When it comes to interior or exterior painting, many people find themselves at a loss because they are either unable to complete the needed painting related tasks or they simply do not have the time. In either situation, the best thing to do is to hire a Kansas City Painter. But, what qualities should one look for in a house painter and how can you be sure that he/she will be the best person for the job? These are common questions and should be answered prior to hiring a professional painter.

Below are 9 tips that will help guide you through the process of selecting the best man, or woman, for the job.

1. Before hiring a Kansas City painting contractor, you should find out how long they have been in business. It’s to your advantage to find an established company, but make sure to check out their reputation with the local Better Business Bureau. Be on the lookout for any outstanding or unresolved complaints.

2. Always make sure that a painter is licensed to work in the state in which the work is to be done. Contact your local building department and/or consumer protection agency to find out about your state’s licensing procedure. If your state requires that a painter be licensed, always ask to see a painter/contractor’s license prior to hiring him/her for the job.

3. When considering potential Kansas City house painter, ask for a list of recently completed projects that are similar to the one you are wanting done. Hiring a painter in Kansas City that is experienced in the type of painting similar to yours will help to ensure that all goes smoothly and that the job will be done correctly.

4. Be sure to ask your painter, prior to the commencement of work, whether or not the job will require any type of permit. The homeowner may face a fine if required permits are not obtained before the actual work begins. It is best to determine who will be responsible for obtaining permits, in the beginning.

5. Always ask for the name of the person who will be in charge of the painting project, often called a supervisor, and the names of those who will be working on the painting crew.

6. Once you are familiar with the supervisor, ask them about their crew. You will need to know whether or not you can trust them and make the decision as to whether you want them working on/in your home. Will they need keys? If so, you need to know that they are honest and can be trusted near your family and/or children.

7. Every professional Kansas City painting contractor should carry a certain amount of insurance coverage, including personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation. You should request copies of all insurance certificates and confirm that they are current before work begins. Do not do business with a contractor who cannot provide this documentation as this may result in your being held liable for any injuries and/or damages that occur during the project.

8. Always check with the Kansas City painter’s references before deciding to hire them for your project. This is important as it will give you an idea of their work ethics, cleanliness and end results.

9. When you and your painter come to an agreement price and terms of payment, get it in writing and have the agreement signed and notarized. All parties involved should have a copy of the agreement for future reference.

Care should be taken when hiring a Kansas City painter. Keep in mind, there are many competent painters available for your project. By you doing a little extra research and investigation you are protecting yourself, your family and your home.