Tips for Choosing a Painter

There is a huge difference in painters' skill levels, knowledge and professionalism. Often times people remark that ABC Painter is expensive while XYZ Painter is cheap. Most of the time there is a reasonable explanation for the prices painters charge; and sorry to say, usually the more expensive painter is the one who knows what they are doing. Inexperienced painters don't know how to adequately factor in all their costs and therefore price the job inaccurately. When this happens, the customers pays the price because the painter has to rush off the job, will use low quality materials and/or will NEVER return your phone calls or return to the job if there is a problem.

2) Check 3 to 5 painter references.

Ask the painter to speak to 3 to 5 of their customers that they did in the last 6 months. If they cannot supply this to you, then don't hire them.

3) Ask for a painter recommendation from your local paint store

A great place to ask for painter recommendations is your local paint store. They will have a great perspective on the painter's professionalism, skill and quality level. They see the products the painter buys, how they speak about their customers, whether or not they pay their own bills and if they know what they are doing.

4) Beware of the switch to low-end paint.

We hear all the time how painters use low-grade product in people's homes, and the customer unfortunately has no idea. This is really sad because the cost difference to the customer between the best and worst paints is relatively small, but the difference in quality and how well it will last in your home is gigantic. The painter low balls the bid (or even-worse, they don't low ball) and in return buys the cheapest paint. Have the painter specify the specific paint product they will be using. It is not enough for them to just specify the brand (paint manufacturer). Every major paint brand makes several grades of paint. For example, Benjamin Moore makes Super Hide which retails for $12/gallon and Aura which retails for $54.99. They both say Benjamin Moore, but the difference in quality and performance would be similar to the difference between a Hyundai to a Porsche.

5) Buy the paint yourself.

The best way to ensure you get the best paint is to buy it yourself. Just ask the painter to give you a bid for time and materials and then you supply the paint. The painter will tell you how much paint to get. Another advantage of this is that the paint store will typically track your purchase history and then can look it up for you years later when you need to touch-up. Don't count on your painter to keep track of this for you.

6) Just because your friend had a good experience, doesn't mean the painter is good.

Using the reference of a friend is the most common form of finding a painter. And while sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Your friend may not have had any problems or may not know of any problems they do have. It is fine to consider their recommendation, but make sure you check additional references.