7 Things to Look for When Hiring a Paint Contractor
Finding the right painting contractor can make or break your home improvement project. It doesn’t matter if your hiring to fix a sink or building an addition, some things are the same for hiring any contractor. For most homeowners, quality and trustworthiness are at the top of the list, but there are a few other important things to keep in mind. Here are 7 Things to look for when Hiring a Paint Contractor.
Verify Their Credentials
When considering a paint contractor, the first step is to verify they have proper licensing, insurance, and certifications. For Painters in Illinois, it is insurance- liability and work comp.
Licensed or Trained contractors follow safety regulations and professional standards.
Insurance is equally important—both liability and worker’s compensation—to protect you from unexpected damages or accidents.
A professional who is willing to show their credentials is one who takes their business, and your home, seriously.
Check Out Reviews and Testimonials when looking for a Painter
Spend time reading reviews on reputable websites like Google. Look for trends in the feedback rather than focusing on a single review. If multiple reviews mention reliable communication, quality work, or timeliness, those are strong indicators of professionalism.
When you type in Painter near me or the name of a company what do you see? You should see their website, relevant web pages, their google local business listing, their review summary, hours, address etc.
Don’t just take their word for it; check if they have any local references who can vouch for their work, especially if they’ve done similar jobs in your area.
Depending on who you talk to, this opinion will vary- because some people will say to look at yelp, or better business bureau. The problem I have with these services is that a contractor has to pay to be shown or part of the platform. It should be free. It should be organic, which is why I say Google.
How much Experience with Your Type of Project
Not all painting projects are created equal, and neither are paint contractors. Look for a contractor who has direct experience with your type of project—whether it’s residential or commercial, interior or exterior, or specialty painting (such as cabinets, textures, or faux finishes).
Ask to see samples of their previous work.
Some people will say i would like references, but in this day and age, no one wants to give out their contact information, so again we default to google reviews.
Get a detailed line itemed estimate for your painting project
A professional paint contractor should provide a detailed estimate outlining materials, prep work, and any additional costs.
The estimate should cover all stages of the project, including preparation, painting, and clean-up.
Some estimates may even include product recommendations, but make sure you understand each item and ask for clarification if something seems unclear.
Transparency at this stage saves you from unexpected costs later on.
What kind of Paint is being used in your home?
The quality of paint can greatly impact the longevity and appearance of your project. Ask your contractor about the paint brands and types they use.
Well-known brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer quality paints that, when applied by a professional, will last much longer and retain color better. Read more about paint comparision here
If a contractor opts for cheaper materials, it may mean they’re cutting corners on quality. Make sure they’re using the right paint for your project, especially for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Professionalism and Communication Skills
How a contractor communicates with you before the job begins can tell you a lot about how they’ll handle the project. Keep in mind the average paint contractor is a one man show. The national average size for paint companies is 1.3 people.
A reliable contractor should be accessible, responsive, and clear in their communication. But we are also in the field and typically dont have a staff to answer all calls all day, but we get to them as soon as we can while juggling life after work.
They should be open to questions, flexible to your concerns, and willing to provide regular updates once the project starts. Good communication minimizes misunderstandings and ensures the final product aligns with your vision.
How will the Painters clean up and Warranty the work?
After a big paint job, a professional contractor will handle the clean-up—removing paint spills, disposing of leftover materials, and ensuring your home looks as good as new.
Ask about their clean-up process and whether it’s included in the estimate.
Additionally, a reputable contractor should offer a warranty on their work, covering any peeling, chipping, or other issues that may arise within a certain timeframe. A solid warranty reflects the contractor’s confidence in their work and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Hiring a painting contractor is an investment in your home’s appearance, value, and longevity. By checking credentials, verifying experience, and ensuring clear communication, you’ll avoid the headaches that can come with poor-quality workmanship. So, take the time to research, ask questions, and choose a paint contractor who values your home as much as you do. After all, a paint job done right is worth the wait!
