Is Your Painting Company Insured?
Although it is a fact that many people don’t like change, sometimes a change inside the home affects a positive change inside the head. Painting the inside of your home is one of those things that can truly make a difference. The freshness of new colors adds pleasant, unexpected dimensions and perspectives.
Unless you’ve got the proper skills, hiring a professional painting company is the best way to approach any paint job that means something and will last. A painting company, with the expertise that can only come from experience, knows all the tips and short cuts to get the job done properly the first time. They may also offer up painting ideas and custom colors for your home.
In consideration of which painting company to hire for the job, you should evaluate companies for a number of crucial factors that could make or break the paining job you require, including:
- Experience – How many years of experience do they have locally?
- Reputation – Often, you can check online for reviews.
- Professional Affiliations – Are they in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and/or other national and/or community organizations?
- Are they insured?
The insurance factor is probably the most important element to consider. If they do a poor job, that’s one thing. However, if they damage your home or property in ways that go beyond a bad paint job, you will need the benefit of their liability insurance for compensation. It’s a safety net in case you need it.
To keep yourself safe, you should request proof of a current liability insurance certificate. To further protect yourself, you should also request that your name be included in the document as “additional insured.” If the company is less than scrupulous and decides to cancel the policy before it’s completed your job, you will be notified by the insurance company.
In addition, you might also want to make sure they also carry Workman’s Compensation. Check with your state’s statutes. If they require or strongly advise a company, such as the one you’re hiring, to carry Workman’s Compensation, they should have it. Make sure all certificates include the current date, the expiration date and your name.
Whatever you decide to paint, it’s strongly advised that you spend time studying all the facets of interir and exterior painting and the potential problems. Or, you could take the prudent direction and consider a reliable, professional painting company. If you decide to hire a company, do your diligent research and make sure their insurance is in good order with a well-known insurance company.
