Looking for Local Toronto Painters in the GTA?

It’s very important to read good reviews about each painting contractor you’re interested in, though you should never forget to take note of any bad remarks or complaints you come across.

A traditional search can be more tedious, but it also produces good results. You can ask neighbours or nearby friends who their go-to company is for any painting needs you may have. If at all possible, ask when the service happened and pay particular attention to the most recent job. If you’re planning for a project this year, try to look for house painting services neighbours have hired in the current year to compare.

Referrals work best if the household you’re asking has experienced a certain company’s service firsthand because that allows you to get a clear picture of how a Toronto painting contractor works before hiring them. Not to mention that you get unadulterated comments, unlike the sometimes bloated information in online reviews.

No matter which method you choose, both give good results.

You’ll also get a peek at their level of professionalism in the way they talk and their timeliness. Observe whether or not they showed up on time, and if you were offered a quote when you were told you would receive one.

When meeting them, show them which parts of your house will need that professional touch. Discuss your needs for each area, thoroughly citing any factors that could possibly affect prices.

Ask if they’d be needing a lot of cash deposits for buying materials in advance [which is a no-no] and always ask for proper identification.

If they can’t even show you a business card or  ID, walk away! It is also better if you inspect their business at their address to see how they work in their office.

Take this chance to look at their own interior/exterior painting portfolio over the years and ask for reference homes you can visit to validate pictures.

Make sure that the following things are checked and present:

•     •License
•     •WSIB
•     •Black and white warranty
•     •Insurance
•     •Materials
•     •Written Contractor

First and foremost

a license is needed if you want a home improvement contractor who possesses a valid HST number or education to work their way around homes. Underbidding is a problem for competition, and only unlicensed painting contractors in Toronto area indulge in this behaviour.

Unlicensed contractors hire sub-contractors, they lack formal training, and they may be scammers or fly-by-night businesses, which is why they won’t show any of the other documentary needs mentioned above.

Next on the list

is WSIB, or Workers Safety Insurance Board clearance. This will protect you as a homeowner in case any sort of accident happens to the contractors and home painters while on your property.

Ask for a warranty in writing next. This is to help protect your property from any instances of damage and minimum 1-year protection from seasonal changes.

Written contracts are last but certainly not least. You MUST sit down with your painting contractors to discuss all stipulations mentioned here. Once all estimation is done and materials are inspected, check for the overall price, methods of payment, and duration, or normal hours, in which the project occurs.

Never leave out any possible detail, go over each item, and, if something’s amiss or unclear, always ask before signing.