It might be tempting to go with the cheaper painting contractor's quote — but before making a decision, carefully consider the potential risks ... the cheapest bids can come at a cost.
Cheaper quotes may offer fewer protections
It is challenging for contractors who are fully insured, who carefully train their employees in craftsmanship, and who use top-quality tools and products — to stay competitive against contractors who do not. To legally operate, contractors must maintain their trade qualifications, licensing, permits, and appropriate insurance coverage. However, these requirements can be an ongoing expense that detracts from annual revenue. That high price may encourage some contractors to avoid necessary requirements. Doing so may mean a higher revenue, but it puts safety and financial security on the line. Hiring a contractor that is fully insured protects you from lawsuits arising out of a contractor's actions, but it also prevents you from suffering financially should the contractor damage your property or cause injury to you or others. Contractors you hire should have both general liability and workers' compensation insurance coverage.
General Liability Insurance
Contractor liability insurance protects contractors and their customers against lawsuits or claims arising from property damage and bodily injury that may occur on a work site. The insurance covers construction areas and projects under the care, custody and control of the contractor.
It is important not to assume that a contractor has insurance. To verify a contractor’s insurance coverage requires a certificate of insurance. This is a document from your contractor's insurance broker that verifies they have proper coverage. Verify that the contractor's company name is referenced on the certificate, that they have both general liability and worker's compensation coverage (with no exclusions, "no" should be marked), and that the policy is current (date extends beyond the completion of your project).
Workers' Compensation Insurance
The most important insurance that a hired contractor should have is workers' compensation insurance. Hiring a contractor without workers' comp. insurance could leave you paying an injured employee or subcontractor's medical bills indefinitely, just for hiring someone to repair or paint your property.
You are in good hands with BLC Painting
BLC Painting maintains full coverage, without exclusions, for your protection. You can trust our work procedures, services and products - to be safe for your home, property, family, and residents.
We recommend reviewing and verifying all of the four factors to consider before choosing a painting contractor for your project: 1) liability and worker's compensation insurance coverage, 2) safety training and certification, 3) skills and values, 4) reputation, references and portfolio. This post is focused on the importance of reviewing a contractor's safety training and certifications.
About BLC Painting - BLC Painting is a full-service, woman-owned painting company: interior | exterior | residential | commercial – specializing in fine properties – on the Northshore of Massachusetts and Metro Boston. Our aim is to always exceed exceptions, while earning trust through exceptional service and craftsmanship.