Tips and tricks for engaging a tradesperson (painter)?

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PANiCnz

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#302332 15-Nov-2022 13:25

I need some exterior paint work done on our house, and after serval DIY attempts have realised it's time to get a professional in.

I'm intending to get 3-4 quotes for the work and have put a post on Builderscrack. But am curious what other tips and tricks are out there to make sure I'm not engaging a cowboy? Builderscrack seems to have reviews etc. which I've used to filter out a few contractors that look to have workmanship issues.

I'm aware of Master Painters NZ, but so far nobody who has reached out through Builderscrack seems to be a member. Should I see this as a red flag? I also understand demand is high for trades in general at the moment, and a few local painters I've reached out to can't even quote till the new year.

timmmay

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#2996658 15-Nov-2022 13:59

Yep, reviews. Remember quotes take time to prepare, so always getting 3 or 4 quotes means 2-3 firms have wasted their time and increase their costs to cover it. I tend to get one or two quotes, then only get more if I think it's too expensive or not the right people.

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PolicyGuy

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#2996679 15-Nov-2022 15:07

Ask at your work, sports club, bar, church, gym, wherever you hang out, also your kids' schools/sports
"I'm looking for a house painter, anybody got any recommendations or 'never, ever use this guy' call-outs?"

If you've lived in the area for more than a few years, there should be some familiar names - the fact that they're still in business may be an indication that they're at least moderately competent.

Good luck!

mattwnz

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#2996683 15-Nov-2022 15:19

Would be interested to know the hourly rate. I know someone in a retirement unit were quoted about $80 per hour plus paint by a painter which sounded very high. Then there is often scaf needed for external jobs. But getting good people to do work these days is difficult. Often you can do a better job painting yourself if you know what you are doing, as you can spend more time doing it. I have seem my fair share of bad painting job.

ANglEAUT

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#2996813 15-Nov-2022 17:13

Interesting, never heard of www.builderscrack.co.nz before.

SATTV

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#2996818 15-Nov-2022 17:23

The ones who cant quote until next year will be the good ones, anyone who can do the job now or in a few weeks will likely to be cowboys.

I no longer take the cheapest quote if I get more than one, I now go for the middle. I am now seeing value in pay more and getting a job done properly and that will last.

Remember there are thousands of new builds at the moment and a painter I know has come out of retirement and it flat out with new build work.

John

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PANiCnz

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#2996823 15-Nov-2022 17:31

SATTV:

The ones who cant quote until next year will be the good ones, anyone who can do the job now or in a few weeks will likely to be cowboys.

I no longer take the cheapest quote if I get more than one, I now go for the middle. I am now seeing value in pay more and getting a job done properly and that will last.

Remember there are thousands of new builds at the moment and a painter I know has come out of retirement and it flat out with new build work.

John

This is precisely my concern. Admittedly at the moment nobody has commented on how quickly they can do the work, and I did indicate in the post that the work isn't urgent. Quality is my primary concern at the moment and price is secondary.

Senecio

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#2996824 15-Nov-2022 17:32

mattwnz:

Would be interested to know the hourly rate. I know someone in a retirement unit were quoted about $80 per hour plus paint by a painter which sounded very high.

$80/hour may seem high at first but the difference is a professional painter could complete a job in 5hrs that would take me 20 hours!

I have used Builderscrack before for a few small jobs around the house. They are often handymen, not specialised tradesmen so may not be registered with authorities like master painters etc... That's fine depending on the job you need done but it does place more emphasis on the reviews. My experience has been fine so far and I think builderscrack do a good job of weeding out the cowboys as as a negative review on that site directly impacts their livelihood.

shk292

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#2996852 15-Nov-2022 18:17

I've had good results from builderscrack, although I haven't used them for a job as big as this. Planning to get the house painted later this year and will be putting the job on BC