When you need to find reliable exterior painting services in Woodinville WA, the last thing you want is to be disappointed by a disastrous outcome. Unfortunately, there are more dishonest painters and scam artists now trying to take money from people who are looking for affordable house painters. We are not here to insult any specific competitors. This blog is simply a way to create a clear image of what to avoid when you look for home painting services. Whether a competitor or our company paints your home, the Cornerstone Painting team is happy to see people in our community get a good value and be satisfied with their investment. These are the top red flags to watch for in identifying scammers and dishonest house painters.

Unclear Estimate or Contract

Stay away from painters who refuse to print and sign a contract or print the terms of a verbal agreement. You have a right to know exactly where your money is going, and a detailed estimate or contract will show you just that. You should see how much you are paying for labor, which specific supplies are needed and the volume of supplies required. Good contractors will discuss terms with you and at least offer to print them to give you the assurance you deserve.

No Insurance or License

In Washington, residential painters are classified under general or specialty contractors. Because of this, they must register with the Washington Secretary of State and show proof of a license and general liability insurance. Becoming licensed takes work, and honest contractors who put in that effort are happy to show proof of it. If a contractor does not have proof of insurance or a license in Washington, avoid working with that person. Insurance is especially important since it gives you some peace of mind that you will not be paying for any mistakes, accidents or damages.

No References or Experience

Not all house painting businesses that are new are untrustworthy. For example, a new business that several experienced painting contractors start would not be unreliable. They likely have the right license, insurance and knowledge to offer good and reliable services. In such a case, you may find a business that has no reviews. However, owners of new painting businesses usually have references from past clients or employers that they are happy to provide. If you find a new painter with no proven experience or references, that is a red flag.

Cash-Only Payment Requirement

Today, there are many scams that involve cash-only payments. This makes it easy for scammers to take your money and run without a trace. When you work with a painting contractor, you will usually be required to pay a deposit. Rest assured that this is a standard procedure. Exterior painting contractors may charge for the cost of supplies as a deposit, and some may charge up to 50% of the project’s total estimated cost before they will start working. This is because they do not want to potentially lose money on lost supplies. However, no reputable contractor should require cash only. You should have a way to track what you pay, so a contractor should accept credit cards, checks, PayPal or some other form of traceable payment.

Mediocre Products and Supplies

To produce a result that is beautiful and designed to withstand the elements in Washington, professional-quality paint and the right equipment are required. Low-quality products or inadequate equipment can lead to premature cracking, peeling or bubbling of paint. A reliable house painting company will use a trusted, high-quality brand of paint. The painters should be able to explain why they use that paint, why it is the right choice for your siding material and its properties. When painters do not use modern equipment, the painting process can turn into a weeks-long project, and the result may be disappointing. Good painters use the right equipment and methods to prepare surfaces, prime them and paint them correctly.

Finding Trustworthy Exterior Painting Services in Woodinville

At Cornerstone Painting, we understand that you want quality work for an affordable cost. We have years of experience, and our knowledgeable painters know how to prepare surfaces and apply paint correctly to make it last as long as possible. Using the latest techniques and equipment, they know how to create beautiful and seamless results. Our house painters have a deep understanding of the properties of paint and how to choose the right type of paint for a specific substrate. They work efficiently without sacrificing quality or cutting corners. We take pride in maintaining an excellent reputation for good customer service and reliable work, which is why we hire great people and make sure that they are trained or experienced. If you are ready to start planning for exterior painting on your home, we are here to help. Our team can consult with you on paint colors, scheduling needs and more. Please contact us for a free exterior home painting estimate in Woodinville WA.