How to Hire a Professional Painter (Part 2)
What to Look for in a Painting Pro
You’ve made the decision to call in the experts, and now you need to find the right painting professional for your home. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide full of practical advice and valuable insights to support homeowners who are considering professional painting services.
When searching for the right painter, prioritize these key attributes:
Specialization in residential painting
Deep understanding of local market conditions and challenges
Transparent communication
Proper insurance and licensing
Positive, verified reviews from previous clients
A portfolio of completed work
Professional demeanor and reliability
Platforms like Google, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Yelp, and Next Door are great resources for researching painting companies and getting first-hand information, reviews, and recommendations from neighbors.
Professionals in adjacent fields such as real estate, interior design, home construction, and staging may also be valuable sources of referrals when it comes to vetting potential painting contractors.
How to Select the Right Painting Company
Let’s start with the language. Painting Contractors, Painting Companies, and Professional Painters are interchangeable. “Contractor” simply refers to the fact that the individual or company is hired as an independent service provider by the client (you). Still, finding the perfect painting company for your project requires a strategic approach.
Start with these 4 steps to ensure you have all the right information to make an informed decision, and so you hire someone you know you can trust to get the job done - on-time, within budget, and at best quality.
Create a shortlist of 5-10 painters / painting companies that specifically service your local market
- Use Google searches
- Ask for peer / professional recommendations
- Check online review platforms (Yelp, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Next Door)
Select your top 2-3 and request an on-site evaluation for your project
- Research each company thoroughly
- Request and compare quotes
- Look for detailed, transparent pricing
Get an in-person estimate for the job
- Allow them to assess the space in person- Discuss specific project requirements
- Expect to pay a reasonable fee for an estimate (it’s their time after all) - and ask for this to be disclosed upfront and whether it’s included as a line item in the final contract
Request a comprehensive proposal detailing:
- Scope of work to be completed
- Anticipated repairs to surfaces
- Project timeline (start date / duration / estimated completion)
- Exact pricing (including materials, labor, repairs)
- Service guarantees
- Material specifications
- Direct contact for service inquiries or concerns
- The painter’s licensing information (if required by your city / state)