Should You Hire a Painter Who Uses Subcontractors?
Most painting contractors fall into one of two camps: those with employees, and those who use a subcontractor model. So, which does your painter use, and why does it matter?
Benefits of In-House Employees
This route involves a substantial investment on the part of the painting company. Training, insurance, employee benefits, infrastructure, and the list goes on… But, the huge benefit here is that you have a truly invested team of painters. They wear your branding with pride, knowing that they are working toward something together, and that their performance has a direct impact on their advancement and job stability.
The in-house employee model also creates consistency. Work standards and procedures are in place, and they are instilled (and perpetuated) from the first day of training in the field.
For these reasons, property owners like you tend to enjoy a better experience and long-term relationships with a painter who has an employee-based business.
A Few Exceptions
With that said, we should add a caveat. There are some companies who have strong relationships with a specific group of subs, and can offer a really positive experience.
A painting contractor may also sub out a specific portion of the work, maybe if a specialized skill is needed that they don’t offer in-house. We do that at MB Jessee Painting on occasion as well, and it’s a standard practice. It’s important to have a referral network in place to make sure that a true professional can be brought in to meet those needs.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
The subcontractor model can work, but it should be approached with caution. We recommend looking for a painter who has a committed in-house team for the most consistent, high-quality experience possible. Your bid may be a little higher because of the built-in costs associated with having employees, but the value and quality you’ll enjoy will more than make up the difference.
