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Wall Treats, registered Master Painter

How to find the right painting contractor for you




You have finally determined the new colours you would like for your home.  You now need to find a painting contractor who will help you transform your home.  Where do you start?  What should you look out for? 

We all know of someone who has been stung by a tradesperson before.  What should have been a happy occasion where the family enjoys their new surroundings is tainted with a bad experience. 

The trip to Disneyland the kids have been looking forward to is postponed because the contractor’s bill far exceeded the quoted amount.  Personal and work commitments are disrupted, as the contractor needs to return once again to rectify problem areas.  The list goes on …

Our research has revealed the following are the common gripes most people have with tradespeople.

  • The tradesperson is several hours late or does not show up at all.
  • The job is not started on time resulting in delays “snowballing”.
  • The invoice exceeds the quote with no or vague explanations.
  • The tradesperson takes over the house.
  • The tradesperson leaves the house in a mess.
  • Shoddy workmanship.
  • The paint colour is different from the specifications.
  • The tradesperson is difficult to locate.
  • Once the final payment is made and problems arise, the tradesperson is disinterested.

In this report, we have listed seven key questions you should consider before appointing your painting contractor. 

By engaging the wrong contractor you can spend a lot of money, time and effort and get frustrated with a poor result.

  1. Have you had the opportunity to collate all your ideas and expectations with your partner/ spouse or someone you trust?  When ideas and expectations have not all been clearly communicated to the painting contractor, there may be disappointment at the end of the engagement.

Has the painting contractor clearly demonstrated that he/ she has understood your needs and concerns?  Is there any room for any ambiguity to arise?

  1. Do you know anyone who has engaged a painting contractor under the same circumstances as you?  Would they be happy to recommend the contractor they used?

People who have had a great experience with their painting contractor will be more than happy to share their encounter with you and pass on the contractor’s contact details.  People love to help. 

Conversely anyone who has had a less than savoury experience will relish the opportunity to get their frustration off their chest.  At least, you will know whom not to call 

  1. Does the painting contractor have any customer testimonials that they can provide you so you can ascertain what other clients’ experiences have been?  If the opportunity arises, why not contact the contractor’s clients? 
  1. Is this the kind of person whom you would like in your home?  Depending on the size of the job, this person may be spending a significant amount of time in your home.  How do you feel about that?

The opportunity to be in anyone’s home is a privilege.  However, there may be situations where that privilege may be abused.  Whilst it is often difficult to judge a book by its cover, we all cultivate gut instincts.  Do all members of your household share the same gut feel about the painting contractor?

  1. Is the painting contractor a member of Master Painters New Zealand?  Membership means that the painting contractor’s work must meet industry standards and also provides you an avenue to seek recourse should any disputes arise.

All registered master painters are listed on the Master Painters New Zealand website.  For further information about a specific registered master painter, you may wish to speak with the secretary of each chapter.  The incumbent secretary of the Auckland Painting Contractors Association is Mr Ian Winkel, who can be contacted on 358-0406 or email winkelir@iprohome.co.nz.

  1. Has this painting contractor provided you a quote that details the cost, the scope of work, products & colours that will be applied to your home, an estimation of how long the job will take and the terms of engagement?  How will you be protected if any disputes arise?
  1. Has the painting contractor truly heard what you have said?  Has he/ she demonstrated an appreciation for your concerns and let you know how he/ she will address them.

There is much benefit to selecting the right painting contractor.  This person will have an impact on your emotional well being during the period of engagement.  What happens if the wrong person comes into your home?

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