Painting Advice

BEFORE YOU HIRE ANY

PAINTING CONTRACTOR

1. Ask for the companies full legal name, the billing address and how long they have been in business. All reputable contractors will have a shop and or office that you can visit during normal business hours. You need to ask for this information in the event you become dissatisfied with the contractors performance or if you have a warranty issue.

2. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. All legitimate contractors want to protect themselves, their employees and your property. To do that, they carry General Liability and Workman's Compensation Insurance. Ask that their insurance agent send it to you. That way, you know without a doubt that it is current and up to date.

3. Contractors are in business to make a profit. Almost all will give their clients some added perks. But the old adage " if it's too good to be true, it probably is" is a good rule to follow. If that low bid sounds too good, it most likely means that the contractor is not insured,they hire illegal workers or they plan on cutting corners on YOUR project.

4. Ask if the company is a member of the BBB or any other trade association. Don't stop there, follow up and check out a report for that company. Note if they have had complaints and if so, how did they resolve those complaints.

5. Ask if they properly train their employees in job site safety. All employees should be trained to do their job in the safest way possible to prevent injury to themselves and to you and your loved ones. It could mean the difference between a small job and a big disaster.

FALL CHECK LIST FOR

YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

1. Start at the top. Have your roof inspected for missing or damaged shingles. Have those repaired as soon a possible.

2. Clean your gutters and downspouts. Clogged or leaky gutters will always lead to rotten wood.

3. Now is a great time to look over your decks and wooden fences. Have them pressure cleaned and sealed before the heat of summer arrives.

4. Reglaze older windows. This will help to keep the temperature inside your home more comfortable.

5. Caulk around all exterior windows and doors.

6. Repaint all windows, doors and trim that have loose or peeling paint.

7. Pressure clean vinyl or aluminum siding to keep it looking its best.

8. Trim back any overgrown shrubs and remove any trailing ivy that could be causing damage to the exterior of your home.

9. Check your foundation for hairline cracks or worse. Have them repaired before they become places for water to get inside your home.

10. Take care of your driveways and sidewalks. Over the long damp winters they can begin to grow mold and mildew. Pressure clean them to make them look new again.