Exterior painting in Bedford: Hiring local pros & what to expect

A fresh coat of exterior paint can dramatically enhance your Bedford home’s curb appeal, protect it from the elements, and increase its value. Hiring the right local painting professionals is crucial for a long-lasting and beautiful result. This guide will help Bedford homeowners navigate the process, from finding reputable painters to understanding the painting process and budget expectations.

Exterior painting in Bedford

Services offered: Siding, stucco, trim, deck & garage

A professional exterior painting company in Bedford should offer a comprehensive range of services:

  • Siding Painting: Painting all types of siding, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement (e.g., HardiePlank), and brick.
  • Stucco Painting: Proper preparation and painting of stucco surfaces, which requires specific techniques and materials.
  • Trim Painting: Painting doors, window frames, fascia, soffits, gutters, and other trim elements.
  • Deck & Fence Staining/Painting: Restoring and protecting exterior wood surfaces.
  • Garage Painting: Painting garage doors, exterior walls, and trim.
  • Surface Repairs: Addressing minor siding or trim repairs, such as patching holes, replacing rotted wood, or caulking gaps.
  • Power Washing: Cleaning exterior surfaces before painting to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint.

How to find reputable painters (certapro, liberty, painttrack)

Finding the right painters is crucial. Here are some ways to find reputable companies in Bedford:

Online directories & review sites:

  • Google: Search for “exterior painters Bedford MA.” Check Google reviews and ratings.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): Look for accredited businesses with high ratings and few complaints.
  • Angi (formerly Angie’s List): Provides verified customer reviews and ratings.
  • Yelp: Check local reviews and ratings.
  • Houzz: Find local painters and see their portfolios.
  • Local Referrals: Ask friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues for recommendations.
  • Drive Around: Look for houses in your neighborhood that have been recently painted and look good. Note the company name on any signs.
  • Check for Specific Local Companies: If you know of companies like CertaPro Painters, Liberty Painting, PaintTrack, or similar franchises operating in the Bedford area, research their local branches and reviews.

Reviews, licenses, certifications

  • Read Reviews Carefully: Look for consistent patterns in reviews, both positive and negative. Pay attention to comments about professionalism, communication, quality of work, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
  • Verify Licensing & Insurance: Ensure the painters are properly licensed in Massachusetts. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
  • Check for Certifications: Some painters may have certifications from paint manufacturers (e.g., Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore) or industry organizations, indicating training and expertise.

Color consulting & free estimates

  • Color Consultation: A reputable painter should offer color consultation services, helping you choose the right colors for your home’s style and your preferences.
  • Free Estimates: Get written estimates from at least three different companies. Estimates should be detailed, outlining the scope of work, materials to be used, and the total cost. Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than others, as this could indicate lower quality work or hidden costs.

Materials & weather-resistant paint types

  • Quality Paints: Inquire about the brands and types of paint the painters use. High-quality exterior paints are essential for durability and weather resistance in the New England climate.
  • Weather-Resistant Paints: Look for paints specifically formulated for exterior use, with features like UV protection, mildew resistance, and resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling. Acrylic latex paints are a good choice for most exterior surfaces.
  • Primer: Ensure the painters use a primer appropriate for your siding material. Primer enhances paint adhesion and provides an extra layer of protection.

Process overview: Prep, painting, inspection, cleanup

Understanding the painting process helps you know what to expect.

  • Preparation:
    • Power washing to clean surfaces.
    • Scraping loose paint.
    • Sanding rough areas.
    • Caulking gaps and cracks.
    • Priming bare wood or problem areas.
    • Masking windows, doors, and landscaping.
  • Painting: Applying paint in even coats, using brushes, rollers, or sprayers, depending on the surface and paint type.
  • Inspection: A final walk-through with the homeowner to ensure satisfaction.
  • Cleanup: Removing all masking materials, cleaning up any paint spills, and disposing of waste properly.

Budget expectations & estimating

  • Cost Factors:
    • Size of the house.
    • Type of siding.
    • Condition of the existing paint.
    • Number of colors.
    • Complexity of the job (e.g., multiple stories, intricate trim).
    • Prep work required.
  • Average Cost Range: Exterior painting in Bedford, MA, can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the factors listed above.
  • Get Detailed Estimates: Ensure the estimates clearly specify the scope of work, materials, and payment schedule.

Local tips: Best schedule/time of year, warranties

  • Best Time of Year: The best time to paint exteriors in Bedford is typically during the late spring, summer, or early fall, when the weather is dry and temperatures are moderate. Avoid painting in extreme heat, cold, or during periods of high humidity or rain.
  • Warranties: A reputable painter should offer a warranty on their workmanship, typically for 1-3 years. Inquire about the warranty details and what it covers. Also, ask about the paint manufacturer’s warranty.

Looking for exterior painting in Bedford? Contact us today!