The Snapshot
Why did you look for a contractor?
Stairwell painting job was too tricky for DIY.
Why did you choose this particular contractor?
I was impressed by his work ethic and presentation when he came to give a quote.
How do you feel about the results?
It was a dramatic change from the original off white. I still find myself opening the door, peering down the stairway, and admiring the work!
If a friend asked you for a referral, what would you say about this contractor?
Describe the job thoroughly and listen to his thoughtful suggestions. And if you’re happy with what he says in his quote, I’d hire him.
The Full Scoop
“If you want a different color room, they’ll charge you crazy money” was the mindset when I had my house built, 20-odd years ago. So the entire home was painted one uniform color – which I’ve been gradually changing. The stairwell was one of the last things I got around to addressing.
I put off the project for a long time because of the ceiling height, which gets to 14 feet by the time you come to the bottom of the stairs. There was really no way to reach it, other than awkwardly leaning a ladder against a wall, and I wasn’t comfortable doing that at all.
When I searched online for painters in my area, I got a response from Always Painting Co., a local firm. A gentleman came by to give me an estimate. His price fit with what I would consider reasonable for a job of that size and I was so pleased with his work ethic, the way he presented himself, and the fact he was a veteran that I hired him.
I described the job as thoroughly as I could, and then listened to what he had to say. After looking around the house to check out its style, he made a few suggestions I hadn’t thought of, which actually improved the end result. It was obvious that: A) he understood his craft and has been doing it for a long time and B) he had looked around my house to see the style that would work for me. Sometimes people have it stuck in their mind, “I’m a professional painter; I know how to paint a house better than you do.”
I had him paint the ceiling, stair stringers, and trim around the door white, but I went with a completely different color – a deep gray – on the walls. It came out stunning. I still find myself opening the door, peering down the stairway, and admiring the work!
What advice would you give to other homeowners based on your experience?
If you’re supplying the paint, buy quality. Don’t cheese out with a bargain basement brand just because someone else is doing the work. And look for a painting contractor who’s willing to work with the style that you have in mind. After all, you’re the homeowner.
The Networx take away:
Be clear about what you want to get great results when you hire a contractor.
