So if you’re reading this post, you’ve likely decided as much as you love an occasional DIY project that you’ll leave painting your house to the pros. Hiring a painting contractor provides accountability, saves you time and stress, and gives you the professional finish that it’s hard to achieve on your own. But how do you sort through all of the options and find the best painters in Memphis?
We’ll help you narrow down the field so that you can focus on choosing the perfect paint color!
Attention to Detail Matters: Hire a Professional Painter
It may be tempting to hire a handyman (or woman) for your painting project, especially if you have multiple home improvements going on. However, if you’re tackling a sizable project, preparing your house for the market, or simply looking for a refresh to enjoy for years you’re going to get the best result from a painting company. A business that specializes in painting is a much wiser choice than someone who is just tacking it onto a project list. House painters have the tools and expertise to not just cover the walls but beautifully transform your space.
How to Find Professional Painters in Memphis
1. Word of Mouth
Social media makes it easier than ever to get recommendations from an ever-wider circle of friends–and strangers! Your neighborhood or town likely has a Facebook group where you can solicit feedback from people who have used local painters recently. Be as specific as possible in your post including whether you’re looking for an interior or exterior painter, the scope of your project, and what your priorities are. In addition to great experiences, you may also get opinions about who to steer clear of.
2. Nextdoor
In the U.S. nearly one in three households uses the Nextdoor app. In Memphis alone, there are almost 400 neighborhoods on Nextdoor. If you visit the “Businesses” section on Nextdoor you can find recommendations for contractors from people in your local area.
3. Angi
Angi, formerly Angie’s List, now matches you with local contractors based on answering a series of questions about your project. You can see your price and book services in an instant. Or you can solicit and compare quotes from vetted professionals.
4. Google, Yelp, and Other Online Reviews
Haters gonna hate. One bad review doesn’t necessarily mean the contractor isn’t reputable. However, you can use online Google Business and Yelp reviews to gather an overall impression of potential painting contractors. Look for patterns such as multiple complaints about sloppy or incomplete work. If a customer is dissatisfied, a business’s response (or lack thereof) may be telling.
Likewise, hundreds of five-star reviews and raving fans may help you widdle down your choices.
Do Your Due Diligence When Hiring a Painter
Referrals and reviews are a great place to start but before you sign a contract take these final steps.
1. Check With The Better Business Bureau
Have you heard the one about the painter who took payment in advance and never showed up or skipped out halfway through the job? Unfortunately, so have we and it’s no joke. Before you hire a residential painter make sure you research the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Do not hire a painter without spending a few minutes to see if there are any Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints. And while people often think of the BBB as a place for bad report cards they also feature positive customer reviews and experiences.
2. Before You Hire, Inquire
Our previous post “The 9 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring Residential Painters” offers a checklist on topics including liability insurance, how and when painters are paid, and whether or not the painters are employees or subcontractors. You can also ask a painting company if you can speak to previous customers and see images for prior projects before signing on the dotted line.
3. Get An Estimate in Writing
There are some jobs that can be bid on over the phone. Residential painting is not one of them. Make sure the estimate is done in person. This not only allows you to meet a representative from the business but it allows them to walk through your home and consider every detail of the project, including architectural features that might not be on your radar. This minimizes any last-minute surprises. It is also critical to get the bid in writing so there’s no backpedaling or disagreement when the invoice comes.
It’s worth meeting at least three contractors and soliciting their estimates for a point of comparison.
Get Your Free Estimate for Painting in Memphis
With decades of cumulative experience on our team, we take pride in offering an exceptional customer experience and delivering an excellent finished product. Riggins Painting would love to discuss your home painting project with you and see if we’re a fit. Schedule a free estimate online or give us a call to discuss your needs.
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