Hiring a tradesman for professional results

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 26

Hiring a tradesman for professional results

Not everyone has the time, inclination or ability to paint their house themselves, hiring a trades person then becomes their option. Painting a house is not a job for the well-inten-tioned amateur. The success of the finished job

depends on the quality of the workmanship and materials used, and it is here that the home handy man can come unstuck, according to Gayle Downie, the secretary of the Canterikiry Painting Contractors’ Association — formerly the Master

Painters’ Association.

Preparation is the key to how long the paint will last. Such things as safely burning off old paint or dealing with the removal of old lead paint are well beyond the scope of the home handyman, she said.

Hiring a tradesperson to paint a house can be daunting, especially for the elderly. The association can help members of the public engage a reputable painter. Using an association member is a guarantee of a quality job as the work and reputation of each member has been carefully vetted. If the work done is unsatisfactory and the problem unable to be sorted out between painter and client, the complaint can be heard by a disputes committee. ' The first step when you are planning to have your house painted is to obtain three quotes. The association can supply the contacts or you can find listings in the Yellow Pages. Quotes are normally done free of charge and without obligation, provided long distances are not involved.

State clearly what work you require to be done. Examine each quote carefully to see exactly what is included. Large price differences

may be explained by one quote allowing for sanding only and another for burning off and sanding. Do all quotes allow for priming, undercoat and top coat?

Painters have their personal preferences for paint, so if you prefer a particular type or brand, say so.

Resist accepting a low quote from anyone who is not an association member, Gayle Downie said. “There is no such thing as a cheap, satisfactory job. A quality job takes money,” she said. Just how much money you can expect to pay, she could not comment on. Each job is different; a house may need to be completely stripped, boards may need replacing. No two jobs are ever Identical, she said. The hourly rate depends on the individual painter. Another option you may like to consider is to buy ail the materials yourself and hire the painter on a labour only basis.