Find a painter?  Not so easy!  If you own a home or rent an apartment there is a good chance you have searched for a local painter.  The problem is often times just getting a painter out to your house to give you a quote is next to impossible.  The good news is we are here to help!  If you follow the steps below we assure you find a quality painting contractor is possible.

Step 1:  Search for 3 painters to get a quote from.

While calling 10 painters, interviewing them all, and choosing the one with the best price sounds like a great idea, the reality is we don’t have time to do this.  Your time will be best spent finding a local painter from a friend, using the web and reading reviews, or from using this site localpainters.com.  Use your gut feeling and common sense when choosing to have a painter give you a quote.  If you’re initial conversation makes you feel uncomfortable then move on.

Step 2:  Interviewing your painter.

When your local painter comes to your home to give you a quote on the project, make sure you ask some important questions.  First, do they have a portfolio with pictures of projects they have recently completed?  Second, how much experience does the painter have?  Have they been doing this for 2 years or 15 years?  Next, make sure they have insurance and can provide you with proof by giving you a copy of their insurance binder.  Finally, ask them how long it will take to complete their project.  You can also ask for phone numbers to previous clients; if they are willing to provide them to you this provides more credibility.

Step 3:  Evaluate your home painting quotes.

Just because one of the painting quotes is the lowest, doesn’t mean this is the painter you should hire for your home painting project.  The saying, “You get what you pay for,” often holds true when it comes to hiring a painting contractor.  You have to take into consideration the level of experience, estimated time needed to complete the project, and whether or not paint cost is included in your estimate.  Often times the highest quote IS the best quote (within reason of course).

Step 4:  Choose your local painter.

When you decide on the best painter make sure you are very clear with what it is you expect from them.  The painter should do the same with you as well.  This puts everyone on the same page with regards to expectations and what is required from each party.  You should never have to pay for a job upfront.  A deposit is standard, but paying in full upfront is a red flag. 

Remember there are many good painters out there; you just have to take your time identifying them.  When you do find a good local painter make sure you refer them to friends and families.  Place a review under their business listing on this site to say “Thank you” for a job well done.