08 Jun Important Questions and Answers
As professional painters, we always encourage clients to ask questions throughout their project. But, it’s equally important that you ask questions before you hire us. Why? So, that you enter into a contract with us feeling confident about your project and our process. With that in mind, we thought we would do a two-part series of frequently asked client questions with our answers.
A true professional shouldn’t hesitate to answer a client’s questions. We believe in full transparency – so ask away! If you don’t find your question in this series, feel free to reach out to us. The more you know, the better you will feel and the smoother the experience with us.
Here are the first five of ten questions we often receive from clients and our typical answers to them. Look for the next five questions over the next two weeks.
Do you have insurance?
Any professionally reliable contractor should carry comprehensive insurance. Painting contractors typically carry two types of insurance: Comprehensive Business Liability to protect your property from any damage we might cause (accidents happen sometimes) and Workmen’s Compensation to protect our workers (and you from liability) while they are on your property. Some painting contractors charge less because they choose not to carry Workman’s Compensation insurance. That is not advisable, and you should be careful to work with that type of contractor.
Do you run background checks on your employees?
Yes, we do background checks on our employees. Additionally, we always pair newer employees with more experienced, longstanding employees. We understand that inviting strangers into your home can be a bit disconcerting. As a family-owned company which has built an excellent reputation in Northern Virginia, we appreciate the importance (and significance) of hiring reliable, professional, and experienced employees. We want you to feel comfortable allowing our crews into your home. If you ever have any questions or concerns, we urge you to contact your project manager or our office immediately. We are always happy to answer your questions or address any concerns.
Do you use subcontractors?
No. We do not use subcontractors on any of our jobs. Everyone you meet (and those you don’t) work directly for our company as employees. Relying on employees rather than subcontractors isn’t just better for our clients, it’s also better for our employees. We offer our employees full benefits. As full-time employees, they have the opportunity to learn our “corporate culture” which includes our expectations of all employees and monthly safety training (more on safety below). To be a better painting contractor, we believe it’s important to do right by both our employees and our clients.
Who will be working on my project?
The estimator is the first person you will meet with at your home. They will review the project needs and provide a professional estimate for the job. The next employees you will encounter will be your painting crew and crew chief. Depending on the scope of the project, it will be two to five crew members. Your project will be carefully managed and monitored. We have a strict project management process to ensure quality control.
Do you do any training for your employees?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 requires all workplaces, irrespective of size, to ensure a safe work environment. We do mandatory monthly, one-hour safety training with our employees which include topics such as fire prevention, eye and face protection, injury prevention, and ladder safety. We also ensure employees have the proper equipment to ensure safety and help create a safe working environment in your home. Additionally, we are safety trained by Summit Safety Group to ensure we meet our industry’s best safety practices.
Remember to look for our next series of important questions and answers. Again, if you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We work with clients throughout Northern Virginia.
FAQ
1. What type of paint do you use, and can I choose my own brand?
Home Works Painting typically uses high-quality brands such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. You are welcome to purchase the paint yourself, but it is generally not recommended, as this can void the warranty and may end up being more expensive for you.
2. How do you protect my home and belongings during the painting process?
Protecting your property is a top priority. The team will cover floors with construction-grade paper, move and cover furniture with plastic, and take steps to ensure that paint does not get on your belongings. For interior projects, they seal work areas as needed to control dust and debris.
3. What kind of finishes are available, and how do I choose the right one?
Common finishes include flat (non-reflective, hides imperfections), eggshell or satin (slight luster, warmer look), semi-gloss (easy to clean, subtle gloss), and gloss or high-gloss (most stain-resistant, very easy to clean but shows imperfections). The choice depends on your preference and the condition of your surfaces.
4. Do you offer a warranty on your painting services?
Yes, painting services come with a warranty. The specifics, such as duration and coverage, are provided in writing before the project begins. Using premium-grade paint and proper preparation can help ensure the paint job lasts for many years.
5. How long will my painting project take, and do I need to be home during the work?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. Most residential jobs can be completed in less than a week, but you will receive a more precise estimate during your consultation. You do not need to be home while the crew is working, as the team is experienced and trustworthy.
Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.
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