How to hire a painter you won’t regret.
Use these 6 steps with any painter. Even us.
Takes about 5 minutes to read.
Know what you want.
Before you call anyone, make a list. Write down which rooms or sides of the house you want painted. Add any problems you see, and when you want it done. This makes estimates easy to compare.
Get 2 or 3 estimates.
Look for all of these. If one is missing, ask.
A good estimate tells you
- What will be painted
- How they’ll get your walls ready
- What paint they’ll use, and how many coats
- Who moves furniture and covers floors
- When they’ll start and how long it takes
- The total price, and what could change it
- The warranty, and what it covers
Look at more than the price.
A lower price may cover less work. Check what each estimate includes before you compare.
Check the basics.
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Was your home built before 1978? Ask if they’re certified to work safely with lead paint.
- What do recent reviews say?
- Who will actually be in your home?
Be careful about paying up front.
Watch out for big payments before work starts. Ask when you’ll pay, and what happens if you’re not happy.
Warning signs.
- No written estimate
- Pressure to sign today
- A big cash payment up front
- They can’t explain how they’ll get your walls ready
- No proof of insurance
Check the work together at the end.
Before your last payment, walk through the job together. Look at edges, corners and the sunny sides of the house. Point out anything you want fixed. A good painter will be glad you did.
How we answer these questions.
Hold us to this guide too.
| What to look for | How we do it |
|---|---|
| Written price that won’t change | The price we give you is the price you pay. |
| Every step explained | You get a step-by-step plan before we start. |
| Paint brands | Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. |
| When you pay | When the job is done and you’re happy. |
| Warranty | 5 years on every job. |
| Licensed and insured | Yes. |
| EPA Lead-Safe certified | Yes. |
| Final walk-through | Always, before you pay. |
Get a copy of this hiring guide by email.
Handy if you want to share it or read it later. We’ll only send what you ask for.
Where to next?
Want a price from us too?
We’d be glad to give you one. Compare us to anyone.
Call us Mon to Fri, 8 am to 5 pm. After hours? Send the form, and we’ll call you.