by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Table of Contents
Ever thought about giving your home a fresh coat of paint but don't want to deal with the hassle of doing it yourself? Hiring a professional painting service is a great option. But with so many contractors out there, how do you choose a good one? You want a team that will get the job done right and leave you with results you'll love. Here are a few things to consider when evaluating house painters to make sure you end up with a pro paint job.
Define Your Painting Project and Goals
So you've decided it's time for a fresh coat of paint. First things first, figure out exactly what you want to paint. Are you looking to revive tired walls or update trim and ceilings? Define the scope of your project to determine if you need a full-service pro or a smaller operation.
Next, set a budget. Professional painting services range widely in price depending on factors like the number of rooms, square footage, and quality of materials. Do some research on average costs in your area so you can find a contractor that fits your budget.
Credentials and References
Check that any contractors you consider are properly licensed and insured. Ask for references from previous clients and actually contact them. There's no better way to gage the quality of a pro's work and customer service.
Experience and Portfolio
Choose a contractor that specializes in residential painting and has plenty of experience with projects similar to yours. Ask to see photos of their recent work to get a sense of the quality and style. An experienced pro will also have the tools and skills to properly prepare surfaces, apply an even coat of paint, and clean up thoroughly after the job is done.
With some time invested upfront in researching and vetting candidates, you'll find a professional painting service that meets your needs and provides high-quality work at a fair price. Then you can sit back and enjoy your fresh new look!
Research Local Professional Painting Companies
When looking for a professional house painting service, do some research on local companies to find reputable contractors.
Check their online reviews from sites like HomeAdvisor, Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. Look for companies with mostly positive reviews mentioning quality work, fair prices, and good communication. If there are any negative reviews, see how the company responded. A good contractor will try to make things right.
See what kind of experience and credentials the companies have. Established businesses that have been operating for many years likely have the skills and knowledge to handle any job. They should be properly licensed and insured to work in your area. Ask if they offer any kind of warranty or guarantee on their work.
Get multiple estimates from different contractors. When they come to provide an estimate, observe how thoroughly they examine the work to be done. An estimate that seems too good to be true probably is. Look for comprehensive estimates that break down the costs for materials and labor.
Ask for references from previous clients. Call a few references to ask how satisfied they were with the company's work, timeliness, cleanliness, and if the job was completed on budget. Happy former customers are a good sign.
With some time invested in researching house painters, you'll find a reputable pro that will get the job done right the first time and have your place looking fresh and new. The end result will be worth the effort.
Check Credentials and Licenses
A professional painting contractor should have the proper credentials and licenses to operate their business. Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see proof.
Contractor’s License
In most areas, painting contractors are required to hold a state-issued contractor’s license to perform work. Make sure any contractors you consider have an up-to-date license for your location. This helps ensure they meet basic qualifications and have liability insurance.
Insurance
Legitimate contractors will carry general liability insurance as well as worker's compensation insurance for their employees. Ask for proof of insurance and verify the policy is current. This protects you in the event of an accident or injury on the job.
References
Don’t hesitate to ask contractors for references from recent customers. Call a few and ask about their experience. Were they satisfied with the work? Was the crew professional and courteous? Did the job come in on budget and schedule? References can reveal a lot about a company’s reputation and work ethic.
Estimates
Get written estimates from at least three reputable contractors that include details on the scope of work, materials, timeline and total cost. Compare line items to determine who has the fairest prices. Be wary of estimates that seem too good to be true.
Contract
Once you choose a contractor, get a detailed contract in writing before work begins. It should specify what areas will be painted, the number of coats, brand and quality of paint, start and end dates, total cost, payment schedule, and warranty details. Never pay for the entire job upfront.
Following these tips will help ensure you find a professional, qualified painting contractor to tackle your next interior or exterior paint job. Do your due diligence and you’ll end up with results that make your space look brand new.
Look for Experience and Specialization
When it comes to painting contractors, experience matters. Look for companies that have been in business for at least five years. This means they have a proven track record and process, as well as references from previous clients.
Ask if they specialize in residential or commercial painting, or both. Contractors that focus on homes will be better suited for your needs. They'll also likely have more experience with the specific challenges of interior rooms, exterior facades, and other residential areas.
See if they have experience with your particular type of property. For example, if you have an historic home, look for contractors familiar with the proper techniques for prepping and painting older structures. Those with experience painting condos, apartments, and HOAs are ideal if you live in a shared building.
Find out if the company and crew have proper certifications and training. The right credentials show they take their trade seriously and keep up with the latest tools, products, and methods. Certified contractors will also have a solid health and safety program to protect clients, employees, and the environment.
When interviewing potential contractors, ask open-ended questions to determine their level of expertise. For example, ask what steps are involved in prepping and painting trim, siding, or cabinets. The right contractor will give detailed, comprehensive answers that instill confidence in their abilities. If responses seem vague or incomplete, keep looking.
An experienced, specialized contractor is worth the investment. They'll get the job done efficiently and properly the first time, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long run. With the right experience and credentials, you'll enjoy professional results that stand the test of time.
Request References and View Past Work
Requesting references from any contractor you’re considering hiring is essential. Ask the painting service for the contact information of at least three recent clients. Call them up and ask about their experience. Some good questions to ask are:
- Were you satisfied with the quality of work?
- Did they finish the job on time and on budget?
- Would you hire them again for another project?
A reputable company will be happy to provide references from contented customers. If a contractor refuses or makes excuses, that’s a red flag.
Also ask if you can see examples of their work in person. Any pro worth hiring should have an online gallery of photos showcasing recent jobs, or be willing to arrange for you to view a current local project. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Seeing their work firsthand is the best way to determine if their skills and style match what you’re looking for.
Check out the photos or homes they’ve painted and make sure you like:
- The quality of the surface preparation. Look for a clean, even coat of paint without drips, brush strokes, or splatters.
- The lines are cut in cleanly around trim, ceilings, and edges.
- Their choice of colors and color placement. The colors should flow nicely from room to room.
- The protection taken for floors, fixtures, and adjacent surfaces. Everything should be covered and taped off properly.
- How well they cleaned up after the job. There shouldn’t be paint splatters, drips, or debris left behind.
If possible, also try to get a reference from a job similar in size and scope to yours. That will give you the best indication of what you can expect from that painting contractor. Checking these references and seeing examples of past work in person is time well spent. It can help ensure you choose a pro service that will get your paint job done right.
Get Multiple Bids and Compare Prices
Getting multiple bids from different contractors is key to finding a pro painting service that fits your needs and budget. Here are some tips for comparing quotes:
Check References
Ask each contractor for references from previous clients and actually call them. Ask about the quality of work, how well they cleaned up, if the job was completed on time and on budget. This can reveal a lot about a company’s professionalism and reliability.
Compare Apples to Apples
Make sure each bid is based on the exact same scope of work so you can properly compare. Provide contractors with detailed information about the rooms or areas to be painted, including square footage. Ask for an itemized bid that lists costs for materials like primer, paint, brushes and rollers.
Consider Experience
An established company with years of experience will likely do higher quality work than a fly-by-night operation. They’ll also probably have a portfolio of photos from previous jobs. Check if they’re properly licensed and insured.
Examine the Quote
Look for any red flags in the bids like a price that seems too good to be true. That often means poor quality materials or cutting corners. Make sure any verbal promises are put in writing. Ask follow up questions about anything in the quote that isn’t clear.
Trust Your Gut
Even if a bid seems reasonable, if something feels off about a contractor, keep looking. Get a sense of how responsive and professional they are. Your instinct may be picking up on something that will lead to problems down the road.
Choosing a pro painting service is an important decision. Comparing multiple detailed bids and going with a contractor you feel good about will give you the best results and a quality paint job you’ll be happy with for years.
Consider Warranties and Guarantees
When hiring a professional painting service, you want to make sure they stand behind their work. Ask about the types of warranties and guarantees they offer. A reputable company will provide both to give you peace of mind.
Workmanship warranty
A workmanship warranty ensures that the job is done properly according to industry standards. It covers things like drips, splatters, and brush marks. Reputable companies will offer 1-5 years for interior work and 2-7 years for exterior. This shows they believe in the quality of their work.
Product warranty
The products used, like paint, primers, and sealants should have a manufacturer's warranty. The painting contractor has no control over this but will ensure the products are applied properly so the warranty is valid. Make sure you receive information about the specific products used in case you need to make a claim.
Satisfaction guarantee
A satisfaction guarantee means the company will return to touch up or redo work you're not happy with at no additional cost. This could be for things like visible brush strokes, paint splatter on surfaces, or color mismatches. Not all companies offer this level of guarantee so check if it's important to you.
Weather warranty
For exterior painting, a weather warranty guarantees the paint will withstand sun exposure and weather for a certain period of time, often 2-5 years. This means the company will return to do touch-ups or re-painting if the paint fades, chips or peels excessively within that time frame due to normal weathering. Make sure the timeframe fits with the quality and cost of the paint products used.
Warranties and guarantees provide reassurance that your money will be well spent. Be sure to get all coverage details in writing before hiring a professional painting company. With the right contractor and the proper warranties to match, you'll love the results for years to come.
Discuss Prep Work and Process Details
When hiring a professional painting service, make sure to discuss the preparation and process in detail. This ensures they will do quality work that meets your standards.
Inspect the Area
A good contractor will inspect the area to be painted before providing an estimate. They should check for any necessary repairs or priming needed. They’ll evaluate the condition of the walls and trim, test for lead paint, and determine the right tools and paint for the job. Ask what they found in their inspection and how they will address any issues.
Protect Surfaces
Painting requires a lot of equipment and activity that can damage floors, furniture, and fixtures. Discuss how they will protect these surfaces. They should use drop cloths, tape, and shield vents, carpets, cabinets, baseboards, and anything else in the workspace. Make sure protections are included in the bid and that all protections are removed at the end of the job.
Clean and Prepare
Proper preparation ensures good results. Ask about the steps they will take to clean, patch, and prepare the walls. This typically includes washing, sanding, priming, and repairing any holes or imperfections. For exterior jobs, they should pressure wash, scrape, and sand where needed. The more thorough the preparation, the better the end result will be.
Primer and Paint
Discuss the specific primer and paint products they will use. Premium paint provides better coverage and durability. Ask about the brand, sheen, and number of coats. Two coats of paint are usually needed for the best finish. Make sure you understand the total cost for all supplies before work begins.
Clean Up
A professional crew will do a proper clean up after painting. They should remove all tape and drop cloths, sweep and vacuum the area, wipe away drips or splatters, clean brushes and rollers, and remove any debris before leaving the site. Confirm that cleanup is part of the service and that the area will be left “broom clean” when done.
Asking the right questions about preparation, process, products and cleanup will give you confidence in the painting contractor and ensure a high-quality result you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Ask About Safety Procedures and Practices
When choosing a professional painting service, safety should be a top priority. Ask the contractors you’re interviewing about their safety procedures and practices to ensure they take it seriously.
Proper Safety Gear
The crew should wear the necessary protective equipment like goggles, respirators, gloves, and protective clothing. Painting often involves harsh chemicals, so the right gear is important for the health of the workers and to avoid contamination.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation, like open windows and fans, should be used when painting indoors. The fumes from paints and solvents can be toxic, so ventilation helps move the air and prevent buildup. Powered air purifiers are even better.
Fall Protection
For exterior and multi-story interior jobs, fall protection equipment like harnesses and platforms should be used to prevent dangerous falls. Ask if the company has a fall protection plan in place.
Cleanup and Disposal
Responsible contractors will thoroughly clean up the work area and properly dispose of waste like paint thinners, brushes, and drop cloths. They should never dispose of these hazardous materials improperly where it could contaminate the environment.
Certifications and Insurance
Reputable painting companies will have the proper certifications, licenses, and insurance for their work. This includes liability insurance, workers compensation, and in some areas, a state-issued license or certification to apply paint. Ask for proof of all documentation.
Choosing a professional painting service that follows safe practices will give you peace of mind and help ensure a high-quality result. Be wary of contractors that cut corners on safety to save time or money. Your health, home, and environment should be top priorities, not compromised for the sake of convenience. Asking the right questions about safety upfront will help you find a responsible, professional contractor for your painting project.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, now you're armed with the knowledge to find pro painting contractors who will get the job done right. Remember, check their credentials, experience, references and portfolio to make sure they're legit. Meet with a few to get estimates and find someone you connect with. Ask lots of questions and make sure you understand the full scope of work before signing a contract. The right pro will walk you through the process, keep the lines of communication open and deliver quality results on time and on budget. With some diligent research, you'll find a great team to transform your space. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying your freshly painted home!