The search for an Austin exterior house painter can be daunting and even overwhelming. There are low barriers to entering the painting market in Texas–no license is required–so you, as the consumer, need to be informed to make a great choice. There are many things you should consider when hiring an exterior painter, but here are three to look for to determine if you have found a company that cares and is worth trusting.
Paint Materials
Which exterior paint is your painter going to use? Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Romabio, Behr, Valspar, PPG, Chip, and Joanna's Magnolia Home? There can seem to be endless exterior paint options, and although not all are created equal, most paints will get the job done.
But there are broader questions to ask.
Within each paint manufacturer, there are a multitude of different exterior paints to choose from, each with different finishes, specific applications, and unique properties like self-cleaning paint (yes, that exists). Be sure your contractor is knowledgeable about the many different types of paint. More importantly, ask about both what brand will be used, as well as what specific product within that brand will be chosen, and why it is best for the unique needs and surfaces of your home. The choice will make a difference in the aesthetic and the long-term durability of your paint project.
Robust Warranty
You're likely to spend anywhere from $3,500 - $10,000+ on painting the exterior of your Austin home. I suspect you don’t plan to need to do this again for a long time. Even the best paints applied perfectly are not bulletproof, so make sure that your painter has a warranty that is clear and valuable to you.
Equally important is whether it will be a headache for you to get the painter back to your home if you notice problems covered by the warranty. Exterior house painters understand that a warranty is a great way to offer value and peace of mind to their customers, but make sure they are not just using it as a sales tactic and that you feel confident they will back up their words with action.
The Honest & Transparent Estimate
The exterior paint estimate for your Austin home should delineate everything that is included. Painters sometimes write vague estimates that leave you in the dark on specifics that matter for your project. For example, they may not specify how many coats are to be applied, the prep to be executed, and all surfaces that are to be painted. If these omissions are not caught early, you may find yourself disappointed at the end of the job and in a disagreement with your painter. Remember to be sure that not only the brand of paint but also what type of paint within that brand is specified. For example, “Sherwin Williams Duration Satin Finish” is specific as opposed to the vague “Sherwin Williams paint.”
I hope this information helps guide you as you navigate the crowded waters of house painting in Texas. If you're in the Central Texas area, and you’d like an estimate from our team at Swatch, we’d be delighted to help.
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