Need a Painter...

[SuccessfulFuture]

Hello, how do I find a good painter if I do not know anyone who knows somwen who they can reccommend?? I live in NY. Please help.

[Rich]

As much as I hate to say it - look in your phonebook or try www.servicemagic.com :shock: Service magic is ok but I've heard horror stories too. Bid it out to a few painters and see who has the best price - then interview with them to see if you can work with them. Don't necessarily pick the cheapest one. All should be pretty close to one another - if one is way out of whack throw it out. But let them know that they weren't in the running (you don't have to say by how much) they may have a reason for the price difference and by talking to them you'll be able to ask about it. Maybe they saw something that somebody else missed.

[grumpydasmurf]

www.servicemagic.com www.improvenet.com these both pre-screen their contractors so you know you aren't getting trash. If using service magic check the contractors reviews. Always compare at least 3 estimates.

Admin said if one is way out of whack throw it out. I would like to make a correction to that. If something is out of whack find out why. It is important to compare apples to apples. One contractor may scrape, sand, apply 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of latex paint. The second contractor may scrap and apply one coat of paint. It's important that all contractors bid on the same work before dismissing bids as being too high or low. This is the biggest mistake anyone can make in the buyers role of a mahor purchase. (That and not having a solid contract)

[Rich]

Grumpy - that's why I had this statement in there. You were just more direct with it "Find out why" :D

they may have a reason for the price difference and by talking to them you'll be able to ask about it. Maybe they saw something that somebody else missed.

I look at far out bids as a double check. The bid pack should state exactly the level of finish or whatever is involved (or verbal conversation) - but it's the things that maybe nobody else saw.. a note on the drawings or something that states "Level 5 finish in this room only with full faux finish overlay" could add additional costs.

[SuccessfulFuture]

thanks to both of you for good information.

[OHPG]

Hi,

This reply maybe comming to you late. But I wanted to throw-in my 2 cents.

My advice to you when looking to hire a painter when you don't have any recommendations from other people you trust.

Is to call and collect 3-4 bids if possible. While these painters are in your home. Collecting the information they need to make a bid.

You collect information from them about the names and possible phone numbers of past customers.

Then call those people and explain why your calling and ask them their thoughts about the painter in question.

While this method, is not 100% fool proof. Past customers of the painter do not know you and have little to no reason to convay disinformation to you.

If a painter is unwilling to provide you the atleast one past customer's name and phone number. on that day or in a day or two.

I wouldn't take the chance of hiring him/her.

As a painter myself, who gets 99% of my business from referals. I'm always happy to provide names and numbers of past customers who have given me premission to do so.

Using a online service as mentioned in the other replies is another good why to find a painter.

Good luck to you.

[Rich]

Read this article on Hiring a builder (http://www.construction-resource.com/hire_contractor.php) - it pretty much follows what OHPG is saying.

[grumpydasmurf]

Very well written article.

[Rich]

Thanks - there are still grey areas that I may break out and cover separately - such as the bid instructions or comparing bids.