evaluate the other contractors you are considering.
That conversation can still be valuable.
A knowledgeable painting contractor may be able to give you advice about your project even when they cannot take the job. You can then use that information when another contractor provides an estimate.
What should you take away from a conversation with a painting contractor?
The value of an experienced contractor is not limited to the work they perform. Their knowledge can help you understand what questions to ask and what you should expect from the contractor who ultimately completes your project.
Even if you cannot hire your first-choice painter, you can still leave the conversation better prepared to evaluate your other options.
That means you should pay attention to how a contractor communicates before you ever sign an agreement.
Do they answer your questions? Do they explain their recommendations? Do they take the time to understand your project? Do they seem interested in helping you make an informed decision?
Those details can tell you a great deal about the type of experience you can expect.
What should homeowners look for in a professional painting contractor?
Homeowners should look beyond availability and price when deciding who to trust with their home.
Look for a contractor who:
- Has substantial experience.
- Carries appropriate insurance.
- Can provide references from previous customers.
- Takes the time to understand your project.
- Can explain preparation and product recommendations.
- Communicates clearly about the work.
- Treats your questions as an important part of the process.
- Demonstrates that quality matters beyond simply getting the job finished.
A contractor's willingness to educate you can be just as valuable as their ability to give you an estimate.
The Standard Homeowners Should Look For
When a homeowner contacts Pacione Painting, the goal is not to make the conversation valuable only if Pacione Painting gets the job.
The standard should be higher than that.
A homeowner took the time to research the company, look at its work and make the call because they were considering trusting the company with their home. That conversation should provide something useful in return.
With more than 30 years of painting experience, Pacione Painting believes homeowners deserve honest guidance about their projects, including what questions to ask, what to look for in another contractor and what considerations may affect the finished result.
That is the standard homeowners should look for from a professional painting contractor.
If a contractor can help you make a better decision even when they cannot immediately take your project, that tells you something about the way they approach their work and their customers.
And if your project can wait and Pacione Painting is the right fit, even better.
Ready to Talk About Your Painting Project?
If you're considering a painting project, Pacione Painting would be happy to talk with you about it. The goal is simple: understand what you need, answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your home.
Whether you ultimately hire Pacione Painting or simply need professional guidance before deciding how to proceed, your conversation should be valuable.
Contact Pacione Painting today at (856) 381-7990 to discuss your project and learn what your home may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I schedule a professional painter?
It depends on the contractor, season and scope of your project. If you have a specific deadline, it is wise to begin contacting contractors well before you need the work completed.
Is a painting contractor's availability a sign of their quality?
Availability by itself does not determine quality. A busy schedule can reflect consistent demand, but homeowners should evaluate experience, references, insurance and workmanship as well.
What should a painting estimate include?
A professional estimate should clearly explain the scope of work and what the contractor plans to do. It should also give you an opportunity to ask questions about preparation, materials and the expected result.
How can I tell if a painting contractor is experienced?
Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours and request references from previous customers. A knowledgeable contractor should also be able to explain why they recommend particular preparation methods and finishes.
Is flat paint washable?
Some modern flat finishes are designed to provide greater cleanability than traditional flat paint. Ask your painting contractor whether a wipeable flat finish is appropriate for the room and surfaces you are painting.
Do all interior painting projects require primer?
No. Primer is not necessary for every project, but certain surfaces and conditions may make it important.
Is a higher sheen always more durable?
Higher-sheen finishes are often chosen for their durability and cleanability, but sheen should not be selected based on durability alone. The room, surface condition and desired appearance should also be considered.
What should I do if I need my home painted before my preferred contractor is available?
If your project cannot wait, ask your preferred contractor whether they have any scheduling flexibility. If they cannot accommodate your timeline, use the information they provided to help you evaluate other qualified contractors.
