With warm weather, our thoughts turn to fixing up our homes. Maybe you need to spruce up your home exterior with new colors or lighten up the interior with bright new paint. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to search through all the local house painting contractors to find one you can rely on to get the job done right.

Tip #1 — Hire a painting contractor that is experienced and insured

Check references, credentials and affiliations. Get a list of references from the contractor. Call them and get their experience of the painting contractor. Look at past work the painting contractor has done and how it’s held up. Use recent work to gauge their current skills.

Get a copy of the painter’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance certificates. Otherwise, you could be liable if someone gets hurt on the job.

TLC Painting has been around since 1989. The owner, John Mulvaney started TLC Painting 25 years ago because he loved business and painting.

He put together the best possible painters and office staff to serve to his customers. Most painters have been with TLC for 7 to 12 years. They wear a uniform so you’ll know right away who they work for and what they’re there to do. They’ll introduce themselves and talk about the specifics of the job when they start work. They’ll have all the colors with them ready to go. Every job we go on has a set team: a lead painter, who has been with TLC for at least 8 years and a crew of 2 to 3 full-time painters. Your team will get your job done correctly and on time. The lead painter will check in with you daily to address any concerns you may have.

TLC Painting is fully insured. They carry $2 million of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. They’re a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Tip #2 — Get a written estimate

Clearly communicate your needs and expectations so that everything you want done will be covered in the estimate.

The estimate should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats or primer and paint, the brand of paint and a detailed description of the surface preparation to be done.

When you call TLC Painting you’ll speak with the office manager. Once the estimate is scheduled, John be out within 24 to 48 hours to look at your project.

During the estimate, John will walk the property with you and evaluate what needs to be done. Based on his 25 years of experience painting homes he’ll offer suggestions as to what work should be completed, how it will be performed, and answer your questions. You’ll receive your estimate within 48 hours of the initial appointment.

Tip #3 — Get a complete contract and guarantee

The painting contract should include: The contractor’s information: name, address, phone numbers, license or certification numbers and the details of the estimate. Make sure what is included and not included in the job is clearly outlined. The contract should contain the payment arrangements for the deposit and final payment.

The guarantee should cover any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, fading or chalking that happens within 2 years after the job is complete. Make sure they warranty both the material and the workmanship.

TLC Painting fully guarantees all of their work. John Mulvaney enjoys bringing your vision to life, and creating exactly what you’re looking for in your paint project.