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What To Ask the References Your Painter Gives You

What To Ask the References Your Painter Gives You

So, you’re doing your due diligence, researching your painting contractor, and you’ve collected a few references. What should you ask them, maximizing the value of your questions?

First, if it’s a reference, you know that the person had a positive experience. The key now is to dig deeper, leading them toward an explanation that will help you to really know if this is the right painting company for you.

#1: Tell me about your painting project! What kind of work was done, and when?

You can still glean helpful information if their project was drastically different from yours, but in a perfect world the scope was at least similar to what you’re considering.

#2: Were you happy with their communication?

This is huge, and it transcends the type of project that was done. No matter what, you need a painting contractor who communicates clearly, consistently, and courteously.

#3: Were you able to stay close to your original quote, or were there changes along the way? How were they handled?

A contractor should always do their best to stick to the original quote, but sometimes changes are necessary. As an example, if there is a larger wood rot problem that you couldn’t possibly know about until the work is underway, the scope of the project has to change. That scenario is far different than a contractor who just miscalculates. If your referral had no changes, great! If they did, make sure you ask about how they were handled.

#4: Was the job site respectful and organized?

A great result doesn’t compensate for a stressful experience. Make sure you consider what you hope the job site will be like, and confirm that your painter can and will deliver. End of day cleanup? Punctual arrivals? Uniformed employees? Protecting your landscaping?

#5: What kind of warranty did you receive, and have you needed to use it at all?

If there was no need to utilize the warranty, that can be fantastic news. But if something did come up, you’ll want to be sure the process was handled promptly and thoroughly.

#6: Would you use this painting contractor again? Why?

The “Why?” is especially crucial here since it makes the person elaborate beyond a simple yes or no. Take note of what they valued. It might shed light on a different aspect of their experience that you weren’t aware of, or may not have considered.

The takeaway?

Never be afraid to ask questions. Referrals can help, and your painting company should be an open book as well. The best, most successful projects are built on clear communication and expectations.

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“Everyone I dealt with was nice, helpful, and very professional. The price was reasonable! (I didn't feel like I was getting the "San Francisco price." The attention to detail and work quality was excellent. They did what they said they would do in the exact timeframe they said they would do. Highly recommend!”

— Tim Tyson

“Hello Matt,Just another notice of thanks to your wonderful crew, Rigoberto, Javier and John. They did fantastic work, with Rigo providing meticulous and conscientious attention to the details and excellent woodwork finishing, as evidenced by the beautiful fireplace. Javier did a fantastic job in the bathroom especially, it looks "brand new," and John always does quality work, both with the interior and exterior. I can tell they care about what they do. Rigo's "punch out" was very thorough, too. I will call again when I need some more work and will definitely recommend your company and fine crew. I also felt as a homeowner, I could leave my house in their good hands during the day and that took a lot of worry from me, they were honest, prompt and reliable. They were also very kind, respectful and clean in their work, very professional. Thank you.”

— Beth Marx & Melissa Kirsch
Oakland

“MB Jessee just finished our exterior and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The foreman (Pedro) and lead painter (Ricardo) were incredible to work with: they communicated scheduling clearly, Ricardo was a joy to be around every day, the showed up early every day, were incredibly tidy and did great paint work. The final walk through experience was incredible. Pedro pointed out items I missed demonstrating a clear desire to complete another quality project. I highly recommend them. As others have noted they definitely aren't the cheapest but you quickly realize that you're getting what you pay for. The 3 year guarantee is also a nice touch since there are likely touch up items that will show up after the job is done.”

— Joshua Jansen

“Matt, We are very happy with how all of the painting worked out. We were extremely impressed with the quality of the work in the bathroom. I liked working with Victor, he and Marvin were extremely conscientious about doing a great job, not just the minimum. I know the front door took a lot longer than you'd expected. But they did it PERFECTLY. We never thought it could turn out like that! Thanks again for the great work. We'll be calling you again in the future!”

— Craig
Alameda, CA

“High quality work from a pleasant and qualified staff. Thank you!”

— Paul Markovich

“The finish on my kitchen cabinets had failed, becoming tacky and grimy around the handles. M B Jessee gave me a reasonable quote, far below some others, and did an outstanding job, striping the original varnish and refinishing with a new lacquer finish. The cabinets look like new. Work was done 1 day faster than estimated. The crew was extremely hard-working, considerate, and neat. Highly recommend M B Jessee.”

— Thama B.
San Francisco, CA

“The people at M.B. Jessee are great – from the painters to the office staff to Matt. Talk about leadership from the top.”

— Kevin Ames, Mark Becker Homes

“Dear Matt,You must be so proud of your men! They were fantastic to have around. Polite, courteous and hardworking. I am so pleased with the outcome of our home--in fact, I couldn't be any more pleased than I am!”

— Mrs. S
San Leandro

“I loved working with M.B. Jessee from start to finish on a relatively small paint job that grew a bit. I felt in very good hands from the moment Matt Jessee came out to give me the estimate and talk about my job. He was very easy to talk to and he handled my changes very well. Then the actual work done by Rigoberto and Mario was impeccable. They were neat and meticulous and the paint job looks beautiful. I could not have asked for more and when I did, they accommodated me 100%. I will not hesitate to call M.B. Jessee again and to refer them to friends.”

— Nancy Kurkjian

“Julie,Just to let you know I am very appreciative of your crew catching the plumbing/mold problem. It was very astute of them. I wanted to let you know that again your crew has done excellent work here, please pass this along to Mr. Jessee. There are some bumps in the road here, but the painting and your crew has not been one of them. Their work is the only thing going right currently, and this crew is very nice and respectful. It is much appreciated. Thank you again.”

— Beth
Oakland

“Richard and crew have been great, for sure. As much as I look forward to having the job done and my house back in order, I really enjoyed having them around. You should feel really good about how they represent your company.”

— Jessica Dodson

“Julie, by the way, I have never been so impressed with the service of a painting job before! It was like magical elves came and painted our walls without us having to do a thing! It looks amazing and just wanted to let you know how happy we are. Thanks”