While thinking of an appropriate way to express my gratitude and appreciation for the craftsmanship and repair work that BL Painting performed on my house, I realized that just conveying they do good work is just not good enough. So, I decided to walk you through the decision-making process I used in selecting BL Painting and one that should be seriously considered by any homeowner wanting to make a significant investment into home-improvement. Keep in mind BL Painting passed all the criteria.
1. Honesty
The first thing I look for is honesty. Being a military guy serving over 26 years on active duty, I don't know a lot about home maintenance. But I do know enough to know when someone is trying to sell me a line or what they're saying just don't add up. I interviewed six companies for painting my house and BL was the only one I felt was above board with all my questions. Go with your gut.
2. Patients
The second criteria you should look for is patients. Painting a house is a large investment and you should have a lot of questions, such as the warrantees on the paint, on the contractor performance and returns for touchups. BL painting worked with us for several weeks while we selected the various paints. Unlike the other companies we contacted there was no high pressure sales tactics used to sign a contract, and no indications of frustration because we wanted to move forward slowly.
3. Subject matter expertise
You also want to assess the companies representatives subject matter expertise. I conducted a bit of minor research on various exterior paints that could multitask. Such as resistance to intense sun, rain, mold and mildew in shady areas. Some of the representatives of the other companies had no idea of what I was talking about and only used paint combinations recommended by their home office and of course those people never came out to see my home. To the contrary in dealing with BL, not only did they understand what I was talking about but actually recommended much better performing paints then I originally had in mind. Our decision to select them has paid off in dividends in that with the latest rains we've had most of our neighbors have some mold on their homes in the shady areas and we have none.
4. Personal commitment to profession
You want to assess the individual representative your speaking with commitment to his company and the profession. We have all at the opportunity to speak with the disgruntled employee who will knock his business directly to the customer. If you encounter this person run as fast as you can. These people are not demonstrating professionalism and are usually only committed to themselves. With BL Painting I found that the owner is also the on-the-job supervisor and worker. His attention to detail surpass anything I would have anticipated. They not only performed the work professionally, consistently, and on time but they went a step further and made simple repairs around my property that I had either overlooked or didn't understand that down the road it could cause me additional problems. I am profoundly grateful.
5. Competitive pricing
Lastly, if the company makes it pass the above criteria, you want to look at their competitive pricing. I found BL pricing to be not only highly competitive but in many cases they outperformed their own quotes. Their pricing, competitiveness, cleanliness, guaranteed timelines and of course equally as important their courteousness. I was so impressed by BL Paintings overall performance that I additionally contracted them to do significant repairs on a rental property. BL Painting has not only earn a market share in the home painting business, but they are as equally talented in repairing and resurrecting old gates, fences and decks whether wood, wrought iron or other man-made materials.
If you're considering having work done on your home, I highly recommend BL Painting. You cannot go wrong with this company. The work is guaranteed in writing and equally as important by a handshake from the owner.
Bruce