Consumer Information Guide
Hi, my name is David Aguirre. First of all thank you very much for giving
me the opportunity to provide you with this very helpful and very important
information. My goal is help you avoid getting ripped off by a dishonest or
incompetent painting contractor. Although the majority of contractors are honest
and ethical, you should know that there are quite a few “bad apples” out
there. This Consumer Information Guide
will help you become better informed so you’ll be able to protect yourself
from painting scams and rip-offs.
I’m the owner of 1-800-PAINT-JOB
of San Diego, and have been a professional
painting contractor for over 16 years. Over the years, I’ve learned that
painting is the subject of much confusion for most folks. In fact, people have
so many misconceptions about painting that I decided to offer this Consumer
Information Guide.
In this guide, I’ll share with you five costly misconceptions about
painting. Plus I’ll offer several recommendations to make sure you get a
quality job, without spending more money than you should. Next, I’ll give you
ten questions you should ask a painting contractor before you invite him into
your home.
Now, let’s first go over some common misconceptions.
Misconception
#1:
You should wait as long as possible before having the exterior of your home
painted, and one good thick coat of paint is all that’s needed.
No.
This is not a good idea. There are all kinds of environmental elements slowly
eroding your paint. Mildew and mold causes major deterioration of your coatings
and as the coating fails the substrate begins to deteriorate causing additional
failure. Only proper inspection, prep work, and the proper use of quality
products will protect your property. Your home is the biggest investment you
will ever make. Taking care of your property will enhance it and can only
increase its value.
Misconception
#2:
The only reason to repaint inside is to make it look good.
Well, up to a point
that is true. However, people decorate for different reasons. But if you have
allergies, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems – one major source
of your problem could be the pollens, fungus, and chemicals lurking about on
your walls and ceilings.
So in
addition to getting rid of dirt build-up, another important reason to decorate
your home is to get rid of pollens, fungus, bacteria, chemicals and the tars and
residue from tobacco smoke. A clean home is a healthy home
Misconception
#3:
Having the right equipment is all a company needs to paint your
home properly.
Not true. Many companies have all kinds of tools and
sprayers – but a large number of employees don’t know how to use them. You
probably know someone who bought the newest computer on the market – but didn’t
learn how to use it for a year or more. Companies may own good equipment, but
the employees may not know how to use it correctly. This is why it’s important
that you choose your painting contractor carefully.
Ask for,
and contact a few of the contractor’s satisfied customers to determine their
competency.
Misconception
#4:
The
company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.
Maybe – but not always. Here are two important points to consider.
Point
#1: The
price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Before you
select a company, decide what you want to accomplish. If you want a one-coat
paint job with no preparation, you can choose from hundreds of painters that
offer that kind of low-end service.
Or, you can even buy some inexpensive paint at the store and spend 8-9
weekends to do the job your self.
On the other hand, if you want a paint job you can feel proud of and one
that will last many years – then you need to hire a company that
professionally prepares, washes down walls, primes and uses quality products.
This is the only way to assure you that your home will stay clean and look
brilliant.
So remember that the price you see offered may not be for the services
you want performed. Don’t buy price, buy quality. It’s cheaper.
Point #2: The price you see advertised
may not be the price you pay.
Many
homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised ( for example, a
ceiling for $50.00) was not the amount they were charged.
And if
you’ve ever hired a painter, you too may have been the victim of false or
misleading advertising. You probably learned the hard way that some painters
offer a cheap price – and then pressure you into paying a lot more once they
get inside your home. Some of them may even break the law by using illegal bait
and switch tactics.
As in
all businesses and professions, the painting industry has its share of bad
apples. I take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical – and,
sadly, a few are dishonest. By their misleading advertising and false promises,
they cast a dark shadow on the entire industry.
Then you’ll find other painters – professionals like me who work hard to
earn your trust and respect. As a way of improving our profession, I’ve
dedicated my business to educating the public.
The only
way you can make an intelligent decision is to have all the facts you need. This
is why I’ve written this guide to help promote my efforts at consumer
education.
Misconception
#5:
A
painting company should be able to give you a price quote over the telephone.
I wish this were true, but it isn’t. Consumers often think that if they want
to paint four rooms and the price is $200.00 per room, then the price will be
$800.00.
First,
honest, reputable painting companies only price painting after they have
inspected your home. For example, if you’d like me to tell you the exact cost
of painting your living room, I need to know the existing condition of your
room, the type of construction (plaster or drywall), the type of texture (orange
peel, knock down, skip trowel, etc.), how many doors, windows and many other
variations. So you see giving a price over the phone is not a good idea. Among
other things the following is an example of what I need to know before I can
give you an accurate price.
If you’re thinking about having your home
repainted, I offer these four recommendations:
Recommendation
#1:
Make a commitment to complete certain areas of your home within a
certain time frame. We will determine and recommend the best products and
finishes for the areas to be completed.
Recommendation
#2:
List your objectives. Do you have a budget? When would
you prefer the work to be done? What is your color scheme, dark shades or
neutrals? Do you want to work with an honest, reputable company – like we are,
or are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest
price with no guarantee – knowing that company might not finish the job, or be
in business tomorrow.
Recommendation
#3:
Ask questions. The way
you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to
the answers. For your protection, make sure that your paint contractor can answer Yes
to these 10 questions:
-
Do you
have a valid State Contractor’s License?
-
Are the
people who work for you employees and
not sub-contractors?
-
Do you
carry Workman’s Compensation &
Liability Insurance?
-
May I
have a list of at least ten
references?
-
Do you GUARANTEE
your work in
writing?
-
Have you been in business
for at least 10 years?
-
Is your Proposal price a firm price?
-
Will you
start the job without a deposit and accept payment once the job is
complete?
-
Are you a member of
the Better Business Bureau?
-
Are you
certified by the Paint and Decorating Contractors Association?
Recommendation
#4:
Once you’re satisfied that you’re working with an
honest, competent professional, invite him into your home and ask for a specific
quotation in writing. A thorough paint evaluation along with a written quote
gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost with no
surprises.
By
following these recommendations and asking these questions, you’ll gain all
the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision. If you want
a quick, cheap painting job, many companies in the phone book can help you. Or
you can buy the paint and do the job yourself.
But if
you want your painting done properly in a professional workmanlike manner…
with no hassles… then I invite you to work with us
Here’s
one last point: I know that many consumers are skeptical about painting
contractors and contractors in general. Before I got into the business, I was
skeptical too. So in addition to dedicating my business to consumer education, I
do one more thing as well.
I
give one of the best guarantees in the business. That’s right. Every one of
our jobs comes with our ironclad risk-free guarantee. This means that if you are
not happy with any of our work, we will repaint the area for free or if we
cannot fix the problem you can have your money back.*
What
could be fairer?
Thank
you for taking the time to read this. I hope you find this Consumer
Information Guide helpful. If you have
any questions or comments -- or if you’d like to schedule an appointment
please call us at 1-800-PAINT-JOB
of San Diego.
Once again, Thank You very much.
David Aguirre
1-800-PAINT-JOB
of San Diego
*an
unbiased third party will have to agree that our work was performed
unsatisfactorily.
If you are a past client and
would like to make some comments, please take our survey!
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