Property managers usually have a checklist to go through before filling a property after a tenant has left. This can include things such as changing the locks, swapping out carpet, and painting the walls. Some property managers have onsite staff that does these things while others bring in outside contractors.
When using those outside contractors, there are certain questions that you as the property owner should be asking. Even though it may seem like a simple task, there are definitely questions you should be asking your commercial painter.
Ask If They Cover All of Their Employees with Worker’s Compensation Insurance
One of the things that no one really tells you about when you own a property is that if your contractor is not insured, you could be on the hook should anything nasty go down. That is why asking your painting contractor if their employees are covered for worker’s compensation is so essential.
The last thing that you need is to hire a painting professional, have them get injured on your property and then find yourself on the hook for it. In addition to asking the contractor if they have worker’s compensation, ask to see the contractor’s General Liability coverage as well.
Ask for Verification of Quality
Hiring the first name that you come across can have a lot of pitfalls if you don’t do your homework. Make sure to check reviews.
In addition to looking around for review sites online, you can ask your painting professional directly for a list of customers that would be willing to verify their work. If a job was completed in good standing, this should be no issue and the customer should have no issue verifying it.
Be wary if the list includes just a small number of homeowners. This could be people that the owner of the company knows – family members, in-laws, neighbors, friends – that would give a sparkling review regardless of the work done.
How Much Will the Job Cost?
Here is the biggest factor just about anywhere. Of course, knowing how much the job will cost should be at the top of the list of your questions. Most property owners work with a finite budget and can’t just spend unknown amounts of money on projects.
But don’t just settle for the lowest price possible. A good painting professional should be able to provide at least a good-faith estimate. This is different from an exact cost as things like supply cost could rise in the meantime.
Still, know what you can afford and hire accordingly. A good painting professional will likely work with you if your budget is specific so it is worth at least talking to them about it. Don’t go in blindly or you’ll likely find yourself in a heap of trouble from a cost aspect.
These are just a few of the questions you should be asking before hiring a painting professional, though these questions should set you up for success.