There are usually many questions that people have when they hire a contractor; especially when it involves painting your home. Bennett Painting’s goal is to make the whole experience as hassle free as possible. When you call us for your free estimate we will do our best to address any concerns you may have. We will even help you with your color selection. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

More than a paint job…An experience!

Frequently Asked Questions
"Can you tell me why some estimates seem high while others seem so low?"
YES. Most of the cost of a paint job is in the labor. So the price is determined by the amount of surface preparation, the attention to detail, and quality desired. We would be happy to review, in detail, our calculations for your project so you can make a fair comparison with other bids. We suggest that you review "Why hire a Professional painting contractor."

"The last painter we hired would work for a few days, then would be gone for a couple days; always starting and stopping. Will you stay on the job once you begin?"
YES. We'll stay with the project and work until your painting is completed. Our goal is to have the same crew work on your job from start to finish.

"Do you have references?"
YES. We would be happy to provide with references of similar jobs completed in your neighborhood. In addition to our customer references, we are careful to check all references of new hires. Bennett Painting is proud to be a drug-free business. Our reputation means everything to us, which is why we have a thorough new-hire screening process, including a careful background check.

"Do you carry liability insurance and workers compensation?"
YES. Our insurance includes general liability and worker's compensation policies.

"Are you a state registered contractor?"
YES. Bennett Painting is a registered contractor with the State of Montana. Please note that there is no licensing of painting contractors in Montana.

"Do you use top quality paint?"
YES. We use premium quality products from all the major suppliers. However, the brand of paint we use can be influenced by other factors including customer preference, the nature of the project, and other bid specifications.

"Do you have a warranty?"
YES. A three-year limited warranty on most work. The warranty is included in our proposal package.

"Will my job be completed by experienced painters?"
YES. Our painters have all received adequate training in the tasks that they are assigned. Most of our jobs are done by a crew of two painters who are used to working together as a team. The team leader ill be responsible for managing the job. He or she will be in contact with the office on a daily basis and will make sure that any concerns that you may have are addressed.

"Can you help with other things besides painting, like drywall repairs, wallpaper or carpentry?"
YES. We are able to complete wall and ceiling repairs, install wallpaper and perform small carpentry task associated with the painting project. For larger jobs we are happy to refer you to our network of specialty contractors.

"Do you protect our furnishing and clean up after you are done?"
YES. Floors, furniture and areas that are not supposed to be painted will be protected. On completion we will pick up and clean up to return your home to the condition that we found it.

"Can you tell me what I need to do in order to get ready for the painters?"
YES. The only items we ask the customer to move are the small knick- knack type items and pictures. We come expecting to move furniture, window treatments and switch plates. Upon completion of the painting we will place all items we moved back in their correct location.

"Will you come back and take care of any touch up issues after the job is completed?"
YES. If there are any areas that we missed we are always willing to come back at a later date. Once your job is finished we will send you an invoice and a feedback survey. We value our customer’s comments and try and improve our service as a result.


Request an Estimate


Top





Why Hire A Professional Painting and Decorating Contractor?
The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America is a full-service national trade association representing over 3,100 companies engaged in all sectors of the coatings application industry. PDCA has developed this report to assist you in making an informed decision when you next contemplate a painting or decorating project. To find a PDCA contractor in your area call 800-332-PDCA or go to www.pdca.com

Before you decide to "do it yourself" or hire the least expensive painter you can find, here are some points to consider that suggest the lowest price may not be the best value.

Safety: Painting can be hazardous work, whether it's working on a ladder or dealing with solvents and dust. Hiring a professional contractor means you don't have to worry about these problems.

Health: If your home was built before 1978, it was almost certainly painted with lead-based paint, which can cause serious health effects when it is scraped or sanded in preparation for repainting. Professional contractors will take appropriate steps to protect you. On June 1, 1999, remodeling contractors, including painters, will be required to furnish EPA produced pamphlets to their customers before they begin a job that involves disturbing lead-based paint. Professional painting contractors will understand and be willing to follow the recommendations on this pamphlet.

Preparation: Getting the surface properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional contractors know the value of preparation and will do it right.

Knowing Paints and How to Apply Them: The choices today are more complicated than just oil or latex, and professional contractors will know what works, how to use it, and will have the right tools for the job.

Cleanup and Disposal: Hiring a professional contractor means you don't have to worry about dealing with paint residues and other leftovers. Professionals will know how to handle hazardous wastes that may be part of the job.

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project: Once you have decided to contract with someone to do a particular painting and decorating project, how do you go about selecting the right person or firm? Do you make your selection on price, size of company, years in business, or other criteria?

To locate the names of reputable contractors, there are many sources of information. Some of these sources would be friends, relatives, architects, decorators, yellow pages, trade associations, local "quality- oriented" paint supply stores, and newspaper advertisements. However, these sources can only give you limited general information. In order to make an educated decision, you need some specific information about any person or firm you are considering hiring.

Always ask if the contractor is licensed and insured: Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. They should provide bonding information (if the job is large enough to require such) and documentation of safety training and compliance programs.

Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor.

Obtain a list of references from the prospective contractor. This list should include the contact person, address, and telephone number of the previous client. Follow up on this list with a phone call. Remember, the contractor will not give you a bad reference. Therefore, ask references if they know of any other work this contractor has performed. Be sure to ask whether the contractor and employees treated you professionally and with respect. The references you are interested in should be from projects similar in size and scope to yours. Also, these projects should be at least a few years old. This will help you gauge the performance of the construction and materials used. If possible, try to see the work that was done.

Discuss any guarantee or warranty programs the contractor may offer. Ask about the manufacturer's warranty on the products to be used on your project. Remember you are looking for long-term durability from the paint job. The use of high quality products is as important as the selection and performance of the contractor.

Ask your potential painting contractors if they are members of any trade associations.
Determine if your contractor is a member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. PDCA is a professional association of contractors in the coatings industry. It has been in existence since 1884 and has over 3100 members all over the country and parts of Canada. The focus of the association is the education of its members and the promotion of professionalism within the industry. Look for the PDCA logo on his business card, bid sheets, or trucks. Trade associations such as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) offer many programs for the education of painting contractors. This education includes training in the area of safety, business management, technical areas of painting and surface preparation, and more. Quality painting and decorating contractors are well educated on the different aspects of any painting project and that knowledge helps eliminate surprises.

Industry standards are another benefit of trade associations. PDCA produces nationally recognized standards that discuss many different aspects of a painting project. Use of these standards in proposals and contracts helps improve communication between the client and the contractor, assists in ensuring quality, and becomes a basis for evaluating the job's requirements.

Good contractors are very eager for your business. They are also very proud of their craftsmanship. Once you have made your selection, step back and give the professional room to execute the project. You have both done your homework, so give the professional the opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations. Remember, as with anything else in life, you get what you pay for. If you want high quality and reliable service, be willing to pay the price that comes with it. Good luck with your painting projects.


Request an Estimate



Top
© 2007 Bennett Painting 22 W. Haley Springs Rd #E, Bozeman, MT 59718 Tel: 406-587-4033 • Fax: 406-587-1365 info@bennettpainting.com